Physics at College Park

Physik
Mon, 25 Aug 2008 14:34:29 +0000

I live in VA (northern VA; pretty close to DC), and I’m considering UMD hugely for physics because I heard UMD has good physics grad department. But, is it true to undergrad physics in UMD, too? Not just grad school physics? Because I heard that physics course is pretty much the same for any undergrad (unless the college is not good enough) and that it is important to choose good grad school. Is that true? Then, is it worth going outstate for expensive tuition to Maryland physics undergrad (since the level or rigor is pretty much the same, and similar courses are offered anywhere)?

I also consider UVA because I’m instate. But, I’m not sure which university would be for me between UMD and UVA. I compared courses on the web and found no significant difference in course coverings. They both cover general areas of physics (Classical mechanics, Electricity&Magnetism, Gravitation or Relativity, Quantum mechanics or Modern physics). One good thing about Maryland physics is that it has few more advanced gravitation courses like general relativity. But, on the other hand, it seems like UVA covers more in detail the E&M materials.

My another question is about physics courses at Maryland. I looked up Maryland physics course catalog, and saw many good courses. But I’m not sure which of them are for undergrad and grad (I’m guessing that more advanced courses are for graduate).
So, the courses like Physics 675 and 776(gravitation/relativity)ever offered to undergrads?
What about PHYS 622 and 623 (quantum mechanics)?
If you are physics undergrad or grad at Maryland, it would be really helpful to tell us about the real experience taking courses and general course description(good & bad’s).

So, to summarize my questions into short sentences, they are the followings:

Are most of the physics “undergrad” departments pretty much the same, e.g. UMD&UVA, and is it worth paying more to go to higher ranked physics dept?
Between UMD & UVA, which do you think has better physics course in terms of academic teaching, not regarding the research area? (Also, what about William & Mary? Is W&M too not advanced or short for courses; I checked web and saw only handful of courses)
Distinguish which is usual physics course for undergrad and grad in U of Maryland?
Talk about experiences, what to expect, or general impression, etc. if you are a Physics major.


Thanks; Hoping for many good advices