What Can Undergrads Do in Physics Research?

AI Thread Summary
In the discussion about the roles of undergraduates in physics research, key contributions include programming, experimental measurement, and hands-on skills in machine shops. Participants emphasize the importance of expanding skill sets beyond these areas, suggesting that undergraduates should seek additional knowledge in data analysis, theoretical modeling, and scientific communication. The conversation highlights the value of being adaptable and open to learning new techniques that can enhance research contributions. Understanding the limitations of one's current knowledge is also noted as a crucial aspect of growth in the field. Overall, the focus is on developing a diverse skill set to increase value in physics research.
phrygian
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As an undergrad involved in physics research, what all can you really do?

I can think of three things:
-Programming
-Experimental measurement
-Building things in the machine shop

What else should be added to this list, and what other useful skills are there to have as an undergrad for physics research?
 
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You have asked a broad question and then listed three broad examples. What can't you do? might be a better question.
 
I can't really find much from what can't you do because I don't understand that well what is involved in physics research as I have no experience. I guess what I should have said is what else can I learn that would help me to be valuable in physics research as an undergrad?
 

Thread 'Self Learning Math/Physics'

Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
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Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...
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