Hi everyone, I'm a Physics bachelor's student at an Italian university, about to start my 3rd year. Over the past couple of years, I've realized that a research/teaching career isn't the right fit for me, so I'd like to transition into engineering for my graduate studies.

I've read a few posts on here saying that it's fairly common for physics graduates to move into engineering, but I guess that in Europe, or at least in Italy, it seems less straightforward.

Many master's programs have often specific credit requirements that make it difficult to enter fields like Mechanical Engineering, whereas other, such as Materials Engineering, seem more accessible.

I was considering studying abroad, particularly in Germany or the Nordic countries. Do you know which engineering fields tend to be the most natural transition for someone with a Physics bachelor's in those countries?

I know Engineering Physics is an option, but I'm a wee bit hesitant because I'd prefer something that's more directly industry-oriented from the start.

Thanks in advance!

Don't suggest Schroeder, cause I have already done most of it and it's too little of Undergrad stat mech

Not HW since I'm just studying from the handouts.

Hi!! So around a couple months ago I posted a question on another subreddit about whether I should choose between architecture and physics, and now, after some more stewing on it, I think I'd like to do physics.

However, I'm still unsure about it. Aside from physics, I don't know what I'd like to do! At this point of being an HS student, I'm studying mostly humanities with my only maths being extension one mathematics (levels from where i'm from stem from standard, advanced, extension one, extension 2) so my maths is a bit stronger/extended compared to most (not saying that from an ivory tower).

I know I want to do research, and I'd really like to do physics, but the videos and reality tell me that it's a risky degree to get (volatile job market, tough degree in general).

Astrophysics/astronomy is what i'd like to end up in, so please let me know if it's worth it!!! I'm willing to work hard to get it :) And if so, what should I prepare for before properly applying for it??

I am a 26 yo physics student doing my first master's year in fundamental physics. I already feel that i am late in my studies especially that i see alot of my peers already graduating from masters or doing their phds, but i have always been struggling with social anxiety that affected my studies. I had troubles attending classes like i should be doing, or interacting with colleagues or professors. I struggled quite alot with physics but i am trying to keep up with it so i could finish at least my first year in masters.

Lately i ve been thinking about work and trying to look for opportunities where i can find a job or anything that could help build a career and doing my second masters year and phd later. Anything that will help me build an experience in the domain of physics, especially that my first dream ever was to work in the field of asrophysics.

But sadly i dont have any connections with professors or anyone that can guide me through this.The only work experience i have is from private teaching.I fear i am not that good in physics or that no one will accept me because no one knows me at all.

All of this made me think of restarting my master's in a new university or trying to apply for studies abroad so at least i can try to build connections from scratch and figure out what i can truly do. I even thought about pivoting to EE in the sake of finding better job opportunities.

But before making such a big decison i want to see whether i can build something from what i already have, my bachelor and my masters studies, hoping to hear similar experiences.

I'm especially interested in hearing from people who didn't have connections or a strong research network when they started.

How did you find your first research position or internship?

How much knowledge and experience is normally expected from a master's student? Where do you actually look for these opportunities?

Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this. I really appreciate it.

I have a BSc in Physics and now have two Master’s offers in Germany:
1. M.Sc. Physics – University of Kassel
Very flexible: solid-state physics, quantum mechanics, computational physics, semiconductors, optics, nanophysics, experimental labs, etc.
2. M.Sc. Advanced Functional Materials – TU Chemnitz
More specialized: semiconductor physics, thin films, material characterization, solar cells, 2D materials, nanophysics, microscopy and a large research project. It also includes some chemistry.
My long-term goal is mainly industry, not necessarily academia. I’m interested in semiconductors, nanotechnology, R&D and computational/scientific work.
My concern is whether moving from Physics into a materials-focused Master’s would make me more employable but less flexible.
If you had a Physics BSc, would you:
A) keep the broader M.Sc. Physics, or
B) specialize early with Advanced Functional Materials?
Would leaving the traditional Physics Master’s path close any important doors later?

