What is Undergrad: Definition and 908 Discussions

Undergraduate education is education conducted after secondary education and prior to postgraduate education. It typically includes all postsecondary programs up to the level of a bachelor's degree. For example, in the United States, an entry-level university student is known as an undergraduate, while students of higher degrees are known as graduate students. In some other educational systems, undergraduate education is postsecondary education up to the level of a master's degree; this is the case for some science courses in Britain and some medicine courses in Europe.

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  1. W

    Post-grad advice for current undergrad physics student please

    Hello, I'm a rising junior at Notre Dame, and I'm trying decide between two (maybe three?) career paths. There are some really knowledgeable people on here, so I wanted to ask for your advice in which path I should take. A little background: I took physics because I've always had a fascination...
  2. J

    Need serious advice with undergrad physics

    So this past spring as a freshman I took intro EM, intermediate mechanics (lagrangians etc), and one-semester quantum mechanics using griffiths. I got an A in quantum (which freshman never take) but unfortunately I slipped up in my other two classes and got AB's (slipped up is verbatim from my...
  3. T

    Programs Theoretical Neuroscience - Which Undergrad Major?

    Hello. I'm currently a junior undergraduate at a liberal arts school. Next year I'm transferring to Columbia's engineering program through a wonderful Combined Plan Program. If anyone knows anything about this, I would love some more information than just what I could find on their website...
  4. D

    Physics undergrad to Optics grad

    I was wondering if there was any particular difficulty in going from a Physics undergraduate program to graduate program in Optics/Photonics. Let's say to an Optics college such as the one at UCF (http://www.creol.ucf.edu/) I still have my upper level Physics classes to take so is there any...
  5. J

    Need Some Sage Advice for a 6-year physics undergrad

    Last year I re-declared myself a physics major--my "senior" year. Now I will be in school for the next two years striving to complete the physics requirements. I've been thinking a lot about ways to make the next two years worthwhile, and here's what I got: - Minor in math and/or geology (I...
  6. K

    Am I Bad at Math? Experiencing Math Envy Before My Undergrad Degree

    So I'm going to start my undergrad degree in applied physics this summer, and I'm having a particularly annoying case of math envy. I decided to brush up on my physics and math skills before I go to uni, but this made me realize that I'm actually very bad at proving math theorems and the like...
  7. Shackleford

    Is Engineering a Viable Option for Grad School After a B.S. in Math and Physics?

    I took my last final tonight. Commencement is tomorrow. I have a B.S. Math, Physics Minor with a 3.5/3.6 GPA. Thanks to everyone on this site who helped me with my homework over the years! It's appreciated.
  8. C

    Physics Options After Getting Undergrad Physics Degree

    I'm about to go to college in one year, so I'm trying to figure out what I want to do (which college I want to go to, what major, etc.) Right now, I am most likely looking at majoring in physics and doing the pre-med track. Of course, though, this is only tentative...who knows what I'll want...
  9. R

    Schools Choosing between Universities for Physics undergrad

    Hello, I am a Canadian Grade 12 high school student (in the GTA) and I plan on pursuing a career in theoretical physics academia. I have been accepted to the University of Toronto and to UC Berkeley and am trying to decide between the two. From what I understand when applying to a...
  10. S

    Does my undergrad curriculum matter a lot?

    Hi. I'm currently a sophomore and I am doing a math major with a concentration in statistics. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of courses there are for the major. I haven't taken any math classes during my first year, and I just finished up linear algebra (intro level; will be taking upper...
  11. I

    Best undergrad field of study for a career in Corrosion engineering

    I am a non-traditional student (36 w/ a business degree after leaving a CHemE program when in school the first time). The last 12 years of my life, I have worked in the application of industrial coatings' to steel . I still work in the field, and will continue to. Now, I work in outside sales...
  12. L

    Need advice- Waterloo co-op or U of T physics undergrad?

    Hey guys, just thought i'd ask for some advice from you for my decision. Well I've been accepted to my top choices of u of t and waterloo co-op for physics for my undergraduate degree. Can you give me some opinion on which one i should go with? I am planning on continuing in a physics related...
  13. J

    Courses How important are first and second year undergrad physics and math courses?

    hello all, I'm a physics major who's finishing up my second year as a physics major. I'm finishing up the 3 introductory physics course sequence and also the 4-semesters of calculus courses. In my community college, I was able to rank 1st on my physics courses and in the top 5 of my math...
  14. M

    Can studying methods and happiness coexist for undergrads?

