What is Theoretical physics: Definition and 543 Discussions

Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena. This is in contrast to experimental physics, which uses experimental tools to probe these phenomena.
The advancement of science generally depends on the interplay between experimental studies and theory. In some cases, theoretical physics adheres to standards of mathematical rigour while giving little weight to experiments and observations. For example, while developing special relativity, Albert Einstein was concerned with the Lorentz transformation which left Maxwell's equations invariant, but was apparently uninterested in the Michelson–Morley experiment on Earth's drift through a luminiferous aether. Conversely, Einstein was awarded the Nobel Prize for explaining the photoelectric effect, previously an experimental result lacking a theoretical formulation.

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  1. P

    Schools Theoretical Physics at McGill University?

    Hi all, I still have a year of undergraduate studies left but I'm very, very interested in mathematical, theoretical physics. I would love to do research in string theory; does anyone know if McGill University is at least decent for this as a graduate school? It's probably a naive question to...
  2. H

    Physics Which career path? Applied or theoretical physics?

    I am in the process of choosing the topic for my thesis. Originally I came from a more theoretical branch of physics but I realized that I do not see my future in university research, but more in the industry. I want to do research with more direct applications, but now I am not sure what my...
  3. N

    Programs After a Phd in Theoretical Physics

    Call me crazy, but am I right in thinking that people with a Phd in Theoretical Physics could take up a position in a university as an experimentalist? Is it a strange thing for a theorist to do? Or is it not that black and white? Is it more of a blur? Would theorists be viewed just as capable...
  4. M

    Munich Theoretical physics (group theory and symmetries)

    I'm sorry if I'm posting this question here, but for some reason i can't add a new topic in the right section (i think it should be "Advanced Physics Learning Materials") ..I'm also sorry for my english... By The Way... Just one simple question: i'm looking for the note or the webpage for...
  5. B

    Programs Best courses to major in if I lean towards theoretical physics as a career goal?

    I'm not sure if anyone knows what I mean by saying my desire is to hypothesis and experiment, and build upon the basis of other theorems. I wonder if majoring in physics with a concentration on astrophysics are the proper choices in relation to my desired career path. I suppose I'm leaning...
  6. G

    Brains for Theoretical physics

    Does one need to be relatively super intelligent (to a human that is average) to make a significant contribution to the world of theoretical physics ie something on the same caliber as Relativity?
  7. Z

    Applied or theoretical physics.

    I have a very simple and straightforward question. This has been troubling me for quiet a long time now. Can i go for a phd in theoretical physics with a masters in applied physics ? I basically mean to say that: Will applied physics degree create any kind of hindrance for phd in...
  8. M

    Programs Can I get on a theoretical physics PhD course?

    I have accepted an offer to study physics at Warwick University in England this September, however I have not decided yet as to whether or not I would like to proceed into an experimental or theoretical career and would just like to know whether or not it would be possible to get onto a...
  9. P

    Assessment of JETP (Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics)

    On a scale of 1 - 10, where 10 means the journal is peer-reviewed, highly regarded, responsible and influential, and 1 means the journal is self-published junk science ... where does the Russian "Journal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics" (JETP) lie, in your opinion? Jeff
  10. V

    Computational and Theoretical Physics

    Hello I am starting university this year in the physics department of Bilkent University. I have been doing some general research and I have noticed that computational methods are becoming more and more important in fields such as condensed matter, quantum mechanics, cosmology, biophysics. It...
  11. E

    Advice for Master in Theoretical Physics

    Hi there, I am currently trying to decide where to go for my M.Sc. degree. I have to decide between the Intercollegiate Program at London, I was accepted at Queen Mary Univ. London, and the International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) in Trieste, Italy. My main interests are Quantum...
  12. R

    Mastering both and experimental and theoretical physics

    I was wondering can one master both experimental and theoretical physics in one particular field of physics? There are past examples like Enrico Fermi,Richard Feynman etc . I want to have the fun of both. Is it possible?
  13. M

    Physics What to do with Theoretical Physics

    Right, so I intend to do a masters in Mathematics but all the modules I'm going to take are in theoretical physics. I'm going to take a mix of everything from QFT, GR, Fluid Mechanics and Astro, just cause I find it all interesting, but not really specialising in any particular area...
  14. T

    International Scholars in Theoretical Physics

    HI all! By the next summer I will take my Bachelor's degree in Theoretical Physics, although I spent my couple previous weeks in searching for International Scholarships in Theoretical Physics, unfortunately I found only one from PSI (Perimeter Institute in Canada), currently they asked me...
  15. V

    Stress and Failure in Theoretical Physics

    My resident theoretical physicist, who I love dearly, is often very distraught. He describes his days of wracking his brains as painful, unproductive, and, at worst, a tedious backtrack through a bunch of stuff that he got wrong and must redo or unthink. Please help me to understand what he...
  16. A

    Maths Options for Theoretical Physics Path

    I'm about to go into my final(3rd) year of a maths BSc in the UK at Warwick university, and am currently looking at what options I'd like to take given that I'm hoping to go down the path into theoretical physics academia. I currently hold offers for Imperial College's "Quantum Fields and...
  17. W

    Math behind Theoretical Physics

    I look around the internet and there are theories about a lot of different aspects of physics such as various alternative theories on gravitation from GR, M-Theory, Quantum Theory. My question is, if math is used in physics to make sense of the world we see, and a lot of mathematical equations...
  18. D

    Physics What sorts of theoretical physics careers are there?

