/sci/ - Science & Math

>Specifically string theory
didn't read past that. don't even try

>>9840757
why is triangle a triangle sharp but the lower triangle a triangle flat?

>>9840766
Sorry for that. I like the maths of string theory. I know it might indeed be bs, but dualities are a strong tool

>>9840768
The lower has zero modes, so it's flat and tiring. The upper is just a covariant laplacian, nice and cool.

>>9840757
Getting into a hot research field is one way, it makes it far easier to get publications in high tier journals that are bound to get citations. Also working with someone who has a lot of clout and is willing to stick their neck out for you to get you a position will help massively. The issue with just doing string theory is that it can be quite cutthroat, a lot of the people working in the field are extremely good at mathematics and theoretical physics, and there may not be many jobs open. One branch of physics that is pretty hot is condensed matter physics, which may be of interest to you as people are applying ideas from string theory to understand these systems better. Quantum computation is also getting a pretty big boost as well. There's a lot of money in biophysics.

>>9840757
αυτο το νοτέισον είναι οτι kαλύτερο υπάρχει

>>9840757
>string theory
>nonperturbative QFT
Which is it? The quickest way into academia is to find a specialization ASAP and prove yourself in it

>>9841378
Sure but proving myself in assignments etc. is far from proving myself for research. My point is, how to approach profs and tell them "hear me out, I wanna work with ya"

>>9840907
Geia sou dimitri

>>9841846
>My point is, how to approach profs and tell them "hear me out, I wanna work with ya"

Unless you're a 4.0 12-year-old Harvard student nobody will give a shit about you.

>>9841846
>Sure but proving myself in assignments etc. is far from proving myself for research
Can't you read? Do you not know what "specialization" means? This directly implies research, and the fact that you listed 2 mostly disjoint research topics means you haven't picked a specialization yet.
Sort this out first before approaching any prof. If you're actually a grad student then this should've been sorted out by now.

>>9841959
Why does he had to sort this out before going into grad school? Nobody is going to explain you different areas of a field in undergrad school, you need to do the search yourself. This is the purpose of grad school (since it’s got classes for several fields for you to get deeper into) and then start to see what is it you want to work into.

>>9842041
>This is the purpose of grad school
Wrong. They're not paying you to find what you want to research, they're paying you to DO research. It's another story if you find a faculty gullible or believes in you enough to pay you when you don't even have a direction, but this is NOT the norm.

>>9842046
I didn’t know they pay you. That however does not change the fact that when graduating most of the people haven’t necessarily found their particular field of interest, and that’s normal. Demanding it seems pretty cruel to me desu

>>9842062
>I didn’t know they pay you
Let me guess, you're in Europe? It's customary to be subsidised in the NA and if they don't offer you any funding then that's basically a rejection letter.
>Demanding it seems pretty cruel to me desu
That's because the faculties here don't fuck around and actually pay us for our work.
Now I'm not saying you can't change your interests further down the line. I myself did my (paid) masters in condensed matter but now I'm doing a PhD in TQFT. But this doesn't change the fact that I knew I wanted to study topological superconductors going into my masters.

>>9842072
I am in Europe and I am not paid if I want to get a Masters degree.

That’s interesting, from what little i’ve read TQFT sounds the most interesting area to study to me. There are many parameters in the way tho. It doesn’t seem easy picking an area and dedicating months, even years studying it when you don’t even know if your abilities can get you there.

>>9842089
>There are many parameters in the way tho.
You should've figured this out through doing undergrad research, if you were in NA at least.
Abilities aside you should be doing what you find the most interesting, because frankly speaking there is very little intersection between nonperturbative QFT (a la Strocchi, Swieca, etc. which mainly deals with regularity of the theory) and string theory (a la Witten, Moore, etc. which mainly deals with the algebra of the theory), which means that you really have to pick one and only one between them if you want to contribute something substantial.

>>9842097
>NA
?

>>9841959
Thing don't work like that in Europe Mr. animumu

Most European universities are trash to be honest.

If you want to make something of yourself, go into a top American school like Harvard, MIT, CalTech, etc.

