<p>Can anyone provide an insight for me between physics major at UCB and U of C in term of courses, professors,and research opportunities?</p>
<p>I don’t know a great deal about the physics department at UChicago but I will say that the physics department here is excellent. There aren’t many majors compared to the number of professors (about 4 majors for every prof. though that doesn’t include the many phds up at LBL that you can work with). In terms of research Berkeley physics is much stronger than U Chicago but I’m not sure you’d notice a huge difference as an undergrad. There is a great honors physics sequence you’ll find quite challenging which offers smaller classes to physics majors and those who are just very interested in the material. We also have a few nobel laureates teaching undergraduate classes and while they aren’t always the best teachers it’s always cool to talk to them in office hours and such. Let me know if you have any other questions.</p>
<p>yay! another potential physics major! The world needs more physicist. >.></p>
<p>Anyways, onto the school. The choice really depends on your personality and goal/aspirations. First of all, the Cal Graduate physics program (note: graduate) is rank 4th within the nation. Personally, I haven’t heard much about U. of Chicago with regards to physics (they are really good for econ, my other choice. T_T). Now, how much similiarities are there between Cal graduate and undergraduate? They are taught by the same faculties, however, there will be less research opp. for undergraduates (for obvious reason).</p>
<p>Now, you should keep in mind that cal has a much greater population…which might work for or against you. If you are the type that wants personal attention, steller rec, then maybe U. of C. is a better choice. However, Cal has a bigger population to interact with, and more importantly, more varieties within its research. If you are doing more conventional aspects of physics (string theory and most experimental physics), then I believe there should be relavent research at Chicago regardings those. If you want to dabble into other less active branches of physics (Loop Quantum Gravity, High energy physics, etc)…Cal might be a better choice (since you might not find a research of your interest at a smaller school). So, that would be my breakdown.</p>
<p>In addition, if you want to go to graudate school in physics…Cal is a better choice. If you want to go into industry, I think (I might be wrong) that U. of C. might be better? </p>
<p>But whereever you go, the main factor is YOU. How well you react to your environment makes all the difference. Best of luck to you (and me I guess. ^.^)</p>
<p>you should make an account on the physicsforums…and see how the actual physicist thinks. I think that would be less biased…as oppose to asking current Cal students (or incoming freshmen…<em>cough</em> me)</p>
<p>This might help:
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/other-college-majors/459847-physics-best-undergraduate-physics-programs.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/other-college-majors/459847-physics-best-undergraduate-physics-programs.html</a></p>
<p>It’s another discussion discussing the top physics programs.</p>
<p>Thank You Guys </p>
<p>More question. </p>
<p>What is the average class size of upper division physics course? Will the budget cut reduce the research opportunities for undergraduate? How fast can I get in to physics upper division course? By the way, I am an international student. I may not have a chance to do summer program. If I have a chance, I would do Math54 or 53 which will accelerate me to study the advance course.</p>
<p>Lack of research opportunities is something I really wouldn’t worry too much about for physics. Research funding doesn’t come from the school. And there are a few places other than school that offer research opportunities that undergrads can inquire into such as the Lawerence Berkeley Lab and the Silver Space Lab both on the hill behind the school.</p>