creepypasta13
May18-11, 03:16 AM
So I'm currently self-studying Jackson's Electrodynamics. The math for my undergrad physics was no problem at all for me as I had a strong background in DEs, PDEs, linear algebra, etc. I haven't looked too much into Jackson so far, but it seems I'm having the most difficulty is just keeping up with all the tedious vector manipulations and special functions. Would I need a book like Arfken's to help alot with this later on? I don't think Boas would help much since the last time I saw it, it seemed to basic for me. But I didn't see the special functions section of it.
Also, I'm hoping to be able to self study some group theory this summer as well. I have no background in it and have very little knowledge of Abstract Algebra (I audited a course in it for a few weeks, but this was years ago). I don't know yet if I want to go into QFT, solid-state, etc. I heard Tinkham is good for beginners, but its based for solid state physics.
Also, I'm hoping to be able to self study some group theory this summer as well. I have no background in it and have very little knowledge of Abstract Algebra (I audited a course in it for a few weeks, but this was years ago). I don't know yet if I want to go into QFT, solid-state, etc. I heard Tinkham is good for beginners, but its based for solid state physics.