>>9841959
>>9842097
First of, the other guy you were chatting wasn't the OP. Secondly, nonperturbative QFT and string theory aren't dizjoint. For example D-instantons and dualities coming both from brane playing and from YM constructions. Third point, having done undergrad in EU and continuing grad in EU I haven't had the chance to do research on my own, hence the whole post. Besides, in US they pay (some of) you for grad school because it's a PhD all together. In EU they don't pay you for your MSc (usually 2 years) but they do pay you for PhD, as a normal job.

>>9842513
Thanks, but that wasn't the point of the thread

>>9842537
>D-instantons and dualities coming both from brane playing and from YM constructions.
Just because the two fields use some of the same tools does not make them not mostly disjoint. The fact that category theory is both used extensively in quantum computing and algebraic geometry does not mean the two fields are disjoint. They have entirely distinct goals, just like how nonpertubative QFT seeks to evaluate observables through analytic means and study their regularity while string theory seeks to explore the interplay between CFT and Yang-Mills.
Try reading actual books about them (look up some of the names I mentioned) for once.
>I haven't had the chance to do research
That much is obvious. The point is for you to do research under the guidance of a supervisor. Doing any self-study has only marginal effect on your grad application, and hence does not enter the faculties' considerations.
>on my own
Barely being able to handle the coursework is one thing (which indicates that you shouldn't go into grad school in these fields at all in the first place), but not even being able to self-study some of the topics' basics before you open your mouth is a red flag for laziness and incompetence. Some faculties might overlook your slow-learning (since you couldn't do any undergrad research) but very few are gullible enough to let someone with little drive and motivation to study under them.
Reconsider your life before making your next decision.

>>9842559
>does not mean the two fields are disjoint
are not* disjoint

>>9842559
For your first meme arrow: how the hell can a person with such narrow way of thinking like you, be able to do any research at all, nevermind being arrogant and toxic about it? Even, if we want to stick to the definitions, two things having anything in common are obviously not disjoint. But forget that, for the point about QFT and strings only, what is the point of plainly evaluating observables? Of course you want to conclude something deep for the theory. Furthermore, you've once again stuck your mind to words, and soons I said the words nonperturbative and QFT together you've stuck to one very narrow path in it and locked on it.

For your second and third meme arrows: why the hell have you equated research and self-study, concluded that I "barely" get along with coursework and equated me with the other anon you were chatting before, thus claiming laziness and incompetence? Finally, how am I to blame for my uni completely disregarding the chance of undergrad research, hence not being able to do any such?

Consider expanding your mind before giving anyone else any advice

>>9842628
>meme arrow
They're direct quotes from your post, fucktard.
>obviously not disjoint
I never said they're disjoint. I said *mostly* disjoint. The premise of doing good research is to have a very specific set of goals in mind, not running around like a headless chicken.
>what is the point of plainly evaluating observables
Because that's how the theory makes predictions. Besides, I've said that nonperturbative QFT also wishes to study the regularity of said observables, not just evaluate them like what physicists content themselves with. You cannot be this fucking stupid.
>you've stuck to one very narrow path in it and locked on it.
Because I know what the field is and I'm familiar with its results, while you are obviously not. This may be your first ever reality dose that you're not nearly as smart as your parents make you think you are.
>why the hell have you equated research and self-study
I have not, and I addressed both because you said yourself "research ON MY OWN", which indicates self-studying (or is your reading comprehension as terrible as your Dunning-Kruger?)
>equated me with the other anon you were chatting before
I did no such thing. All I've done is quote and infer from the post I directly responded to.
>thus claiming laziness and incompetence?
Do not flatter yourself. The other anon has a much more open and positive attitude towards research than your monkey self ever had.
>Finally, how am I to blame for my uni completely disregarding the chance of undergrad research, hence not being able to do any such?
I highly doubt an accredited institute does not give any chances for undergrad research. It's either you do not have the initiative to start one or your lack of capabilities repulses an prospective supervisors you might have, and either of these do not spell good news for you unless you start taking responsibility.

>>9842653
Not OP, just wondering, are you the real yukari poster or one of the many copycat posters that started appearing a while back? Follow up question, is Mark Van Raamsdonk actually a cool guy in real life? I've seen some of his talks and he seems like a nice person but I was wondering how he's like on a day to day level.

