 Quote by Jorriss
Does your school have something equivalent to independent study with a professor? If so, you should do that to cover the stuff from quantum II. I'm not an admissions committee but I feel based on undergraduate experience that only taking 1 semester of quantum is a pretty large defect.
|
They do have Independent Study, but with a professor I think that they call it Directed Study. I'm already looking to take that in the spring, but I'm not sure how many professors are able or willing to work with students in areas like those covered in Quantum II. Disappointing, I know, but such is the way of a seemingly lack-luster physics department. I agree with you on your point about the deficiency. I'm not only worried about the impact on the admissions committee, but also the performance on the PGRE. I've posted a new thread addressing that concern and the possibility of transferring mid-undergraduate program.
Quote by micromass
I don't think abstract algebra will be very useful to you. I would suggest not taking that. The abstract algebra done in physics has little to do with abstract algebra done in math. And furthermore, you can easily pick it up if you ever need to.
Topology would only be really useful if you want to study differential geometry or analysis rigorously. It might be that you also never use this.
Complex analysis is more useful, I guess, but perhaps a physicist should comment on that. In either case, don't they have a "math methods for physics" class, that would be far more useful that taking pure math classes.
|
Thank you for the input, as I'm sure you have a better idea than me of what is helpful or not, regardless of being a physicist. I'm just starting out and trying to learn as I go.
Unfortunately, there is no math methods for physics or even physical sciences class. I picked up the book by Boas that I've seen ZapperZ recommended, and am trying to decide on whether or not to purchase it. It does seem helpful in at least steering me toward the right classes, though, regardless.
That being said, I think that PDE would be pretty helpful and will start working toward that. I have to take Intro to Math Reasoning (intro proofs class) first, then Advanced Calculus, then finally PDE.
What about the Analysis courses? Numerical Analysis I know is important, but that appears to be on a different track entirely than Real Analysis. And before I can take Real Analysis I have to take Bridge to Modern Analysis (ostensibly Analysis I) and Analysis II. I have to take Real Analysis I and II before I can even get to Fourier Analysis, but that is an upper-level grad class. Needless to say, it doesn't seem that I have enough semesters to get all of this done, being that I'm a junior this fall. I posted a thread about whether or not it is ok to take an extra year as an undergrad in order to get that extra experience. What do you think?
Quote by YAHA
One suggestion would be to try getting an independent study in Fourier Analysis and/or Advanced Linear Algebra and/or Partial Differential Equations. The material from those areas will be haunting you as a physics student. It is better to do it sooner rather than later.
|
See above, for the most part, haha. The small math and physics departments make it difficult to get independent studies in areas that I have an interest or that are helpful to me. If I take Fourier Analysis myself I have about 6 prereqs to complete first. Which is fine with me, I really enjoy math! But the time.. I will be taking PDE in the spring if I can get an override to get into the proofs class (which is its prereq) since it's full right now.
As far as the Advanced Linear Algebra, I should be able to take that one as soon as I have space. It appears that would be a helpful course, as well.
Thanks for the comments, everybody.
Similar Threads for: Care to comment on the sensibleness of my course load?
Physorg.com Science News Partner
