What you study in Condensed matter physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the curriculum and topics studied in the first three years of undergraduate education in condensed matter physics. Participants explore the general structure of physics education prior to graduate school and the level of specialization available at the undergraduate level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that undergraduate students typically do not specialize in condensed matter physics until graduate school.
  • One participant suggests that the curriculum in the first three years generally covers broad physics topics rather than specific fields like condensed matter physics.
  • Another participant mentions that detailed course lists can be found on university websites, implying variability in programs.
  • There is a call for clarification on the inquiry regarding condensed matter physics, suggesting that the question may stem from a desire to identify gaps in the current curriculum.
  • A participant expresses that they are already studying condensed matter physics and seeks to know if there are additional modules they may have missed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that specialization is limited in undergraduate studies, but there is some uncertainty about the specific content of condensed matter physics courses and whether certain modules are commonly included or omitted.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the specificity of undergraduate programs, as the discussion does not provide detailed information on course content or structure across different institutions.

chikou24i
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Hello! Could someone tell me what they are studying in the first three years (undergradute) in condensed matter physics.
 
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In general, one does not specialize until graduate school.
 
Vanadium 50 said:
In general, one does not specialize until graduate school.
Ok so what they are studying in the first three years before graduate school?
 
Physics before about 1930. You can get a detailed list by visiting the website of most universities.
 
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I think the crucial point that Vanadium implied but did not explicitly state is that usually there is little to no specialization before grad school. That is, you study physics. Not condensed mater physics, particle physics, biophysics, atomic physics, optics or the forum-notorious "theoretical physics". There may be a few exceptions, though. So it might help if you could clarify why you are asking about an undergrad program for condensed matter physics.
 
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Timo said:
I think the crucial point that Vanadium implied but did not explicitly state is that usually there is little to no specialization before grad school. That is, you study physics. Not condensed mater physics, particle physics, biophysics, atomic physics, optics or the forum-notorious "theoretical physics". There may be a few exceptions, though. So it might help if you could clarify why you are asking about an undergrad program for condensed matter physics.
I'm already studying physics of condensed matter, but I want to know if there are some missing modules that we didn't study or something like that.
 

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