Question about linear algebra as applied to physics

torquemada

The physics degree in my university doesn't require linear algebra courses, but I heard knowledge of LA is very useful for success in physics. Can I teach myself what I need to know, or should I take LA courses for credit? Should I get LA done with before even stepping foot in a physics class (my OCD tells me this) or should I just learn new math on the fly as it pops up in whatever physics I take? (assuming of course I have the basic calculus reqs under my belt which are non-negotiable) Thanks

capandbells

I would just take linear algebra ASAP if I were you. You will use it all the time in classical and quantum mechanics. There's no reason not to take it or to put off taking it.

thegreenlaser

Linear algebra is a requirement for both Physics and Engineering majors at my school. What most people found hard about it was that it tends to be quite different from the high school math and calculus that you're used to, so personally I'd recommend taking a course on it rather than trying to teach yourself.

zif.

For a physics major, my school doesn't technically require linear algebra either.

However, it is required for the honours degree and it is very strongly recommended by all the profs if you're planning on grad school.

I've also heard of schools that didn't require a specific course in LA, or any advanced math classes, because their physics students were required to take a progression of mathematical physics courses to get the math they needed. Maybe this is the course with your institution?

mege

For what it's worth: Linear Algebra is my favorite math class! It's a good change of pace from the calculus-based work that's likely dominated your life for 2-3 years.

clope023

LA isn't required by the physics or the engineering department at my school though it's taught in the classes specific to where it's needed; however I would recommend you take it at least before you take quantum mechanics. On top of partial differential equations, QM is lots of transformations.

torquemada

Thanks guys. Would one semester of Linear algebra be enough or are both semesters necessary?


MATH 231. Linear Algebra i. 4 hr.; 4 cr.
Prereq.: One semester of calculus. An
introduction to linear algebra with emphasis
on techniques and applications. Topics to
be covered include solutions of systems of
linear equations, vector spaces, bases and
dimension, linear transformations, matrix
algebra, determinants, eigenvalues, and
inner products.

MATH 232. Linear Algebra ii. 3 hr.; 3 cr.
Prereq.: MATH 231. A second course in
linear algebra. Topics include a continuation
of matrices and linear transformations,
canonical forms, invariants, equivalence
relations, similarity of matrices, eigenvalues
and eigenvectors, orthogonal transformations
and rigid motions, quadratic forms, bilinear
maps, symmetric matrices, reduction of a
real quadratic form and applications to conic
sections and quadric surfaces.

nlsherrill

The first class sounds exactly like the linear algebra course I just took, and I am a physics major. I have yet to really use much of it in my physics courses, but I havent taken classical mechanics 2 or quantum, which I hear use it quite often. I think you should be fine with the first course.