What do TAs and RAs for theoretical physics do?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the roles and responsibilities of Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Research Assistants (RAs) in the field of theoretical physics, with a focus on whether their work involves mathematics or is distinct from it.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether TAs and RAs also engage with mathematics or if their tasks are different.
  • Another participant seeks clarification on whether the discussion pertains to graduate or undergraduate roles.
  • A participant suggests that RAs typically work on specific problems in theoretical physics as defined by their advisors, noting that their work is often grant-supported and outlined in grant proposals.
  • There is a follow-up confirming that the discussion is focused on graduate-level roles.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus on the specific nature of the work done by TAs and RAs, and multiple viewpoints regarding their roles and responsibilities remain present.

potato123
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do they also work with mathematics or do they do something different
 
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Graduate school or undergraduate?
 
Whatever their advisors tell them to! Most RAs are grant supported, and the statement of work is in the grant proposal. Usually, it is working on a specific problem in theoretical physics.
 
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jtbell said:
Graduate school or undergraduate?
graduate
 

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