Best University for Physics and Maths?

[TylerD9]

Hello,

So I have my heart set on becoming a theoretical physicist, particularly around the areas of astro and quantum mechanics. I was wondering what the best university would be for Physics and Maths at undergraduate level, and best for physics for a PhD?

I was looking into either the Monash Science Advanced Research degree (major in Physics and Maths) or the Melbourne BSc (physics) with the diploma in mathematics. From my understanding Melbourne is more highly regarded, but Monash provides that 4th honors year to help get into a PhD program. What are your thoughts on these two options? Or is there something else I'm missing?

For a PhD I have no clue for uni's. I've been told that its a lot better to study physics overseas in like America or the UK. What are your thoughts on this?

It's all still a long way off, but I'm trying to get my research done before VCE starts consuming all my time.

Thank you

[AngelWings]

Hey TylerD9!

Don't know how much help I can be, since my area is more genetics and chemistry, but I do a Bachelor of Science (no frills) and may have just completed it on Friday (pending results) at Monash. I can say that both are pretty much just as good as each other, although, of course, it'll depend on who you talk to and where you look (university rankings and what not). In all honesty, there will be some differences at the undergraduate level between the two universities, but it should even out, given some experience. Instead, I would choose an undergraduate course based on other factors as well, such as convenience, whether you are bothered by that 4th year/ risk factor involved between course entry (i.e. getting from undergraduate to graduate courses may require certain experience or results) and whether you have been to the campuses and like their atmospheres on Open Days and similar events. Other people may argue differently and tell you there are lots of differences, but I don't know much about the research side of the maths/ physics areas.

Not sure if that answers part of your question, but hopefully that helps!

...or the Monash BSc (physics) with the diploma in mathematics

Also I think you meant Melbourne here.  Might want to modify this before people are convinced you like Monash better.

[TylerD9]

Thank you for the response, I appreciate it. Yeah well the Monash science advanced garuntees a place in fourth year honours and you need it for any phd in physics. Thank you again though, yeah ill fix that, cons to staying up all night studying for exams is that you get very tired lol

[The Raven]

Echoing what AngelWings said, travelling distance / cost should probably the biggest focus for undergrad. However, if you are interested in different Unis:

The best physics research undergrad in Aus is probably the ANU PhB, you'll get lots of research opportunity even in undergrad with personalised attention. However, the ATAR is quite high and would require you to move interstate I'm assuming.
The Monash advanced science will also give you research experience in undergrad and since it incorporates an honours year equivalent, you might be able to apply directly for a PhD afterwards.
The Melbourne physics major + concurrent maths diploma will take the same amount of time (4 years) but if you are ambitious you can condense that down to 3.5 or even 3. However, as there is no honours component and Melbourne Uni doesn't provide an honours in Physics, you will have to do a Masters first before becoming eligible for PhD application. As you don't have to do breadth subjects at Monash, you can technically cover more in your 4 years (an honours year) than at Melbourne. However, breadth at Melbourne allows you to explore more into non-science areas.

In terms of PhD, for the areas that you are interested in, studying overseas would definitely be an advantage, especially as the majority of physics research positions are overseas as well. However, competition is extremely fierce and you may have to do a Masters in Physics (either here or overseas) to be competitive unless you are an especially strong candidate. However, the ANU and UMelb physics grad programs are quite good although for graduate study it should depend more on the type of project and supervisor you will be able to work with.

[Floatzel98]

Again I'll agree that travel / costs should be the biggest focus. It was the major reason I ended up going to Monash over Melbourne, as I'm closer to Monash.

I basically had to make the same decision as you when deciding on a uni. The fact that Monash offers Honours in Physics is good and does offer the possibility to fast track into a PhD. Melbourne obviously make it a bit harder, having to do a Masters after your undergraduate degree (if you decided to stay there). Undergraduate Physics and Math courses are pretty standard, you will end up learning the same thing where ever you go. Monash does offer more variety in the astronomy and astrophysics department when compared to Melbourne. Physics at Monash is run quite well. Math isn't half bad either.

