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graduate_handbook:academic_program [2024/11/05 15:08] – vinalsgraduate_handbook:academic_program [2025/03/21 12:49] (current) – vinals
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 +====== Academic Program ======
 +
 ===== Entering students and the first year ===== ===== Entering students and the first year =====
  
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 | 5001: Quantum I (4 cr.)                    | 5002: Quantum II (4 cr.)                    | | 5001: Quantum I (4 cr.)                    | 5002: Quantum II (4 cr.)                    |
 | 5011: Classical I (4 cr.)                  | 5012: Classical II (4 cr.)                  | | 5011: Classical I (4 cr.)                  | 5012: Classical II (4 cr.)                  |
-| 5201:Statistical/Thermal Physics (3 cr.) | 4041: Computational Methods (4 cr.) | +| 5201:Statistical/Thermal Physics (3 cr.) | Elective course (see below)| 
-|   | 4xxx Intro to...                           | +| 5072: Teaching College Physics I (1 cr.)  | 5072: Teaching College Physics II (1 cr.)  |
-|     | 5041: Mathematical Methods (4 cr.)         | +
-| 5072: Teaching College Physics I (1 cr.)  | 5072: Teaching College Physics II (2 cr.)  |+
 | 5980: Intro to Research Seminar (1 cr.)    | 5980: Intro to Research Seminar (1 cr.)     | | 5980: Intro to Research Seminar (1 cr.)    | 5980: Intro to Research Seminar (1 cr.)     |
  
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 ^Course number  ^Course name  ^ ^Course number  ^Course name  ^
 +| Physics 4041 | Computational Methods in the Physical Sciences |
 |Physics 4051/2| Methods of Experimental Physics| |Physics 4051/2| Methods of Experimental Physics|
 | Physics 4211*| Introduction to Solid State Physics| | Physics 4211*| Introduction to Solid State Physics|
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 | Physics 4621*| Introduction to Plasma Physics| | Physics 4621*| Introduction to Plasma Physics|
 | Physics 5022 *| Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe| | Physics 5022 *| Relativity, Cosmology, and the Universe|
 +| Physics 5041 | Mathematical Methods for Physics |
 * Survey courses useful in deciding research specialties * Survey courses useful in deciding research specialties
  
