Theoretical Physics vs Physics Question

thetalker

I had a previous q on this but these 3 are more specific.

1- I was wondering if it was possible to transfer from Physics into Theoretical Physics in the first few weeks EVEN if I didn't get the points.
I heard a trinity professor come in and say it but he was a chemist

2-Would a theoretical physics degree have jobs that a regular physics degree wouldn't allow entrance into or vice versa? Maybe related to space.

3-When moving into postgraduate research would the difference between the degrees at the undergrad level even matter for what Phd you want or does it just even out towards the end.

Thanks in advance

downinbigsmoke

I'm in compsci, but I know a few maths, TP and gensci types and looked into the courses. Here goes:

1. Unfortunately not. I've heard of a person transferring from gensci to nanoscience, but that was in second year - and they had got Schols and the LC points. And there's a much bigger gap between gensci and TP than nano. You could ask, but the answer will be no.


2. I don't really know, sorry. I'd imagine a TP degree would look better on your CV if you are applying to a MA program, and I've heard you can't apply to some places (the Perimeter Institute in Canada) as a gensci but I really don't know.

3. Yes!!! There's a massive gap between the two courses in terms of material. The most important courses from a academic perspective, QFT and General Relativity are taught by the School of Maths. In terms of theoretical material, someone doing physics will after four years be the equivalent of a TP at the end of second year. From an experimental perspective physics students have a slight edge in having a broader background, but the gap isn 't close to as large.

thetalker

downinbigsmoke wrote: »

I'm in compsci, but I know a few maths, TP and gensci types and looked into the courses. Here goes:

3. Yes!!! There's a massive gap between the two courses in terms of material. The most important courses from a academic perspective, QFT and General Relativity are taught by the School of Maths. In terms of theoretical material, someone doing physics will after four years be the equivalent of a TP at the end of second year. From an experimental perspective physics students have a slight edge in having a broader background, but the gap isn 't close to as large.

Thanks, that shed some light on the issue. Would you know why in UCD for instance the theoretical physics course is part of the gen science route?
I'm a bit surprised the huge difference in the theory between a physics student and tp student. Or even that the advantage a physics student has in the lab seems a bit negligible, is tp more hours?
Is there really no elements of the physics degree (cep labs) that a tp student wouldn't cover?