I wouldn't worry too much about PhD's. I don't think either university will really help or hinder you based on reputation alone. I'd say other things, such as research experience would be a bigger factor in the end.

You can PM me if you want to know anything else more specific

[TrueTears]

Both Melbourne or Monash would be great choices.

Highly recommend doing your PhD overseas, especially in the US. Obviously, you need a stellar profile to get admitted to the top schools. There are some old AN members who have gone on to top 10 schools: humph (PhD in pure mathematics at Princeton, who I think has finished now), mark_alec (PhD in theoretical physics at Stanford).

Would be happy to discuss more through PM

[TylerD9]

Echoing what AngelWings said, travelling distance / cost should probably the biggest focus for undergrad. However, if you are interested in different Unis:

The best physics research undergrad in Aus is probably the ANU PhB, you'll get lots of research opportunity even in undergrad with personalised attention. However, the ATAR is quite high and would require you to move interstate I'm assuming.
The Monash advanced science will also give you research experience in undergrad and since it incorporates an honours year equivalent, you might be able to apply directly for a PhD afterwards.
The Melbourne physics major + concurrent maths diploma will take the same amount of time (4 years) but if you are ambitious you can condense that down to 3.5 or even 3. However, as there is no honours component and Melbourne Uni doesn't provide an honours in Physics, you will have to do a Masters first before becoming eligible for PhD application. As you don't have to do breadth subjects at Monash, you can technically cover more in your 4 years (an honours year) than at Melbourne. However, breadth at Melbourne allows you to explore more into non-science areas.

In terms of PhD, for the areas that you are interested in, studying overseas would definitely be an advantage, especially as the majority of physics research positions are overseas as well. However, competition is extremely fierce and you may have to do a Masters in Physics (either here or overseas) to be competitive unless you are an especially strong candidate. However, the ANU and UMelb physics grad programs are quite good although for graduate study it should depend more on the type of project and supervisor you will be able to work with.

Thank you for the insight, I will definetely have a look at ANU

[TylerD9]

Again I'll agree that travel / costs should be the biggest focus. It was the major reason I ended up going to Monash over Melbourne, as I'm closer to Monash.

I basically had to make the same decision as you when deciding on a uni. The fact that Monash offers Honours in Physics is good and does offer the possibility to fast track into a PhD. Melbourne obviously make it a bit harder, having to do a Masters after your undergraduate degree (if you decided to stay there). Undergraduate Physics and Math courses are pretty standard, you will end up learning the same thing where ever you go. Monash does offer more variety in the astronomy and astrophysics department when compared to Melbourne. Physics at Monash is run quite well. Math isn't half bad either.

I wouldn't worry too much about PhD's. I don't think either university will really help or hinder you based on reputation alone. I'd say other things, such as research experience would be a bigger factor in the end.

You can PM me if you want to know anything else more specific

Thank you for the response

[humph]

Both Melbourne or Monash would be great choices.

Highly recommend doing your PhD overseas, especially in the US. Obviously, you need a stellar profile to get admitted to the top schools. There are some old AN members who have gone on to top 10 schools: humph (PhD in pure mathematics at Princeton, who I think has finished now), mark_alec (PhD in theoretical physics at Stanford).

Would be happy to discuss more through PM

As TrueTears said, if you want to do a PhD, you're better off doing it overseas, at the most prestigious place you can get into (at least if you want to go into academia; if you're only interested in industry, then (a) the university at which you got your PhD matters less, and (b) a PhD isn't mandatory). The people I know who got a PhD at (top!) Australian universities have found it much more difficult to gain academic employment afterwards than those graduating from US or UK universities.

I benefited greatly from the PhB program at ANU allowing me to experience research as an undergrad. But otherwise I don't think it'd make much of a difference about getting in to top PhD programs.