 ==== Towards becoming involved in research ==== ==== Towards becoming involved in research ====
-Since you are expected to have made arrangements to do research with a faculty adviser during the Summer after your first year, you should do a few things before then besides attending the Research Seminar (Phys 5980) and department colloquia. The process of finding a research adviser is quite informal, and we expect you to take the lead in probing areas of research in the School that interest you. It is understood that finding mutually agreeable arrangements takes time, and that you may wish to switch between fields as you become more acquainted with them during the course of your first two years. Be sure to ask about potential for funding, as this is the main constraint that all groups have in accepting new students. +Since you are expected to make arrangements to do research with a faculty adviser during the Summer after your first year, you should do a few things before then besides attending the Research Seminar (Phys 5980) and department colloquia. The process of finding a research adviser is quite informal, and we expect you to take the lead in probing areas of research in the School that interest you. It is understood that finding mutually agreeable arrangements takes time, and that you may wish to switch between fields as you become more acquainted with them during the course of your first two years. Be sure to ask about potential for funding, as this is the main constraint that all groups have in accepting new students.
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-All students should look seriously for research opportunities before the end of their first year. There are several factors to consider. One is theoretical vs experimental research. This choice often depends on skills and temperament. Theoretical research is more abstract and requires very good mathematical skills. Experimental research is more concrete, requiring the visualization of how a theoretical idea can be tested using measurements. It requires very good skills at system design. Modern experimental work requires the use of electronics and computer programming and sometimes the skills in machining, plumbing and other hands-on subjects. If in doubt as to whether their interests lie in experiment or theory, the students should talk to faculty members and more senior graduate students in both areas in order to help decide. +
- +
-A second factor is the choice of a specialty area within physics. The specialty areas represented at the University of Minnesota include condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, space physics, nuclear and particle astrophysics, cosmology, biophysics, and physics education. A better idea of the interests of each faculty member can be found by browsing the physics Web site at http://www.physics.umn.edu. +
- +
-A third factor to consider is the personal characteristics of individual faculty members. Graduate education is very individualized. It is important to have a good student-adviser relationship. The best method of gathering information is to talk with faculty members and other graduate students, particularly with the more advanced students who have had experience in thesis research. +
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-A fourth factor to consider is the social characteristics of different fields. Many experimental groups, and sometimes theoretical groups as well, require working in large teams and collaborations, often of international nature. Maintaining good relations with team members and maintaining effective exchange of information with them are very important aspects of doing research in such groups. As above, the best method of gathering information is to talk with faculty members and with the more advanced students involved in such groups. +
- +
-After narrowing their choices, students should make appointments to talk with several faculty members about joining their group. It is best to begin these discussions as soon as the research interests have been identified, and certainly before the first Summer. Faculty members will usually inquire about the student's background both from the student and from other faculty members. Success in a student finding opportunities in the research field of choice significantly depends on his/her academic performance on course work and on the GWE. +
- +
-Usually, the decision to proceed with thesis research is preceded by a trial period. This could include an initial project not necessarily related to the eventual thesis. Sometime in the second year, if the initial project has proceeded well, the student should expect to make and receive a definite commitment as a thesis student. Otherwise, the student may seek a different adviser. If this is necessary, it is best to do it as soon as possible. The effects of changing adviser are much more serious later in the graduate career. +
- +
-The School encourages early research connections by providing Summer research support to first year students. Such support is contingent on the student having found a faculty adviser that will supervise the research during the Summer term. +
  
 +There are several factors to consider in your choice of research group and adviser. The first one is theoretical vs. experimental research. This choice often depends on your skills and temperament. Theoretical research is more abstract and requires very good mathematical ability. Experimental research is more concrete, requiring the visualization of how a theoretical idea can be tested using measurements. If in doubt as to whether your interests lie in experiment or theory, talk to faculty members and more senior graduate students in both areas about their experiences.
  
 +A second factor for you to consider is the choice of a subfield within physics. Specialty areas represented at the University of Minnesota include condensed matter physics, elementary particle physics, nuclear physics, space physics, nuclear and particle astrophysics, cosmology, biophysics, and physics education. An introduction to the the interests of each faculty member can be found at http://cse.umn.edu/physics .
  
 +A third factor to consider is the social characteristics of different subfields. Many experimental groups, and sometimes theoretical groups as well, require working in large teams and collaborations, often of international nature. Other groups just work in a small group setting. Maintaining good relations with team members and maintaining effective exchange of information with them are very important aspects of doing research in large groups. As above, the best method of gathering information is to talk with faculty members and with the more advanced students involved in such groups.
  
 +After narrowing your choices, you should make appointments to talk with several faculty members about joining their group. It is best to begin these discussions as soon as the research interests have been identified, and certainly before the first Summer. Keep in mind that this is an iterative process. It requires persistence, patience, and an open mind. The subfield of Physics that you decide to purse for your Ph.D. work will have a profound influence in your future career.
  
  
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 ==== Summer research fellowship ==== ==== Summer research fellowship ====
 +
 +In order to facilitate your search for a research group and adviser, the School of Physics and Astronomy provides a research fellowship during the first Summer in our program to all of our incoming students provided that, (i), you spend the Summer term on campus working on research, and (ii), your adviser is a member of the faculty of the School.
 +
 +There is no further commitment on your part to continue in the same group after the Summer, nor on your adviser's to become your permanent research adviser. Approximately 60% of our first year students continue their Ph.D. research with the same group as in the first Summer. Others change; in a few cases more than once. 
graduate_handbook/academic_program.1730840932.txt.gz · Last modified: 2024/11/05 15:08 by vinals

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