    I was up last night reading on studying methods, happiness and "life management", in general. One post led to another and tonight, I found myself this page. What are your thoughts on this? Do you agree with Cal Newport or do you think that his hypothetical "happy undergrad" is just an...
  15. L

    Berkeley v Cornell Undergrad for Physics

    I am currently trying to decide between Berkeley and Cornell, as the title implies. I plan on majoring in physics and attending graduate school. I am sure that there isn't a definitive answer to whether one is better than the other, so what criteria should I be looking at and what are your...
  16. K

    From Purdue undergrad to Caltech grad

    Hello. I am a Junior in high school. I have a 4.0 GPA, got an 1820 on the SAT, and a 31 on the ACT. I have participated in the honors all-state band, and been in many extra-curriculur activities throughout high school. I am, however, upset with myself. My first two years of high school...
  17. M

    Schools Undergrad Research - Small vs Big universities

    What are people's thoughts of undergrad research (in science and/or engineering) in small versus big research universities? It seems to be me that, in big, top 10 research universities (with a few exceptions), because of the huge number of grad students, professors extremely busy and well-known...
  18. M

    Schools Undergrad Research - Small vs Big universities

    What are people's thoughts of undergrad research (in science and/or engineering) in small versus big research universities? It seems to be me that, in big, top 10 research universities (with a few exceptions), because of the huge number of grad students, professors extremely busy and well-known...
  19. M

    ISU vs UIdaho; Comparing Undergrad Physics Programs

    At the moment I'm attending North Idaho College, and while ideally I'd be able to transfer out of state to a better University, I'm all but guaranteed a spot at either University of Idaho (UI) or Idaho State University (ISU) if that doesn't work out. So naturally I'm trying to figure out which...
  20. J

    Taking the FE without undergrad degree?

    I have a BS in mathematics, and am currently working on my MS in mechanical engineering. Is it possible to take the FE without an undergrad degree? Is it advisable? I'm currently working on deficiencies, and the program I chose consists of mostly mechanics- I don't have to take...
  21. PhizKid

    Schools Undergrad school suggestions in NY

    I am a NYC resident but I'd really like to attend UC Irvine because one of my best friends who is a grad student (in a top five school, nonetheless) referred me to a specific professor with whom if I play my cards right and do good research work with, can network me with very good experiences in...
  22. S

    Admissions How to Cope with College Admission Rejections and Pressure?

    Hi everyone. I wrote a little about the pressures that I am facing right now. I know that many of you here have infinitely more wisdom than I have, and have the clarity of hindsight, so perhaps some can provide some good advice. This time of the year is one of the more stressful for...
  23. R

    Undergrad Research in Cold Fusion & Experiments: US Programs

    Does anyone happen to know any undergrad research programs in the U.S. that deal with cold fusion and related experiments?
  24. lonewolf219

    ADVICE NEEDED for first lab experience, undergrad

    Hello, I am pretty nervous about working in a lab for a professor at my university this summer... I am currently in the second semester of physics introductory courses, and this professor completed his PhD at one of the best universities in the world... Does anyone have any advice about what I...
  25. C

    Difference between undergrad quantum and graduate quantum

    I have taken quantum mechanics 3 times as an undergrad. The first time was Modern Physics 1. It covers the beginnings of quantum and basic quantum up to 3-D central force problem. The second was Quantum Chemistry (part 1 of physical chemistry), and we covered: basic quantum problems (particle...
  26. C

    Difference between graduate EM and undergrad EM

    What is the difference between classical EM at the undergrad and graduate levels? Is it just the math that's harder at graduate levels, or are there any new concepts that are not covered in undergrad, that's covered in graduate? Thanks.
  27. F

    Should I Take Extra Classes to Do Undergrad Research with My Favorite Professor?

    Every physics undergrad at my university has to do a research project with a professor. I haven't really made any real connection with any of the professors except for my quantum mechanics teacher. She is a very nice person and we think alike and get along very well. I would of course like to do...
  28. L

    How does one pick an undergrad thesis and phd subject?

    How do people generally go about choosing a subject to do thesis on in one's last undergraduate year (ie: year long thesis project)? Should one be picking the desired field for a phd subject as an undergrad or is it okay to "make a mistake" and apply for something different at grad school...
  29. N

    Terminology (what constitutes an undergrad institution)

    I did a search on google but I was coming up with some mixed answers. I wanted to apply to this REU program and it said it was for students who are attending undergraduate institution. My two questions are the following: Are community colleges considered undergraduate institutions? Is a...
  30. S

    What are some options for a physics major unsure about grad school?

    Hey guys. I'm about to graduate from college with a B.S. in physics from a California State University, and I don't really know what to do next. I used to think the next step was grad school, but now I'm not so sure. My grades are about a 3.1 GPA, I have no internship / real field experience...
  31. O

    Undergrad searching for marketable skills

    I've read all about how it's next to impossible to find a job in academia after grad school. Frankly, after all of the horror stories, I'm still not sure what to do. Being a professor still sounds like my dream job, but if the prospects are really that poor, I don't know if I could move around...
  32. C

    Schools Physics grad school after non-physics undergrad?

