What is Physics phd: Definition and 176 Discussions

A physics engine is computer software that provides an approximate simulation of certain physical systems, such as rigid body dynamics (including collision detection), soft body dynamics, and fluid dynamics, of use in the domains of computer graphics, video games and film (CGI). Their main uses are in video games (typically as middleware), in which case the simulations are in real-time. The term is sometimes used more generally to describe any software system for simulating physical phenomena, such as high-performance scientific simulation.

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  1. U

    Programs Non-Physics Major Pursuing a Physics PhD: How to Prove Qualifications?

    Here's some background about me. I'm a senior undergraduate student in china, majoring EE. I'm about to graduate in about half a month. I got a job offer as an engineer which starts in July. But I am planning on applying for a physics PHD in US in a year or two. What I have been wondering is...
  2. D

    Admissions What is the best time to apply for a PhD in Physics at US universities?

    Hey I am a Physics student in UK. I will be finishing my second year at the end of this month. Then, I would have 2 graduation options 1. I can graduate in 2013 with a BSc in Physics OR 2. I can graduate in 2014 with a MSc in Physics I want to apply to US universities for my PhD. So, I...
  3. N

    Programs How hard is it to get an industry job with a Physics Phd?

    Hi everyone. I'm a senior undergrad and about to obtain a bachelors in physics from a top US university. I specialized in solid state physics and am doing my undergrad honors thesis in graphene synthesis and characterization. I want to eventually work in the semiconductor industry or with...
  4. M

    Programs Physics PhD with a b.sc from a different field? (Australia)

    Hi, I have a B.sc with first class honours, with a major in biochemistry and I want to do a phd in astrophysics. I have two years of undergrad physics and a good knowledge of vector calculus, DEs, linear algebra, etc. What are my chances of getting into a program? I know in america you guys have...
  5. D

    Engineering Engineering vs. Physics PhD for Natl Lab Job

    I've read many job postings at several DoE national labs in the United States, especially those dealing with Nuclear Science and Technology. Most of the postings state that they require someone with either a Nuclear Engineering or (Nuclear) Physics degree (or equivalent...I'm guessing some kind...
  6. M

    Programs How do I find a good Summer School/Course for theoretical physics PhD

    Hi, I am a theoretical physics PhD in Europe and want to find a summer course for 2012 or 2013 (no matter where in the world, the topic is the primary criterion for me). Does anyone know a good starting point for this? The usual google approach is really slow, but I also was not able to find...
  7. E

    Programs Can a Chemistry BS Graduate Successfully Transition to a Physics PhD?

    Hello all, I am rather new to these forums, and I have a question about lateral transfer between chemistry and physics. First, my background pertaining to physics: MATH: 3 semesters calculus 1 semester each: ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, abstract algebra, probability...
  8. G

    Physics PhD Crisis: Why Numbers Per Capita Plummeting?

    Is there a good book or article on why the numbers of PhDs per capita in physics have been plummeting over the years? Thank you
  9. M

    Physics Physics PhD -> Business Consulting?

    Physics PhD ---> Business Consulting? How does that work out? Why are Physics PhDs hired to do this kind of work? Why not somebody with with a Finance degree or some such? I actually know someone who's partners with somebody else in a (new-ish) business consulting firm and I asked her if...
  10. F

    Programs Masters in Pure Mathematics (Geometry, Topology) before Theoretical Physics Phd?

    I am a Mathematics and Physics double major, currently in my second year. I really enjoy both subjects, but my interests are progressing towards Theoretical physics/mathematical physics. My academic goal is to improve my understanding of how the universe works and thus I would like to pursue a...
  11. C

    Physics Physics phD to computer startup?

    I just started grad school in Physics a few weeks ago, but I have recently considered quitting in order to start or join an existing startup, probably related to software. But I am also considering staying in my phD program (maybe leaving with an MS) and just doing research in an area of Physics...
  12. M

    Admissions Concerned About My SOP For Physics PhD Admission

    I've just drafted a statement of purpose for one of the schools I'm planning on applying to this winter. I have an average GPA for a prospective grad student, and my PGRE score isn't bad but doesn't impress, so I'm hoping to make up some points on my SOP and letters of recommendation. I'd really...
  13. J

    Programs Is it possible to do a physics PhD and still have a social life?

    I'm starting my PhD a few weeks from now. I'm just wondering if I will likely have any free time to enjoy myself, or whether the next 3 years are going to be a long, hard battle with hardly enough time to pause for breath?
  14. N

    Programs Need Advice for Pursuing a Physics PhD Unusual Circumstances

    Hello, I am an undergraduate going into my third year working on a double major with honors in Chemical Engineering and Physics and am trying to get a feel for my prospects regarding graduate school and beyond. I only declared my physics major this last semester so all I have taken are the...
  15. T

    Programs Theoretical Physicist PhD: Can I Apply?

    If I did a PhD in Theoretical Particle Physics, would I be able to apply to this job? https://ert.cern.ch/browse_www/wd_pds?p_web_site_id=1&p_web_page_id=9147&p_no_apply=&p_show=N It is looking for an Experimental Physicist but I would be theoretical but I would have the required degree.
  16. P

    Programs Medical Physics PhD or MSc: Which Degree Offers Better Job Opportunities?