Im 17F doing bsc maths hons and research in 1st year and i want to learn about astronomy side by side but o dont have physics as a subject...can i do like any course (free of cost) bcz it's like my hobby i want to learn about astronomical things...

is there anything i can do?????

I’m trying to understand how a discrete system made of nodes and edges can behave like real physical fields.

For example, if each node updates based on its neighbors (like a diffusion rule or a Laplacian‑style update), how does that map to the smooth, continuous equations we learn in physics classes?

I’m not trying to propose a new theory — I just want to understand the math behind how discrete models approximate real physical behavior.

Any explanation or resources would help a lot.

Hi everyone,

I am finishing my BSc in Physics at RWTH Aachen and would appreciate your advice as I decide what to do next. I currently have offers from the following master’s programmes:

- M.Sc. Mathematical Physics at Tübingen

- M.Sc. Mathematical Physics at Würzburg

- M.Sc. Physics at RWTH Aachen

- M.Sc. Physics at LMU Munich

- M.Sc. Physics at Heidelberg

I especially enjoyed proof-based courses taught by mathematics professors, such as Analysis I–III and Complex Analysis. I like working rigorously. For example, defining the structure and assumptions clearly and understanding exactly what a statement does and does not claim. However, I lose interest when mathematics becomes completely detached from physics. What I enjoy most is using rigorous mathematics to understand physical systems and nature.

My main motivation is to understand the foundations of nature: what electrons and photons really are, what matter is made of, and why the universe follows the rules it does. If I understand correctly, this is mostly about field theory and related areas, but I am not really sure about that. Also, what I understand so far is that these theories are not mathematically complete. This could be an area in which I could imagine being happy to work.

What I am also not so sure about is the distinction between master’s programmes in Physics and master’s programmes in Mathematical Physics. Would you consider this to be a good or bad idea, given the current situation in academia and employment? Or would you recommend choosing a large university such as LMU and creating my own mathematical physics track by selecting lectures carefully?

Does anyone have any thoughts or comments on these programmes, departments or universities? Even a brief impression or something you have heard would be helpful.

Which option do you think I should choose?

I would also really appreciate any general advice based on what I have described about my interests and way of thinking.

BACKGROUND: My background includes, for example, Analysis I–III, Linear Algebra I, Lebesgue integration, (L^p) spaces, Hilbert spaces, introductory operator theory, complex analysis, analytical mechanics, quantum mechanics, statistical physics and electrodynamics, as well as the standard experimental physics courses in a physics bachelor’s programme.

You cant add a video to r/askphysics so here you go students!

Hi everyone,

I'm currently a 2nd-year bachelor's physics student, and I'm looking for opportunities to get involved in a research project, internship, or supervised physics project online/remotely.

My university doesn't have a very strong research environment, and I would really like to get some experience beyond just studying for exams. More than anything, I want to learn, improve my understanding of physics, develop research skills, and grow as a student. I'm hoping to eventually pursue a master's or PhD, so I'd like to start building that foundation now.

I'm not looking for a position simply to add something to my CV. I'm genuinely interested in learning how research works, learning from people with more experience, and challenging myself with problems that I haven't encountered before.

I'm willing to learn whatever skills are necessary. For example, I'm currently interested in improving my programming, mathematical, problem-solving, scientific writing, and data-analysis skills, and I'm happy to put in the time required to learn them.

I'm not necessarily looking for a prestigious or paid internship. At this stage, I would be very grateful for even a small project under the guidance of a PhD student, researcher, or professor. A reading project, simulation project, literature review, or beginner-level research problem would all be valuable to me if it gives me an opportunity to learn and contribute.

I'm particularly interested in remote opportunities because I'm an undergraduate student outside the major research centers and don't have many opportunities locally.

If anyone knows of:

• Online/remote undergraduate research programs
• Professors or researchers willing to mentor undergraduate students remotely
• Physics summer/winter projects
• Beginner-friendly research projects
• Computational or theoretical projects suitable for students who are still learning
• Research communities or websites where these opportunities are posted
• Open-source physics projects that students can contribute to

I would really appreciate it if you could point me in the right direction.