    I have a bachelor's in CS with a math focus (wound up 1 credit short of a math minor). I have been out of college for about six years now and working as a software developer during that time. Off and on since leaving college I have been self-teaching myself physics. Sometimes I daydream of going...
  33. D

    Advanced Undergrad Linear Algebra classes

    Last semester I took a combined course of Diffy Q and Linear Algebra. I feel I know the basics of LA and want to explore things a bit further. After talking to some professors at my school they told me that the next linear algebra class is a graduate class.. After looking at the course notes for...
  34. T

    Best Classical Mechanics textbook for undergrad level

    What would be your go-to textbook for Classical Mechanics at the undergraduate level? It must also cover the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation. My school uses "Analytical Mechanics" by Fowles & Cassiday but I find it not very complete and doesn't cover all topics. I've also read parts...
  35. T

    Abstract Algebra for Physics undergrad

    Hi, I'm doing a Physics undergrad and this semester I have the following courses: Thermodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Numerical Methods, an Astrophysics course, and a Computational Lab. I've also taken Abstract Algebra which has twice as many lectures as any of these. Add to this the fact that I...
  36. M

    Schools Applying to graduate school - how important is undergrad institution?

    I've seen and heard some scary things when it comes to graduate school applications and for all I know, these could be complete rubbish. On the off chance that these claims are indeed correct, I'd like to know. In general, when a physics/math department is looking at applicant profiles, how...
  37. D

    Requesting a different undergrad adviser?

    Have any of you requested a different physics undergrad adviser before? I met with the adviser I was assigned, and she didn't seem to be a good fit. She said that she didn't like being an adviser because she doesn't understand the American undergraduate system (I'm assuming program...
  38. A

    Courses Getting a masters vs Simply taking Graduate courses as an undergrad

    With the amount of Graduate courses I currently plan on taking (I'm a second year undergrad), adding a couple of more will fulfill the requirements of an MA in Physics at my school. So if I plan things out properly and stick to the plan, I'd be able to get bachelor degrees in Math and Physics...
  39. T

    Mediocre undergrad vs. stellar graduate GPA

    I have a mediocre (by my standards) GPA of 3.34 in the undergraduate math program. However, my graduate cumulative GPA in mathematics is very good at 3.96. I have one semester before I graduate with an MS in mathematics. I'm applying to Phd programs at Kent State University and Ohio State...
  40. A

    Griffiths vs Purcell vs Schwartz for undergrad E&M

    So I'll be taking undegrad E&M 1 next semester and was looking for a good book to prepare for it before the semester starts. People seem to like Griffiths and Purcell generally. Shwartz also seems to have some good reviews (and is quite cheap) on Amazon but I'm not quite sure what level it is...
  41. J

    Courses General Relativity- an undergrad or grad course

    Hey there, In my university, General Relativity is listed among elective courses (along with an advanced quantum mechanics course). I'm curious to know whether general relativity is really an undergrad course or not. And what are the pros and cons if GR is taken in grad school? Thanks for...
  42. F

    What is a reasonable amount of debt to go into for undergrad.

    For someone planning on going on to 4 years of grad school.
  43. Vorde

    Schools Undergrad Astronomy Safety Schools

    As part of my junior curriculum I'm taking a college prep course. As part of this course I am gathering a list of colleges I plan on applying to, including several safety schools. I have several schools that I am totally confident that I will be able to get in, but I wouldn't quite call them...
  44. T

    Schools Advice for my undergrad school decision

    Hello I am currently in the midst of filling out my applications to apply to a few colleges and I was wondering is there really a huge difference between state ran schools? I am looking to apply at Pacific Lutheran University, Seattle University, University of Washington, Oregon State...
  45. Z

    Undergrad Interested in Math/Bio

    I'm currently a second-year taking a course that samples from Real Analysis/Complex Analysis/Functional Analysis/Topology/Linear Algebra and I enjoy it a lot. I learned some abstract algebra over the summer and thought that was fun as well. But at the same time, I'd like to do some applied work...
  46. Z

    Good undergrad ODE/PDE textbooks focusing on theory

    I'm looking for some good ODE/PDE textbooks that focus a little more on theory but that are still comprehensive in their respective subjects. I have taken ODEs and applied PDEs at my university but even though I got good grades, I feel like my knowledge is lacking. The books we used were...
  47. Q

    What fields would an undergrad in physics be introduced to?

    Just trying to learn modern physics. Currently studying (Classical Mechanics, John. R. Taylor). What else should I try studying? My goal is specialize in either Particle physics, Cosmology or Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Computation.
  48. X

    All of the physics classes I will be taking for undergrad what do you think.

    Spring 2012 Freshmen E@M Fall 2012 Waves, Optic and Thermo Modern Physics Spring 2013 Quantum Waves Anayltical mechanics Fall 2013 Junior E@M semester 1 Junior Quantum semester 1 Spring 2014 Junior E@M Semester 2 Junior Quantum semester 2 Reading in Particle Physics Fall 2015...
  49. K

    When did Hilbert Space First Enter the Undergrad Math Curriculum?

    How long does it take for newly discovered math material or physics material to be standardized into the math undergrad curriculum? Just wondering about hilbert space as well. When did hilbert space first go into the undergrad curriculum?
  50. G

    Programs Rank undergrad physics degrees by job potential

    I'm planning to major in physics at my university. However, this will be a second degree. My first was a 3 year biology degree 7 years ago. I'm interested in the job prospects of the various physics degrees and since my university is a small undergraduate school, they offer multiple...
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