Theoretical physics Definition and 551 Threads

I am a year 1 University Physics student and am interested in pursuing a career (if i make the cut) in theoretical physics (in particle physics/cosmology). The thing is, I know precious little about this field (but enough to get the brain juices flowing) hence the following queries: a) What is...

I am a third year physics major doing my undergrad. First, let me give you an idea on my academic background. We just picked our majors this year, meaning before we had to take other courses like courses from Biology, Chemistry, etc. This year I'll be taking courses like Classical mech, Quantum...

My questions are regarding admissions at top universities in Europe. Many of them are of a rather general nature, I hope that is okay. I am from Austria (EU) and I currently studying for a BSc in Physics from the University of Vienna. I will graduate in July 2017 after three years of full time...

have a nice day. I was torn between mathematics and physics. I do not know which one I wanted. How can I decide? for me; theoretical physics, applied mathematics - topology (dif.topology, alg.topology, geom.topology), differential geometry easy than pure, proof based mathemics. I'm better...

Hi I am an undergraduate student of physics in the university of Athens. I am reaching my final year of studying and we are asked to select and work with one of our professors so that we can make a (barchelors) thesis about a specific specialization. I have know for a long time that I want to...

Hi, I am currently applying to university and am an aspiring Theoretical Physicist. I see many different courses but the two I am not sure on are Mathematical Physics and Theoretical Physics. I was wondering what would give me a better foundation to go on to be a Theoretical Physicist, thank...

I am 14 and I have had an uncommon interest in math and science (mostly math). I have recently gotten into the mysteries of quantum physics. What I have heard about theoretical physics is that it requires manipulating data to create equations then find the why's and what's for phenomena. I feel...

This book Sleeping Beauties in Theoretical Physics: 26 Surprising Insights sounds pretty cool as something to read for fun. Has anyone looked at it yet? I'm wondering also what level of reader it's been written for? https://www.amazon.com/dp/3319134426/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Due to the current situation in Venezuela , i decided on studying Two carreers in two different universities a public one and a private one (In Venezuela public universities are best , But they're usually on strike so they delay your studies often and a lot) , What i really love is physics ...

I will be graduating with a bachelors degree in physics in the next year. Most of my professors have advised me that if I am considering graduate school (which I am), to just go straight for a PhD instead of stopping at a MA. Unfortunately, my family is currently in a terrible place...

If I displace an object at rest in space by giving it a force F in X direction and the object tends to move forever, will the work done be infinite? Knowing that work done = force*displacement . Since the space has no external resistance (unbalanced force) to stop the object from moving , making...

I like physics because of the formulas, explaining nature in terms of maths (I love math), I love problem solving and it's just so diverse. You learn about subjects from materials to astronomy it's just learning about how stuff works. So topics I like: Kinematics Any mechanics Electricity...

I was curious to the effects of a strong electromagnetic field applied to an object at distance. The field must be able to quickly activate and deactivate in order to account for the distance traveled towards the object as to eliminate the force applied to the source of the field by the object...

So I will be starting an undergraduate MSci degree in Physics/Theoretical Physics in 2017, for the time being I am on a gap year. What's the best way to mentally prepare for a theoretical physics degree? I am not just talking about being familiar with the topics discussed, but also improving my...

Hello everyone, I am a high schooler from a European country with a deep interest in physics. I like studying the subject and reading about it both from a technical and a popular point of view. However, I've been wondering what actual theoretical research - the pen-paper kind, if anything like...

Why if a young person like 21 years old with no degrer made a new discovery in theoretical physics like an equation or a theory will not be accepted by people and no one will believe him ? What he should do before to let people accept his discovery ? Can it be accepted if that person was not...

Hello all, I am an aspiring physicist, however I am only in high school, and I live in Idaho, I need an adviser. Someone who can tell me what I need to know, best ways to learn things, and how to get to where I want to be. Any help is appreciated.

Hi all I am a second year maths and physics student from Australia. I am hoping to complete a PhD in an interesting area of theoretical physics. At the moment I am interested in particles and quantum information theory. Though it is worth keeping in mind that I am only in second year. I know a...

Hello, forum its been some time since I posted something on this site, feels good to be back :) well I am facing a problem and have thought about it and think I will be needing some help from you guys... the story goes as such.. well, I finished a four year degree in the field of physics...

Hi guys! I am currently a first year undergrad (of 3 years) doing physics and in 2 months time need to decide whether or not to continue with my straight physics course or take the theoretical physics pathway I want to do a phd in the more theory based side of physics (particular interests...

I am a high school student (still in grade 11) I want to study theoretical physics in USA or Switzerland but I am from the middle east (Lebanon) and I want to know what I need to be accept in theoretical physics what subjects I need and please tell me the grade for each subject I need example ...

Hello every one I am from Hong Kong. I am in my mid-twenties and I have a very bad result in my undergraduate degree in physics and it hinders me a lot in applying for a graduate degree. Theoretical physics (gravitation, quantum field, strings) is the field that I want to do research in for my...

I am an engineering graduate(ME) and want to study physics at masters level. If I get a Masters degree in theoretical physics, can I go for a PhD. in an experimental sub field? Say, I write a thesis in Nuclear & particle physics to get a masters degree, Can I go for experimental Nuclear &...

I am a bit new in this forum, so excuse me if you have already talked about it before. I've been reading on this forum about the possiblility of doing scientific research without being paid for it, and according to some posts there were some problems, mainly due to a lack of time and social...