    Evening forum, I'd like to pursue a doctoral degree in theoretical physics. What sorts of jobs can one get in this field? Where would I work — strictly at a University, or at a lab, private company, etc? Any information about theoretical physics careers is appreciated. Thanks for your...
  19. Matt atkinson

    Need help Second year theoretical physics modules

    Hello, thank you for taking a look at this thread. Here is my dilemma, I can chose 30 credits from various math and physics courses (each worth 10) for my second year, but I've decided to do maths as the rest of my modules are all physics but there are so many I have no idea what maths modules...
  20. S

    What Are the Best PhD Programs in High Energy Theoretical Physics?

    Hello everyone, I am a physics master's student in continental europe, and I am starting to look into phd positions in (mostly theoretical) high energy physics. I know this has been discussed quite a few times around here as i browsed a bit around but still, I am wondering which are the best...
  21. I

    Schools Mid-tier US gradschools with strong math focussed theoretical physics programs

    Hey all, I'm looking to apply for gradschool in the US at the end of this year and I'm currently struggling to figure something out I was hoping someone here might be able to assist me with. I intend to apply to the top 10-15 schools, but given the cost of applications, for universities...
  22. F

    Physics Preparing for a Career in Theoretical Physics | Ben

    I am still in middle school, just getting inducted in the NJHS and hoping to get into the IB program. I really what to get into a career in Theoretical Physics, is there anything i can do to help make my dreams of becoming a Theoretical Physicist a reality? Anything would help...
  23. N

    Courses Theoretical physics Graduate courses - is it all string theory?

    Hi, I was wondering what the scope is these days to do a PhD in theoretical physics, but without delving into string theory? Is the world of theoretical physics still very much dominanated by string theory, or can young physicists go down alternative routes? I seem to remember that some years...
  24. I

    Advises before a first experience of research in theoretical physics

    Hi, I'll be starting next week a 6 months internship, and I'll be working on quantum cosmology, roughly. I have been studying physics for 5 years now, and mostly interested in theoretical things for 4 years (from my first lectures of electromagnetism to conformal field theory), but...
  25. J

    Is knowing a computer language vital for someone pursuing Theoretical Physics?

    Hello! I am currently a sophomore in undergrad, majoring in Physics. I haven't been exposed to any computer languages, such as C++, and I am wondering if it necessary for me to know it? My major's requirement doesn't require it, but many of my physicist friends seem to recommend me take it. So...
  26. T

    So I'm not into theoretical physics

    I didn't know how to word it other than that. If astrophysics is all theoretical, then I should have worded it better, but even then I am not interested in cosmology, only in how things work, and I was wondering if this even makes sense. I have thought about it, and all I really know is I have a...
  27. D

    Physics Would I be able to do theoretical physics?

    About a year and a half ago, I fell in love with mathematics, physics, and our universe. I had dropped out of High School when I was 15 (grade 10) and wasted a year outside of school. During this time I started indulging in marijuana and alcohol. Also, ironically, it was during this year that I...
  28. J

    Maximizing Math for Theoretical Physics: Double-Major or Minor?

    Hey u guys. Say I'm an undergraduate wanting to be a physicist. Not just any physicist, but a theoretical physicist. Say that I'm already planning on taking all of the "Mathematical methods for Physics" courses offered at my university, but now I want more of some math action. Which subjects...
  29. A

    How important is geometry if I want to study theoretical physics

    First, let me apologize for my bad English, it's not my native language. Most areas of math for me aren't really an issue. I'm actually quite good at it. But there's one thing I absolutely despise and also something I'm very bad at: geometry. I was planning on studying theoretical physics...
  30. Z

    Lecture videos of Theoretical physics

    Hi guys , I found a lot of incredibly useful lecture videos provided by the international center for theoretical physics see http://www.ictp.tv/ However there is one problems . They use a technology called EyA to view the lectures.It creates high quality images of the black board every 6 seconds...
  31. B

    Classes to take for Theoretical Physics

    Hey guys, i'll be a sophomore next year, and I was wondering about what classes you could recommend me taking then, as well as advice for future coursework. Which 4 of the following would be (the most) useful for theoretical physics? -Differential Geometry -PDEs -Fourier analysis -Complex...
  32. R

    Physics Programming in theoretical physics

    Ok , Programming and me haven't been the best of friends . It kinds of irritate me , although I can follow the logic of what's going on , I find it very hard to come up with the code , I make a error and find it impossible to correct the error .What I have been learning so far is MAthematica ...
  33. 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...
  34. E

    Schools Theoretical Physics grad school

    Hi, I have my BS in Physics and Math from the University of MN, 3 years of experimental physics research experience but no publications, about 3.85 technical GPA (but very close to 4 in Physics classes), and a good GRE Physics score. I want to go to grad school for theoretical physics, though...
  35. S

    Physics Experimental or theoretical physics?

