Hello all

Having progressed onto a PhD from a Masters I feel like I am struggling somewhat to "get into it". The topic of my Masters was related to the PhD topic (only the PhD is broader - the Masters study was a pilot for one of the PhD studies). Specifically, I wanted to ask for some advice on writing the literature report. I have never faced writing such a broad literature review (or at least it feels very broad). The literature review for the Masters was for quite a small area/ well refined - because it was the introduction/justification for one specific study. Whereas for the PhD it should serve to introduce and review the literature for a number of studies that I will do. I am not sure if this makes sense (now that I have written it), but any advice would be appreciated. I feel scared of failing the literature report (required in 2.5 months) before I have even started it!

Also, unrelated to the literature report - I feel worried about not being able to "get into" the PhD. So far I don't feel like I have any kind of grapple on it (3 weeks in) - even though it is a familiar enough area (I am not from another field). Grateful for any advice/sharing of experiences.

Thanks

Are you in molecular physics?

No, I'm not in molecular physics. But just to clarify (maybe the thread title is a bit misleading), I'm not asking for advice on what to include in my literature review. I think it is a more a motivational / self-doubt issue... Did anyone have something similar right at the start of their PhD and overcame it or it just disappeared later??