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Undergraduate Research, Internships, Jobs,
Summer Opportunities, and Fellowships.

The best way to learn physics is by doing it. Hands-on learning has always been an essential and valued part of the undergraduate experience in the Physics Department. It begins with the laboratory courses of the first two years (PHYS 19A, PHYS 19b, PHYS 29a, PHYS 29b). These lead to the advanced physics laboratory, PHYS 39a,b, in which students carry out in-depth experiments on modern topics, such as laser tweezers, holography, x-ray diffraction, and chaotic dynamics, for example.

Senior Research:

These laboratory courses are only part of the hands-on experiences that are available to our students. Most students carry out independent research in their senior year (PHYS 99), which leads to writing an honors thesis and receiving an honors degree. This is usually in the context of the overall research effort of one of the Research Groups in the Physics Department, and may be a continuation of work that the student has carried out in that group during the previous summer or year. See here for the titles and abstracts of the senior theses of the graduating seniors in 2007.

These jobs are usually paid positions, and can be part of a student's work-study financial aid. Over their undergraduate career at Brandeis, it is possible (encouraged, even) for a student to obtain research experience in two or more research groups. These jobs reinforce material from the lecture courses, and help the student develop a wide range of practical skills. The student also finds out what it is like to be a graduate student and to participate in cutting-edge scientific research.

Jobs and research opportunities are usually announced close to the beginning of each semester and just before the summer. If wish to be kept informed of these, make sure the department office has your contact information.

These opportunities fit naturally within the initiative for Experiential Learning from the Office of the Dean for Arts and Sciences. Beginning in 2007, students can receive academic credit for one semester of a research job. This appears on the student's transcript as PHYS 93, "Research Internship." Students may be invited to participate in Symposia organised by that office, bringing together students from many disciplines. Senior physics majors who have carried out independent research for an honors degree must present their results at the annual Physics Department Graduate and Undergraduate Student Research Symposium in memory of the late Professor Stephan Berko.

Summer Opportunities:

Instead of working in one of the research groups in the Physics Department, it is possible to participate in other programs across the country. Every year the National Science Foundation funds "Research Experiences for Undergraduates" (REU's) in a wide variety of subjects and departments. The student receives a stipend and travel expenses.

There is also an enormous variety of internship and summer opportunities for physics majors in industrial and government laboratories. This list is a good starting point.

Other Fellowships and Internships:

There are some special scholarships and research grants available to Brandeis undegraduates. Look here for further information.