    I am applying to graduate schools this fall for Medical Physics. I will be hoping to get accepted into an accredited school. I was wondering if there is a large difference in the job market depending on whether I would get a PhD or MSc in the program. Either way I would still need a...
  17. P

    Programs Late to the game - do I have a shot at a physics PhD?

    Late to the game -- do I have a shot at a physics PhD? Hello! I've decided that I want to switch careers and work toward a physics PhD (ultimately more interested in research than teaching). Here's my situation: I studied electrical engineering at an ivy league school with a 3.75 GPA. Got...
  18. R

    Schools Are universities reducing the number of Physics PhD students they take on?

    I heard that at my university only three of twelve condensed matter professors are taking on new PhD students this year, and was told that it's similar in other departments, as well (this latter claim is unverified). This came as a surprise, especially after hearing at the beginning of the...
  19. C

    Programs How Can a Chemistry BS Graduate Transition to a Physics PhD Program?

    Hello there- I graduated in May 2010 with a BS in Chemistry (from US) and various research experience/ publications in materials science (polymers and applications), neuroscience/neurochem. Toward the end of undergrad, I decided I wanted to switch fields but I was not sure what my specific...
  20. T

    Programs Courses for Theoretical Physics PhD

    What do you think of the following courses in my last two years, if I intend to apply for a good PhD in a more Theoretical area of Physics: In the Physics dept: Mathematical Methods 1 Waves & Diffraction Quantum Mechanics Thermal Physics Electromagnetic Theory 1 Solid State Physics...
  21. A

    Postdoc in US for a Married Indian Physics PhD Holder: Visa Help & Chances

    If a married Indian Physics PhD holder wants to go for postdoc in US then 1. Do universities in US help him getting visa? 2. How are chances of US government granting visa to him? I mean do you guys know some people like this who got US visa?
  22. K

    Physics Alternative careers for a physics PhD?

    What sort of alternative careers have people with physics PhD's gone into? I no longer wish to continue in physics research, but I am having trouble finding any jobs I can actually apply for. Most listings I am finding have very specific experience requirements which don't even resemble...
  23. A

    Programs Math major into a physics PhD?

    hey all, i'm currently in australia about to go into my second year of uni. last year i did the standard first year physics and maths courses, astro II and a couple of philosophy electives. i'd always wanted to do physics but after taking the e&m course, i think i am a bit offput. i enjoy...
  24. J

    Programs More lives ruined by physics PhD than heroin - how true is this?

    "More lives ruined by physics PhD than heroin" - how true is this? I've been looking into going for some sort of physics PhD since I will graduate my undergraduate physics degree in 2011. However, one of the first things that comes up on google when you search is this link...
  25. S

    Programs Physics Phd without subject test

    Hi, Can you rank or comment on the following schools in terms of their overall reputation and quality. I am applying for Physics phd, concentrated in condensed matter and statistical physics. Also, do you think it is possible to get an acceptance without a physics subject test. (I have a MSc...
  26. M

    Programs PhD in Physics at 35+ - Is it Too Late?

    Hi. I've been searching throughout the Internet and in many physics forums and many people wonder about the age at which it is considered ok, not too old to graduate. But, I'd like to ask a more specific question, specific to me: I'm 24 and next year I'm planning to start studying physics...
  27. M

    Programs Physics PhD with EE/Physics Double Major

    I'm currently an EE/Physics double major. Lately I've been leaning heavily towards pursuing a PhD in Physics once I'm done with my undergrad. This is my question: Would an EE degree be a worthwhile effort for someone going on to a PhD in Physics? I feel that a Physics/EE double major is an...
  28. G

    Physics What Career Paths are Available After Completing a Physics PhD?

    I have recently completed a PhD in experimental condensed matter physics and I am not interested in staying in academia. I would like to hear from people who have already left academia. Specifically, I would like to hear what employment people were able to find and what difficulties they...
  29. P

    Programs Wayne State Physics PhD program

    I am applying to Wayne State's physics PhD program. Does anyone know anything about Wayne's physics graduate program? Is it any good? Will I be able to get a tenure track academic job assuming I do a good post-doc? I am applying to Wayne because my GRE score is rather low and will keep me...
  30. S

    Schools Physics PhD programme in the states, what Universities to go for

    I would like some advise about what universities to apply to in the states for PhD programmes in physics. In particular what level of university (as defined by school rankings etc). I've been told that the high end universities can be overly stressful and that they foster a highly competitive...
  31. A

    Programs How easy is it to find funding to do an Applied Physics PhD abroad?

    Although I am not yet sure which area I would want to do a PhD in (I am only in 2nd year undergrad) it would most likely be something applied like accelerator physics, plasma physics, metamaterials, plasmonics etc. (I realize this is a ridiculous range of topics :P ) The proposed ~30% cuts to...
  32. T

    Programs Chances of Theoretical Physics PhD?

