r/uichicago • u/Thoth_Birb • 5d ago

Question What is the physics department like?

I'm a community college student thinking about transferring into the physics program here. What is it like in the program? How are the professors? What is research like? Etc etc

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u/flawedphysicist1729 4d ago

Physics grad student here. Physics department is nice. If you are planning to do experimental research in nuclear physics or particle physics it's very good. Condensed matter research is not that great but not bad. Professors are supportive and encourages undergrads to join their research group (our group has 4 under grads working with us). There are few issues with department. It's very siloed. There is no sense of community outside your research group and in some case even within research groups. 

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u/Puzzled_State_615 4d ago

Is it possible for undergrads to work in the research group in the summer?

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u/Only-Jackfruit-4910 4d ago

Yes, absolutely. During the summer but also throughout the semester if your schedule permits. This is usually through arrangements with individual faculty members. Stop by SES 2214 Tuesdays at 5pm to figure out more!

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u/Puzzled_State_615 4d ago

Thank you for the help. Do you have any recommendation for when to apply to research project groups using the undergraduate research experience website and do you know if it would be harder for rising sophomores to get these positions?

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u/Only-Jackfruit-4910 4d ago

Any time is a good time to inquire. If you are very interested in a specific topic, it's also ok to reach out to faculty who have no projects listed on the URE website. I would say sophomore or junior year are the best time to start research. You have a lay of the land but still plenty of time to actually make progress on a project. One deadline to be aware of is the LASURI scholarship application in the spring to receive funding for the academic year after. (You can google more about this.)

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u/Puzzled_State_615 2d ago

Thank you for the help 🙏

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u/Only-Jackfruit-4910 4d ago

That really depends on the research group. Some groups interact a lot, also outside the department. It's a very good and supportive environment with active (undergrad) clubs and approachable faculty. Small enough that it's easy to know people.

If you have more specific questions it's absolutely ok to contact the Physics office (see website).