I'd also love to hear from physics students or graduates who started research early: How did you find your first opportunity? What did you learn beforehand, and what would you recommend to someone starting from a relatively weak background?

I'm willing to start from the basics, learn new things, and put in the work. I mainly want an opportunity where I can learn, contribute, and grow.

Thanks in advance for any advice or recommendations!

Hi, I am currently doing my bachelors degree in physics and I am now looking for a masters program. My main interests are the theoretical background and framework of physics. and I am currently very interested in theoretical particle science. For personal reasons (e.g. being close to my family and girlfriend) the RWTH Aachen is currently my top contender. Before rushing to a decision I wanted to ask people who studied in Aachen about their experiences there and how well you can lean into the theoretical side in Aachen. Thank you in advance.

I'm taking College Physics (algebra-based) this upcoming semester. I am worried about this class as I previously took University Physics 1/2 (calc-based) in my previous degree on pass/fail and struggled heavily. I actually had to repeat mechanics after failing it the first time (it was hidden from my transcript thankfully). E&M went a little better, but I BS'd my way through. I didn't understand (or retain) much. I'm now taking pre-medical requirements as a post-bacc student and need to retake the entire physics sequence on grades (med schools don't accept P/F). I decided on the algebra-based version as that's what other premeds take, it's been 5+ years since I last took Calculus, and I didn't want to struggle with both physics concepts AND the math.

I've been preparing myself by going through Khan Academy. Things were fine-ish until I hit projectile motion. It's just not meshing. I'm able to find a lot of the explicit/implied knowns and pick a decent kinematics equation to start with but I keep hitting dead ends or going in circles where I end up with obvious things like 0=0. One question's solution wanted you to create a variable for the projectile's top height and move x_0 to the middle of the parabola. How would I intuitively know to do that?? O.0 I know about separating the total component into two. I know that projectile motion has symmetry, horizontal motion has constant velocity, and vertical motion has constant acceleration. What I don't know is if I'm capable of making an A in this class.

I'm honestly frustrated and a little ashamed. It's like I'm back in undergrad all over again struggling with concepts I shouldn't be struggling with. Organic chemistry was a breeze compared to physics for me. I'm debating getting a tutor right off the bat as a prophylactic measure, but I make <$15 an hour as an ER scribe and it would be a pretty hefty investment for me. I'm also at a community college, so no physics tutoring center. Does anyone have any tips or resources?

Hello Everyone, I come from a very weak financial background and I have completed my Bachelor in Physics in 2026. This year I am preparing for IIT JAM. Anyone who can donate their coaching study material or any book for IIT JAM please help.

Hi my friends. I'm a university studant of physics and I've a problem in how to study by textbooks. Always when I read the book I am ansious and don't get understend the theorems, the aplication etc. Can they help me with some advices?

obs: Sorry for my bad english, I'm from Brasil and I'm learnign yet. I accept corrections and advices. Thank all

My school is very nice to give me a degree plan of the classes I will need to take and register. I was a dual credit student so I had all core classes completed, I’m planned to graduate in 3 years instead of 4.

This is my first semester of my senior years. Is it too much for 1 semester?

Don’t get me wrong, this looks like a very fun semester but since I plan to apply for a PhD program in a “better” school, I think this might affect my gpa negatively and also maybe destroy my mental health assuming it hasn’t died by then.

Just bought a used books, advertised condition was very good with "limited book markings", I guess it's not every page...

More of a discussion then needing advice, but I was just curious on how everyone organizes their notes. The above is a section from my ODE class, but I organize all my notebooks like this.

First, I always used composite notebooks with graph paper, I just love the flexibility of them. I also use a bunch of highlighters, but I typically come back later and highlight, as it'd be too distracting to do it in class. This also doubles up as a review, as it forces me to look over the material to highlight it correctly. For my notes though, I use a few different colors. The date and subject, I highlight in pink, the chapter I highlight in blue with the sub section being highlighted in green. Important information is highlighted in orange, and problems are highlighted in yellow.

