my fall schedule

proton

I'm gonna be a junior transfer next fall and I'll be starting my upperdiv classes. I'm a physics major, but am undecided about which area of physics I want to pursue, though I am leaning towards particle, astrophysics, or optics. Also unsure about theoretical or experimental physics.

I basically have to choose 2 more math classes for my fall schedule among:
Complex Analysis, ODEs (upperdiv), Probability theory, and Real Analysis

G01

I'm only a junior myself, but I think I would choose ODE's as one of them.

DE's of all kinds are without a doubt important in physics. Also, I have gotten a good deal of all the probability theory I've needed from my physics classes themselves, but I guess it couldn't hurt to take a class in it. As for the other two, I wouldn't know.

Maxwell

I would imagine that for upper level physics courses you absolutely NEED to have ODE done. Also, from what I've seen of QM, you also need the probability class. Get those two done first.

Dr Transport

ODE's and Complex Analysis...Probability theory as taught by the math departments I have seen is of little use in QM. I wish I'd have taken complex analysis while in school so that I could do some of the work I have been doing lately without as much a struggle.

smithg86

I've heard that Linear Algebra is recommended for QM.

proton

Even the upperdiv ODE class? its focused on proofs and existence and uniqueness problems

I know I'll need complex analysis. But should I take it NOW? or should I wait until later on in my undergrad?

tmc

I'd take DE, because they turn up everywhere, and one of the analysis courses.

You'd be better off taking both analysis courses at some point in your undergrad, so I'd suggest taking whichever fits best your schedule, and take the other one later. Complex will be useful (mostly) for E&M/optics, and real for QM.

ice109

what does your entire schedule look like? im a transfer junior this fall as well.

Brad Barker

if the DE class is solely existence and uniqueness problems, then it doesn't seem like a "must take" class. if you've learned to solve first and second order ODE's and also how to use power series for DE's, you're pretty much set for undergrad (at least in my experience).


the complex analysis class will be useful. you might not have to solve too many contour integrals as an undergrad, but it appears to be a rather important tool of the trade, regardless.


probability theory could prove to be useful for a little bit of stat mech. my course in stat mech covered a little bit of binomial and poisson distributions, so my probability course helped with that (and was also total overkill for that purpose!).


no experience yet with the utility of real analysis, but i've gotten through all of the undergrad physics coursework (excepting the advanced lab classes) without it, fwiw.

proton

I'm also taking Math Methods for Physics, and Linear Algebra (upperdiv, proof based)

Heres the description of the class:
Selected topics in differential equations. Laplace transforms, existence and uniqueness theorems, Fourier series, separation of variable solutions to partial differential equations, Sturm/Liouville theory, calculus of variations, two-point boundary value problems, Green's functions.

ice109

you're lucky, math physics isn't offered at my school till the spring that sounds like a lot more than just uniqueness and existence and it sounds like a lot of useful stuff. take that

CPL.Luke

that seems to cover alot of pde stuff as well it would be good course to take.

Dr Transport

This is a worthwhile DE course as long as it isn't existence and uniqueness proofs.

proton

ok so I'll definitely take the ODE class. It seems that to most of you guys that I shouldn't take the probability class. so whats better to take first: complex or real analysis?

My guess is that real analysis is because some other math classes have it as a prereq, but I could be wrong

cristo

You should try and learn real analysis before complex analysis.

Brad Barker

if you wouldn't mind, could you provide us with the course descriptions of the complex and real analysis classes?


sure, a lot of math classes might have real analysis as a prereq, but they're more likely to be the pure math classes that a physicist could certainly live without (except for formal theorists, who apparently need the "kitchen sink").

proton

Complex Analysis for Applications
Introduction to basic formulas and calculation procedures of complex analysis of one variable relevant to applications. Topics include Cauchy/Riemann equations, Cauchy integral formula, power series expansion, contour integrals, residue calculus.

Analysis
Rigorous introduction to foundations of real analysis; real numbers, point set topology in Euclidean space, functions, continuity.