>>9842653
>I never said they're disjoint

>The fact that category theory is both used extensively in quantum computing and algebraic geometry does not mean the two fields are not disjoint
Well, you did

Research on my own was not to indicate self studying, it was to indicate original research, I might have picked the wrong words for it, sorry for that. But in any case claiming laziness and incompetence for not having already self-studied things that I'm going to grad school in order to learn isn't a bit foul? (despite the fact that I have indeed self-studied some of them) Keep in mind, in EU the way it goes is
BSc: Learn basics
MSc: Learn more advanced + few current research themes
PhD: do research.
Also keep in mind that I'm between BSc and MSc.

>I highly doubt an accredited institute does not give any chances for undergrad research
You do, yet you judge by US facts only, or best case scenario by a handful of EU unis. Let me know, from first hand, for once.

If you want funding, you should do master in Canada.

>>9842714
I'm the original. The copycats only has a few stock phrases that they repeat.
>Mark Van Raamsdonk
Not familiar with him personally since I don't do research in the field he's in, but I've heard him give talks at conferences like APS and he seems like a chill enough guy.
>>9842721
>But in any case claiming laziness and incompetence for not having already self-studied things that I'm going to grad school in order to learn isn't a bit foul?
In my experience, it is expected. And anyone who has the audacity to even consider grad school without doing all this groundwork is, unadulteratedly, lazy and incompetent.
>Learn more advanced + few current research themes
If this is really how the EU masters go then I have no words. Truly inefficient system.
>You do, yet you judge by US facts only
That is in regards to only the funding part. The fact that undergrad research should be available is a global fact.

>>9842736
>Not familiar with him personally since I don't do research in the field he's in
Oh, I thought you were the guy who was at the same uni as him, maybe that was another guy. I just remember there used to be someone at UBC in /mg/, before it went to complete shit.

>>9842757
>I thought you were the guy who was at the same uni as him
I did do my masters at the same uni, but I never really had a chance to talk to him back then and have even less chance now. Never took a course from him either.
I've been to some of his concerts though, they're pretty good.

>>9842763
>I've been to some of his concerts though, they're pretty good.
This is actually something I always found a bit fun, I didn't know there were a good number of physics profs who were also in bands. At my uni some of the quantum chemistry people have a set up in our building where they practice every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday when most of the theoreticians are out. They're really fun to hang out with, was a bit surprised to find out that they also make their own moonshine there.

>>9842736
>In my experience, it is expected.
What do you learn in grad school (or US equivalent: in the classes of first two years of grad school (if I've understood correctly the correspondence)) then?
For example, I have self-studied QFT, Statistical FT and Mathematical Methods, all three of which are classes for the first semester of the master course I'll go into. In that case, what will I learn by taking these classes? Also, I have not self-studied string theory, for example. If I should self-study the whole master program what's the point in enrolling in one and not staying in my place, posting in japanese cartoon sites and self-studying stuff?

About the EU masters, the baseline is that. You can (or you cannot if you don't want) do a bit of a research for your MSc thesis and if you approach professors, ask to stick into their group and do research with them, but the last one is not the norm. The last one was actually the whole purpose of the post, because given the EU system, I don't know how can they judge if you suit or do not suit to work with them without having ever been given the chance to prove yourself and I really want to do some research.

>undergrad research should be available
could not agree more with you on that. Yet it isn't available in all unis.

>>9840757
where are you from?

>>9842787
I personally also play violin, and have given a few solo concerts in the orchestra at the place I'm at now.
Also a few colleagues of mine has this annual whiskey brewing gathering where we all bring our own brewing material and make flavored alcohol. I get shitfaced and flirt with all of my colleagues. It's great.
>>9842788
It's less about what you learn, but more about concurrence of research in NA. The things you learn should also be globally uniform, given the field.
>If I should self-study the whole master program what's the point in enrolling in one and not staying in my place
Because NA masters programs are much more than just learning. It involves active research. Besides, the courses you take can fill in the gaps in the knowledge you've gained from self-studying, and without doing at least some minimal groundwork you can't hit the ground running (though I now understand that it is not necessary to hit the ground running in EU). Again, inefficient system.
>how can they judge if you suit or do not suit to work with them
This is my point, that the NA system does this through your applications, self statements and rec letters, then they immerse you directly in research. Again, the EU system is just inefficient. If you can't do anything about it then I can't help you.

>>9842803
I don't know about OP's uni, but in my experience it's pretty standard that ANY grad course includes research, especially in STEM and a Master's Thesis gets published 80% of the time, or at the very least is very relevant to the advisor's research.