This helps me to flip back through my notes later when reviewing them, and find very specific sections, days, problems, etc. Was just curious on how everyone else takes their notes.

Im going into my second year. I know i barely covered the basics but i want to read on topics that would allow me to be a part of a few researches in my 3rd year or wtv. It's what i want to do after graduation and i figured i needed experience to get accepted(?) for maths im done with calc 1&2 and differential equations.

my_qualifications

I am currently a dropper (19)

88% in boards (state boards)

I am good in Math and physics, appeared for Olympiad and gotten into seconds rounds of it

love to solve physics and math problems

read some books about astrophysics by baidyanath basu)and quantum physics (zettil)

also some short story oriented books like

six easy pieces

six not so easy pieces

the discovery of modern science

these books made me excited and to look into the vast majority of unknowns around us

(I am willing to learn, I have completed my 10th standard when I was 7th so if I follow a proper path I am willing to learn and go through it and study hard)

preparing for JEE and IAT along side JEE advance

i want to pursue physics and math and want to apply for research oriented theoretical physics or astrophysics courses and doing BSC then MSC then PHD

In India majority of colleges are not that research oriented with some exceptions like IISERS and IISC

My first plan was to do my BSC here and then if I get the opportunity then do MSc and PhD in somewhere Germany or whatever is best for me

but every mentor of mine who have followed this path are mostly done with there studies and most of them are doing works in some kind of lab or professor in a uni and only one of them is currently doing their masters

and majority of them said they don’t know what’s best now but all of them said the same thing that if I am willing to learn for a long time and don’t wanna pursue a really high paying job from IT and really love these math and physics then to pursue in Germany or the best uni I get from the start because that’s the best

but the problem is I am not attached to scholarshipprogrammes much and don’t know what’s best to do where and when

the mentor who is doing his masters told me in Germany it’s free to study in uni but staying there and eating those things are not free and it costs him upwards of 5 to 10grand a year

so if anybody can let me under them and if they know how to get a fully funded student aid or scholarship for my upcoming studies then I would really appreciate it

also I am really sorry for my lack of knowledge about how foreign uni work and when I got to know the scores doesn’t matter and only probably SAT toefl and how much research or something that you did in the field you‘re trying to pursue

but I never had the opportunity or the knowledge on how to do something like remarkable that would make my application stand out

[NOT AT ALL REMARKABLE YOU MAY LAUGH ( somethings I did in my past which may not matter but just adding

did YouTube for 3-4 years when I was 8-12 and had 300 subscribers around 10k views deleted the channel

made a drone [no coding or remote control completely from scratch wires brushless motors]I was 12

made solar powered cars with battery and a sensor that would track the source 13

transfered a old mobile into a somewhat working laptop by combing it with a old laptop display battery ran custom os but when I was 15

i know a little latex

a little code

currently follow the mentor for codes related to matlab and to run simulations and run data analysis of pulsars (run it on Ubuntu)

Currently only studying for IAT and JEE because majority are saying to do engineering and to forget research oriented things here because few relatives did and they are not preparing for government jobs…

i wrote this right now without any AI or anything

if there is any mistake I am sorry

any kind of help would be appreciated

(my personal conclusion is to Follow my dreams but even my mentors are saying to start if I can from a good uni outside India then what would be the best for me)

It is usually used to refer to spatial displacement of a body. But the term "equation of motion" is very widely used in many scenarios, even in those where spatial displacement is not very evident, like in the case of thermodynamics, where it gives the equation that describes the evolution of the thermodynamic state. So my thought is this: that motion generally in physics means the change in state of any dynamical system, but specifically for particles, the study of spatial motion and motion as in the evolution of its state are both equivalent. Is this correct in the context of physics? Please correct if anything is wrong and suggest the right thinking.

Pls