# The Should I Become a Mathematician? Thread

by mathwonk
Tags: mathematician
 Sci Advisor HW Helper P: 9,453 thank you for these views which differ from many usually found here, and supplement them nicely!
P: 135
 Quote by mathwonk By the way, to my knowledge, the only mathematicians posting regularly on this site are Matt Grime and me. Please correct me on this point, since nothing this general is ever true.
I raise my hand with magnitude ##r \in (0,\tfrac{1}{2}]##. I'm a physics PhD student with a math undergrad degree. My thesis is on quantum decoherence, but it consists entirely of equations, simulations, theorems, and other people's data. When asked, I identify as either "applied mathematician" or "theoretical physicist."
 Arnol'd, who is a MUCH better mathematician than me, says math is "a branch of physics, that branch where experiments are cheap." At this late date in my career I am trying to learn from him, and have begun pursuing this hint. I have greatly enjoyed teaching differential equations this year in particular, and have found that the silly structure theorems I learned in linear algebra, have as their real use an application to solving linear systems of ode's. I intend to revise my linear algebra notes now to point this out.
I agree! I just wrote a linear-systems-of-ODEs numerical software package which uses silly theorems of linear algebra to beat the hell out of RK4. (The catch: linear systems only. If you're interested, look up "Magnus expansion.") I'm sure my advisor, who has published huge amounts of Arnol'd-related stuff, would also applaud your effort. I suspect we're both working on one of his big long-term goals: show scientists and engineers that Sophus Lie's view of ODEs can be really practical and useful.
 P: 330 Is it possible to receive an applied math Ph.D, but do your dissertation in some other area of science or engineering? I am asking because I want to get a solid foundation on some mathematics courses (functional analysis, advanced and numerical linear algebra, ODE's, PDE's, hilbert spaces, several complex variables) at the graduate level, but I would not really have a chance to take all of these courses if I did an engineering Ph.D. However It seems like it would be the best of both worlds if I could go for an applied math Ph.D. and do my dissertation in nuclear fusion which is ultimately my intended research interest, whilst being able to get the solid mathematical background. Do you know if this is a common thing to do in applied math programs?
 P: 56 I just got What Is Mathematics: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods, Second Edition. It's by Richard Courant, Herbert Robbins and revised by Ian Stewart. I'm REALLY looking forward to solidifying my knowledge of the really basic parts of mathematics. Hopefully, it'll answer some questions I have about the fundamental concepts.
P: 307
 Quote by QuantumP7 I just got What Is Mathematics: An Elementary Approach to Ideas and Methods, Second Edition. It's by Richard Courant, Herbert Robbins and revised by Ian Stewart. I'm REALLY looking forward to solidifying my knowledge of the really basic parts of mathematics. Hopefully, it'll answer some questions I have about the fundamental concepts.
A great book you just got. The beauty of it is, its not a book that must be used in order. You can skip around as you see fit in order to meet your goals.
P: 56
 Quote by Cod A great book you just got. The beauty of it is, its not a book that must be used in order. You can skip around as you see fit in order to meet your goals.
Thanks! I'm really loving this book so far!
 P: 21 Hello, everyone. I am from Ecuador, and plan to study math at Escuela Politécnica Nacional, one of the most prestigious universities in my country. Perhaps it is the best one in math (the one that does the most research in the area, and the one with the more PhDs teaching.) The program places emphasis on applied math. There are two concentrations: modeling and scientific computing, and statistics and operations research. The following are the links to the department's curricula. Modeling and scientific computing: http://www.epn.edu.ec/attachments/ar...DELIZACION.pdf Statistics and operations research: http://www.epn.edu.ec/attachments/ar...STADISTICA.pdf My question is whether I can pursue graduate studies in pure math with any of both curricula. Also, I have to mention that there are two other universities in my city which offer programs in math. One is too expensive for my parents (I do not meet the requirements for scholarships). Anyway, I post the link to its math department curriculum: http://www.usfq.edu.ec/programas_aca...tematicas.aspx Do you think it is better preparation for a PhD in pure math? The other university's program is the following: http://www.uce.edu.ec/documents/2280...=1351174886263
 P: 21 Sorry. The expensive university's math curriculum is actually at the following link: http://www.usfq.edu.ec/programas_aca...atematicas.pdf
 P: 3 "i loved comenetz's book, and wrote the initial rave review of that book. unfortunately i gave away my review copy as a prize to a good student. I attach my (edited) review, no longer available on the publisher's website: (see below) unfortunately for the buyer, the price has increased from under $40 to over$125. Perhaps that is one reason my review has been removed, since it originally contained a grateful comment about the price." Correction: mathwonk's review is now at http://www.worldscientific.com/page/4920-review01 and the paperback edition is \$67 at Amazon
 P: 65 after doing maths straight for around ~5 hours I find I tend to make a lot of mistakes and usually need a break. What do you guys usually do for a break? I can't find anything to do that isn't too distracting, I don't really play video games nor watch television and work out 5 times a week already. I tried to read but again, it just is too distracting. So what should I do for a break? Or a better question, what can I do so I wont need to have a break?
 P: 7 “All human evil comes from a single cause, man's inability to sit still in a room.” -Blaise Pascal You could also lie down if you have a bed or sofa available. Perhaps even take a nap. Or take a little walk outside.
 Sci Advisor HW Helper P: 9,453 i usually walk around the block and then get back at it. short exercise breaks like that are quite helpful, and better than no breaks at all.
 P: 108 Mathwonk can you give yours Mathematics Department Undergraduate Course Syllabus.and Books used in each semester. There is syllabus given by you but that is of 2006.
 P: 11 this is an awesome thread what are the job prospects for mathematicians for theoretical mathematics?