    I am currently a high school student who is very interested in all of science in general, but physics in particular is most intriguing to me. While perusing possible careers in physics, I have found that most are split into either experimental or theoretical. I was wondering if you would care to...
  36. C

    Schools Schools for theoretical physics

    Hi, I am searching for a school where I can have a Master of Threoretical Physics, in particular I am interested on particle physics and general relativity any suggestion is welcomed. Ah it could be on either US or UK. Thanks
  37. M

    Schools The Road to Theoretical Physics: Education & Career Goals

    Hello, since I was a kid I was always interested with the complexity of our universe and the past years I have been more interested into it. I am currently studying Systems Engineering and I am a professor assistant since my 2nd semester. Math is not a problem for me and to be honest I love it...
  38. L

    Best Places (UK) for Theoretical Physics

    Hi. I've decided to apply for a theoretical physics PhD. As it happens, I've already applied to a couple of universities but I think it would definitely be a good idea to apply to a few more in order to improve my chances of being accepted somewhere. I would like to ask you what you...
  39. F

    Becoming a Theoretical Physicist

    Basically what the title says. I am a junior in high school and am planning on taking AP physics my senior year and I also want to go to college for Physics (of course). But my goal is to get a Ph.D and get a job somewhere as a theoretical physicist. This is the problem though. I'm fairly...
  40. N

    How difficult is the maths involved in Theoretical Physics?

    For a while now I've known that I would like to do theoretical physics, but I'm having trouble finding out how hard the maths involved actually is. I would like to study this a Trinity College, and on their website the minimum requirements are a B2 in higher level physics (no problem, I can do...
  41. A

    Earn Doctorate Theoretical Physics: Processes

    What are the processes in earning a doctorate in theoretical physics ?
  42. T

    Programs Doing a theoretical physics degree from home UK only please

    Is there any point in doing a theoretical/astrophysics degree from home, even if you are able to achieve exceptionally good grades, what about people who are agoraphobic and can't get to a uni?
  43. A

    Mathematics to theoretical physics

    I'm a second year mathematics undergraduate at a good university (top 50 world) in the UK who has started to take an interest into physics (mostly theoretical physics, i don't want to do any experimental physics). I've always had a interest in physics but never did perform so well on it...
  44. B

    Programs Physics vs Theoretical Physics - Help with choice of major please?

    OK. I'm a high school student in Ontario, soon to be applying for university. I have a couple of questions. First, I want details on the differences between theoretical physics, and regular physics. I seem to have a much heavier inclination towards theoretical physics, but it seems that...
  45. @

    What Are the Top Unresolved Questions in Theoretical Physics Today?

    Hello guys. I am a molecular biology student and at my physics class I have an assignment which says "What are the top 5 unsolved problems at theoretical physics nowadays? " I am thinking of including the; *string theory, *super-symmetry, *quantum chromodynamics, *quantum gravity...
  46. Raioneru

    Theoretical Physics / Financial Engineering

    Hi, guys need a bit of guidance here a little bit of background on me: interested in financial engineering and medical physics, but I'm afraid if I go the road of FE (which is not a Physics degree) I won't be able to pursue a PhD in Physics (I'd like to remain a physicist :) ) I don't think...
  47. L

    Is studying Theoretical Physics a risky choice for a high school student?

    Hello everybody, I am a high school student from Vietnam. I have been self-studying Physics for two years and I definitely want to study Theoretical Physics at university. However, most of my friends told me not to do Theoretical Physics. The reasons for this are: My view on Physics as a high...
  48. binbagsss

    Programs Theoretical Physics vs Math: Which is Best?

    Because theoretical physics I've heard is heavily mathematical based, would it better to have a degree in theoretical physics - where you may get the oppurtunity to specialise more, or to do a joint honours with more pure mathemetatical modules? thanks a lot for any advice :)
  49. binbagsss

    Schools University undergraduate choice - St. Andrews : Theoretical physics or

    Theoretical Physics and Mathematics? By doing the joint would I miss out on valuable theoretical physics and be less able to specialise...? I mean a Theoretical Physics degree involves a lot of mathematics anyway right? Thanks for any advice :) !
  50. 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...
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