The magnetic field has no net source or sinks i.e. number of sources are equal to the number of sinks. Can a scalar field also have no net source? Or a source is required for a scalar field?

I have been accepted to the the theoretical physics program at Uppsala University. It ranks around 60-120 in the world for physics and astronomy. I know these rankings aren't the best metric to determine how good a program is, but it gives me an idea. I want to know how good the program is for...

I am thinking of doing a theoretical physics PhD but i am worried about my knowledge on the subject. I am predicted at a first class degree. But i must honestly say i am not one of these prodigy types. I have to read over things a lot of the time and more often than not i will forget simple...

I wanted to know about some great masters programs in physics(theoretical) in UK,US ,Europe. I know about Cambridge Part 3 , Oxford Msc Theoretical physics, Perimeter but not all details.Also some good programs in US,UK would be helpful.

As a Mechanical engineering graduate who aspires to become an Astrophysicist one day but only has a formal knowledge in Physics, is getting a masters degree in theoretical physics a right step towards my goal of becoming an Astrophysicist?

I can study physics to the limit of madness...

Hi everyone, I'm just starting my first year in undergrad and I've started to think a bit more about job prospects in physics. More specifically, the possibility of going into academia to work on theory, maybe HEP or condensed matter, maybe materials science. The thing is, almost everything I've...

I am undergraduate physics student,and I want to become a theoretical physicist. I need some ideas about fields to look at it that can inspire me . I do not have specific field that I like the most in physics..so I need your help

I am 30 years old and doing a degree in pure maths wishing to work towards a Phd in pure maths. Think I will be late 30's when finished with this Phd. Unfortunately, I am not a maths genius and they say a job in pure maths is extremely difficult. Being close to 40 doesn't help either. If after a...

Hello i am thinking of going into university for physics. ... i am plannig to stop only at a phd and i wanted to ask about the work opportunities in lebanon (my country) and beyon for this kind of degree taking into consideration that i will most likly graduate with a theoretical physics phd of...

live in malaysia and holding an UEC certificate, which our national university won't accept.And I can't find any university in my country and Singapore, axcept nation university in Malaysia,offer the theoretical physics couses and my family cannot afford the cost to study oversea.Should I just...

I have done MSc in Quantum Field Theory and want to apply to the US for graduate studies, i.e. a PhD. Since the country I come from, Theory is not very popular, and research is usually done before PhD and nit before it, I don't have any research experience. I have done a project though, on...

Hello everyone, as those of you who have helped with my other threads know I'm currently a high school student and an aspiring physicist. I'd like to start out my post by saying that I completely understand that I am very early to be thinking this far ahead, especially when I haven't experienced...

Hello, before I start off, I apologize for asking a question which I am sure has been asked hundreds of times before: but I felt there is just way too much information out there which is a little confusing, so I am here with the hope of getting some personalized suggestions. I am currently a...

I'm an UG and I'm looking to major in theoretical physics, I learned that Elementary particle physics, plasma physics and condensed matter physics are of major importance. If so, of what importance are they?

Would you recommend this book as a first exposure to mathematical methods? How high a lever is this book of? Is it out-of-date or still quiet useful?

I'm between Maynooth University Department of Mathematical Physics and Trinity College Dublin Undergraduate Moderatorship in Theoretical Physics Tell me, how it works when this study program...

Hello everyone! I am 3rd year Mechanical Engg. student at one of India's good institutes... I want to switch from Engg to THEORETICAL PHYSICS after my Undergrade. But I don't know how to start or what would be the proper way to study on my own Ug physics. It will be very helpful if anyone can...

Can anyone tell me the level of difficulty (approximately) of getting into QS world ranking top 150 theoretical physics graduate programs in Europe? ex. ETH Zurich, Durham University, University of Amsterdam, Uppsala University, etc.

I'm Indian and I've heard stuff that it is difficult to get into a good PhD program in the US/UK for string theory because the competition is more fierce than other fields. Furthermore,the likelihood for getting academic positions is even tougher(added to the fact that I'm from a different...

Homework Statement [/B] Change the independent variable from x to θ by x=cosθ and show that the Legendre equation (1-x^2)(d^2y/dx^2)-2x(dy/dx)+2y=0 becomes (d^2/dθ^2)+cotθ(dy/dθ)+2y=0 2. Homework Equations The Attempt at a Solution [/B] I did get the exact form of what the equation...

I have come across a serious problem in my studies. I like to self-study, but I am wrestling between different study methods. I have at least three options on how to read material: Read through it Derive every formula yourself (~6x extra time) Read the title and outline, and re-invent the...

I have been recently introduced to QM and I am deeply interested in it. I have come to know that quantum cryptography, quantum computing, and quantum optics are the hot areas where research is going on. But I'm curious, is there theoretical research going on for understanding of the quantum...

What is the most important factors that determine if a candidate can be admitted into top theoretical physics PHD program? Since undergraduate students are most likely not able to produce significant research paper, will universities put more emphasis on GRE and GPA?

Which is the best theoretical Physics Journal of year 2015 ?

I have applied for a degree in TPAM, theoretical physics and applied maths at Birmingham. I just want confirmation: This degree is filled with a lot of maths similar to that found in the Further Pure syllabus of A-level, correct? I have seen third year notes from someone who took the same degree...