Courses Which Courses Should I Take for My Graduate Studies in Chemical Physics?

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The discussion centers on selecting courses for a graduate program in Chemical Physics, with a focus on coherent control as a potential thesis topic. The original poster seeks advice on course choices from a provided list, highlighting their background in Chemistry, Physics, and Math. Participants emphasize the importance of consulting an academic advisor for tailored guidance based on individual program requirements and personal academic goals. However, some share experiences of navigating course selection independently, suggesting that reviewing course offerings from other institutions can provide valuable insights. Overall, the conversation underscores the balance between seeking advice and taking initiative in course selection for graduate studies.
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Hi all,

I'm starting my grad work in September and I'm trying to decide which courses to take. I'll be doing an M. Sc. in Chemical Physics, and potentially a Ph. D. My undergrad was in Chemistry, with minors in Physics and Math. My tentative choice of thesis topic is coherent control (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coherent_control).

Given that information about me, I would appreciate any advice for course choices that may be useful to me, from this list:

http://www.chem.utoronto.ca/_shared/files/grad/Physical Chemistry Catalogue.pdf
 
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Shouldn't this be something you discuss with your academic advisor, who should know a lot more of the program, the requirements, and more importantly, about you?

Zz.
 
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ZapperZ said:
Shouldn't this be something you discuss with your academic advisor, who should know a lot more of the program, the requirements, and more importantly, about you?

Zz.

So, that's what I thought, and I'm in the same position as OP. As it turns out, at least at my school, you figure out what to take by looking at courses and seeing what you might need. Maybe OP's school is the same, hence asking for advice.
 
You don't have an academic advisor? I was assigned one coming in (this person is usually not someone's thesis advisor).
 
No academic advisor that is separate from our thesis advisor. I also don't have my thesis advisor yet, we pick in September.
 
Scroll down to Sample Courses: http://phys.colorado.edu/graduate-students/masters-degree

"
Five Core Courses to be selected from the following:

Introduction to Research in Modern Physics (PHYS 5430)

Quantum Mechanics 1 & 2 (PHYS 5250, 5260)

Electromagnetic Theory 1 & 2 (PHYS 7310, 7320)

Theoretical Mechanics (PHYS 5210)

Statistical Mechanics (PHYS 7230)"
Other schools have guidelines too. Since your school doesn't offer any, check out the above and maybe some other and put together a course list you think is satisfactory.
 
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