>>9842788
>If I should self-study the whole master program what's the point in enrolling in one and not staying in my place, posting in japanese cartoon sites and self-studying stuff?
Well, self studying doesn't always reveal people's blind spots and weaknesses, coursework usually helps you iron those out. Also, from the grad courses I've taken one thing profs like doing is connecting the material with their work (a way of introducing their research to hook new grad students and see who might make a good researcher under them) and also to introduce them to how these ideas are applied to other areas of physics and get students to the bleeding edge of research. As an example, in my friend's stat mech course the teacher had them read papers about black hole entropy. If you want, some unis post their lecture videos and materials online (for grad school). I can try posting some links depending on what you specifically want to look at right now.
>>9842803
>I personally also play violin, and have given a few solo concerts in the orchestra at the place I'm at now.
>Also a few colleagues of mine has this annual whiskey brewing gathering where we all bring our own brewing material and make flavored alcohol. I get shitfaced and flirt with all of my colleagues. It's great.
One thing I have noticed about physicists is that they do like partying. I went to one of the aspen conferences last year and a couple of the guys were talking about getting high/drunk while they had the chance. I mostly hung out with other grad students at some bars, also found this Vietnamese hole in the wall that I ate at frequently, was pretty cozy.

>>9842825
Yes that is the case in my experience as well. I don't know how the EU works but I doubt they can produce anyone of importance without at least this much.

>>9842803

Indeed it's not necessary to hit the ground running in EU.

Indeed possibly inefficient system, I'll tell you in a year, after I've finished the first year.

Also, suppose that I, from a my shitty uni who haven't been given the chance to do undergrad research want to go for NA. How could I compete, all the NA-coming applicants having already undergrad research on their back?

>>9842826
What you're saying is at least a bit encouraging. No thanks, I'll check them out on my own

>>9842838
>How could I compete
You don't.

>>9842834
Yeah, I'm from EU (czech republic), that's why I said that I don't know how OP's uni works, because in my experience any school that has any reputable groups does indeed demand research from their grad students, whether it be for MSc or PhD and as far as I know, it works like this in most reputable EU schools, that's why I'm confused about OP's.

>>9842839
I guess, I have to stay in my inefficient system perpetuating the inefficiency. Reassuring.

>>9842845
It depends on the country but OP seems to be ashamed to state where he is from lmao, maybe he's spanish or polish

>>9842853
even worse, I'm from the pay denbts counrty

>>9842855
Greece? damn, good luck to you lmao you're a trooper

>>9842838
>What you're saying is at least a bit encouraging. No thanks, I'll check them out on my own
>>9842838
>Also, suppose that I, from a my shitty uni who haven't been given the chance to do undergrad research want to go for NA. How could I compete, all the NA-coming applicants having already undergrad research on their back?
Well, good look to you then.
I wouldn't try coming to the US, if only because international students can get fucked over pretty hard, there are some pretty bad stories out there. Canada might be better though. It might be possible if you simply apply for master's program to get into the US, and then from there apply to a PhD program, that'll give you a better chance than directly applying for your PhD, at least in the US that is. While many US undergrads do in fact research, a lot of them are shit tier in terms of their out put, and some are only able to do the grunt work. Others can get away without having much research done, but they usually have strong grads and letters of rec from a good to great uni. I'm surprised Europe doesn't even have anything like REUs.

There are very weird responses.

At least in Germany, a master course in physics means 1 year of coursework and 1 year of research.

For the coursework, they follow similar curriculum. A few core advanced experimental or theoretical courses worth a lot of credits. Can be in QM, Stat Mech, Solid state, QFT, etc. And the rest are labs, seminar, and electives depending on the speciality of the departments.

Additionally there's a possibility to do your thesis outside in some research institute, say Max Planck. Or also companies. In this case a prof in the home university and a scientist in the institute are both listed as supervisor. For your master thesis, you'll mostly deal with the phd student, rarely the prof.

>>9842862
>international students can get fucked over pretty hard
Examples for interest?

>>9842865
>Examples for interest?
Most are ones I've heard from other grad students, so take it with a grain of salt, but some international students can have their funding/housing cut/messed with pretty easily for things that are out of their control, especially when it comes to their work visas. These things can happen without warning and are a pain to deal with. How often this happens is not something I can answer.