<p>Hey, I'm looking into Columbia College RD. I really like the core as well as the atmosphere described, but I had a few questions about certain programs.</p>
<p>How are the physics/math/astro programs at Columbia? I know they have Brian Greene, but what else? What is the student experience like? Are there any special programs?</p>
<p>Also, how are research opportunities at Columbia?</p>
<p>Thanks for any help,
sran</p>
<p>Oh, and what is the difference between a concentration and a major?</p>
<p>Math and physics departments at Columbia are very good. There are research opportunities in both, and the physics department basically guarantees research opportunities to all those who major or concentrate in it. (A concentration is like a minor -- fewer required courses.) A small group of entering students are designated Rabi Scholars and get research opportunities right away. They are basically students who were already involved in science and research before college.</p>
<p>The best aspect of physics and astrophysics at Columbia is that because of the small number of students who choose them as majors, there is an excellent faculty/student ratio. The down side is that, given the heavy requirements of the core curriculum, when you add a requirement-heavy major like physics, there is not as much room for other electives as you would find elsewhere. Because a lot of students headed into physics or math do not particularly want a humanities-based curriculum, they tend to congregate more at other schools. But, if the core appeals to you, it's a great place, and you will come out with an excellent all-around education. (My son's a sophomore who chose Columbia partly because of the core, and who is still juggling math, physics, economics and philosophy interests)</p>
<p>You don't need to major in anything to get a degree. You can technically choose a "concentration" and graduate. A concentration is something in between a minor and a major, in terms of the number of courses/requirements that you need to take in that subject. Just do a major.</p>
<p>Research opportunities are pretty good in the sciences at Columbia.</p>
<p>I didn't realize a concentration was heftier than a minor, thanks for that info.</p>
<p>I do know that there are some concentrations that would allow you to go onto graduate work in the field. For example, a physics concentration -- if the courses are carefully chosen with the help of a departmental advisor -- could enable you to go onto more advanced work in physics, even if you majored in something else as an undergrad.</p>
<p>the first uranium atom in north america (the site of the manhattan project, i guess) was exploded at columbia university... if that tells you something about how good physics is there. they also have their own observatory. in these fields columbia is an extremely hardcore research university.</p>
<p>?
First sustained reaction was U of C.</p>
<p>i dunno, i haven't done my research, and we might be talking about different things. if berkeley did it before, i'm not surprised, either. i'm just echoing info from the website.</p>