Berkeley Physics Directed Reading Program
GOALS OF PDRP
The Berkeley Physics Directed Reading Program pairs undergraduate students with graduate student mentors from physics, astronomy, or earth and planetary sciences to explore specialized topics beyond the standard physics course curriculum offered at the university.
We recognize a desire in the student body to explore advanced and specialized subjects that aren't touched upon in standard coursework. Direct mentorship from experienced physicists in these areas provides invaluable learning opportunities. The program spans diverse areas including biophysics, condensed matter physics, mathematical physics, geophysics, fluid dynamics, astrophysics, gravitational physics, plasma physics, AMO, cosmology, quantum field theory, string theory, and quantum information—essentially any topic of mutual interest. Beyond academic exploration, the program creates meaningful connections between undergraduates and graduate students. Our mission is to build a collaborative learning community where graduate students, postdocs, and undergraduates share knowledge and generate new insights. As a volunteer-driven initiative, the program thrives on the dedication of our mentors and the enthusiasm of our mentees.
We recognize that entering theoretical physics research as an undergraduate presents significant challenges. The DRP aims to bridge this gap, though the program welcomes students from all areas of physics—experimental, computational, and theoretical alike. Everyone with curiosity and commitment is encouraged to participate.​
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PDRP EXPECTATIONS
The mentee will meet with their graduate student mentor on a weekly basis for a minimum of one hour. Meetings can be held in person or on Zoom. A project of mutual interest will be decided upon at the beginning of the semester. Some mentors may choose to have multiple students, which they may choose to mentor in a group or individually. The mentee(s) will present what they have learned at the end of semester PDRP symposium. ​​​
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We expect the undergraduate students commit at least 3 hours a week working on their project. The required time can be filled up through either problem solving, reading, or discussion. Any more time invested is certainly allowed and up to the motivation of the individual.
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End of Semester Symposium:
At the end of the semester (during RRR week), all undergraduates will share what they have learned at our PDRP symposium. We expect ALL PDRP undergraduates to attend and graduate students/post docs that can come. The session will be roughly 1 hour 40 minutes. Students will be divided into sections and each section will present for about 20 minutes. You are free to invite friends/family/circles to the event.
Being able to communicate physics is an important ability to have in academia and thus one of the other outcomes of the program is to improve this skill.
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A mentor can accept a mentee for at most 2 continuous semesters.
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CONTACT US
All questions can be sent to pdrp@berkeley.edu