    Hi I am going into the 4th year of Physics at Oxford this October and have been looking into PhDs etc. I'm quite keen on going into theoretical physics (Particle or condensed) and from reading various university websites it seems that places for this are relatively scarce. At Oxford for...
  33. R

    Physics Is a PhD in Physics the Key to Unlocking Versatile Career Opportunities?

    Hey all, I've been contemplating PhD'ing in physics for a long time now. Originally I wanted to pursue this goal for my affinity to learning and interest in research. However, like other people in I've seen posting in this forum lately, I too have developed an strange fascination for finance...
  34. B

    Programs List of graduate physics PhD programs w/lowest application fees

    Hi all, the title I think says it all! Is there a list "out there" of PhD physics departments with the lowest application fees?
  35. D

    Engineering Applied Physics PhD v. Masters Engineering v. getting a job with BS

    Noob questions on behalf of my daughter, who graduates with a BS in Physics from a research uni next semester and has a decidedly deer-in-the-headlights approach to post-graduate career path. 3.3 GPA in a program with a fair bit of chemistry/biochem/biophysics experience (contemplated MD/PhD...
  36. D

    Programs Background good enough for Physics PhD?

    Hi guys, this is my first post in this forum, i joined mainly to get this doubt clarified, which would eventually decide whether i'll be a physicist or something else. I am doing bsc in math, I'm kind of interested in theoretical physics, especially cosmology and i learned that a sound...
  37. N

    Programs Nuclear Engineering B.S/M.S to Nuclear Physics PhD?

    This fall I will officially start taking major courses for physics or engineering. I'd like to see what a few people in each field think of this. So here's my situation: I have already been taking courses at a community college and as non-degree student at NC State University for 3 years...
  38. D

    Programs Daily life of a theoretical physics PhD student?

    Hey PF, I am a third year undergraduate who has been working in a HEP experimental group for two years. So I have had a good deal of experience with the research process, and I know basically what the grad students and postdocs spend their time on in my group. I am still completely...
  39. B

    Physics What can be expected from the non-academic career of a physics phd?

    Hello, I am a 3rd year phd student, and I am wondering what I can expect if I leave academia after I graduate. I know I still have a while, but it still makes me nervous. I know that there are many threads on here that approach this topic, but I have found them a little limited for me (e.g...
  40. B

    Admissions Admission Statistics for Physics PhD programs?

    Hi all, I was wondering if there was a way to see 1) average Physics GRE score 2) average GPA 3) average # of publications 4) etc.? of admitted grad students for a given PhD program. It seems to be of no use contacting the individual departments to see if my application is strong enough to...
  41. maverick280857

    Programs Questions about Physics PhD and Postdoc options/mechanisms

    Hi, I'm beginning Physics graduate school this Fall. I have an undergrad in EE, and I have interests in various areas. I intend to make up my mind about the exact field of Physics I would like to specialize in, by the end of my first year in grad school. I have a few questions about how the...
  42. P

    Physics Why spend 10 years to get a physics PhD and then go to work for Wall Street?

    Hi everyone, I have been on this forum since December last year. I have read many interesting threads by twofish-quants and many other members about the possibility of working in Wall Street after obtaining a Physics PhD. Although I understand that a career in Wall Street is really financial...
  43. A

    Physics PhD Jobs & Salaries: An Overview

    what jobs in the field of physics can a person with a PhD in physics get, and what are the average salaries of those jobs.
  44. C

    Physics Theoretical Physics PhD worthless nowadays?

    I have heard from many sources that getting a PhD in theoretical physics (relativity, string theory, cosmology) is a trap. The US trains twice as many PhD's as there are jobs available. Also, there is tough competition and only a 1/4th of PhD's get tenure at a university! The point is I'm in...
  45. A

    Programs Applicant for Physics PhD Programs

    Hi there. I have a friend who's currently in Caltech and is applying to various graduate schools to pursue a Physics PhD. I'm practically in the same path as he is, but I'm a senior applying to undergraduate schools as a Physics major (although I might go for a Math PhD instead). He gave me a...
  46. C

    Programs Physics PhD in 1 Year: Possible?

    Do you think it is possible to complete a PhD in theoretical physics in just one year, since no experiments have to be done?
  47. 1

    Physics Employment Opportunities for a Medical Physics PhD

    Hi, I'm already in graduate school for a Physics Phd. I got to know that a faculty member is looking to supervise a graduate student for a biophysics/medical physics PhD. I don't know much about the subject. Would I be able to get employed in the industry afterwards? Could I get into...
  48. G

    Programs Best Physics PhD Programs in Cosmology?

    What are the best "2nd tier" physics PhD programs known for cosmology? Thanks
  49. M

    Programs How can I get into MIT Physics Phd program?

    Hey! I'm a freshman at Grove City college, (small liberal arts college in Pennsylvania) and am majoring in physics. What should I do to eventually get into the MIT (or other really good school's) Phd physics program. I'm willing to work really hard for it (I suppose you have to) and will do...
  50. C

    Courses Preparing for a Theoretical Physics PhD at CMU

    I'm starting CMU in about a month and I ultimately want to get a PhD and do research. My dream is to work on theoretical physics and I wanted to know what you guys think about what classes I should make sure I take while I am an undergraduate. I don't know if I am smart enough to work on...
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