- #1
XGWManque
- 7
- 3
Hello,
So, I'm looking for some advice from people here who have experience studying physics outside of an academic program. Recently, I've started Griffiths E&M. Although it hasn't been long, I've been having an absolute blast: like, heart-fluttering, "helping me with suicidal depression" levels blast. However, I can also tell that my mathematical abilities are going to pose problems going forward.
Now, on a high, brittle level, I'm familiar with all the mathematics used here, so it isn't that I feel I absolutely *cannot* get through the text right now... but I can tell that the learning process isn't as efficient as it could be, with me stumbling over the math and being regularly sidetracked with re-learning (or just learning) the tools, the proofs, etc in the true understanding detail that I neglected as an idiot 18/19 year old.
I also worry that I don't truly master the physics as deeply as I could with a more sophisticated mathematical background, even if it is far from necessary: and learning things like tensor or exterior algebra would require a much more systematic, solid basis in linear algebra, one where I don't stumble to remember the basics. So, I've been considering putting off physics for a couple of years while I dive deep into undergraduate level math in full, taking time to fully master everything. If I do that, when I do eventually learn physics, I will never stumble over the math again.
However, I'm ultimately interested in physics first, with mathematics serving as a means to that end, and I'm reluctant to push my motivation too hard for a couple of reasons. For one, I'm studying outside a structured environment. But more importantly, I'm also cleaning my general mess of a life up from years of problems. As a recovering addict struggling to basically function in other areas of my life, I'm not sure I can preserve my newfound motivation and very, very fragile discipline through years of learning all the prerequisite math before doing any physics at all.
I have been checking out mathematical methods books like Boas and Arfken as possible alternatives to going through each mathematical prerequisite individually, but even if I limit it to that, I immediately feel the impulse to get the hell back to Griffiths and my-very, very embryonic-attention span struggling.
Doing both simultaneously on an ad hoc basis is an option, but I did that as an undergrad, and even if I was less of a terrible student, that's never the most productive way of mastering the material. Moreover, I work a full-time job now. Not a very intensive one, thank goodness, so I can devote time to going through a textbook, but I still don't have the free time I did when I was 19. I don't even have the money to pay for a tutor currently, albeit this might change in a couple of months.
So... yeah, your advice? Thank you for your time. As a side note, I realize my own story might be a bit unique, but I'm sure I'm not the only older person interesting in learning physics outside of school: I've already met a couple of people off this forum who are doing the same thing. I'd be happy to hear your experiences.
So, I'm looking for some advice from people here who have experience studying physics outside of an academic program. Recently, I've started Griffiths E&M. Although it hasn't been long, I've been having an absolute blast: like, heart-fluttering, "helping me with suicidal depression" levels blast. However, I can also tell that my mathematical abilities are going to pose problems going forward.
Now, on a high, brittle level, I'm familiar with all the mathematics used here, so it isn't that I feel I absolutely *cannot* get through the text right now... but I can tell that the learning process isn't as efficient as it could be, with me stumbling over the math and being regularly sidetracked with re-learning (or just learning) the tools, the proofs, etc in the true understanding detail that I neglected as an idiot 18/19 year old.
I also worry that I don't truly master the physics as deeply as I could with a more sophisticated mathematical background, even if it is far from necessary: and learning things like tensor or exterior algebra would require a much more systematic, solid basis in linear algebra, one where I don't stumble to remember the basics. So, I've been considering putting off physics for a couple of years while I dive deep into undergraduate level math in full, taking time to fully master everything. If I do that, when I do eventually learn physics, I will never stumble over the math again.
However, I'm ultimately interested in physics first, with mathematics serving as a means to that end, and I'm reluctant to push my motivation too hard for a couple of reasons. For one, I'm studying outside a structured environment. But more importantly, I'm also cleaning my general mess of a life up from years of problems. As a recovering addict struggling to basically function in other areas of my life, I'm not sure I can preserve my newfound motivation and very, very fragile discipline through years of learning all the prerequisite math before doing any physics at all.
I have been checking out mathematical methods books like Boas and Arfken as possible alternatives to going through each mathematical prerequisite individually, but even if I limit it to that, I immediately feel the impulse to get the hell back to Griffiths and my-very, very embryonic-attention span struggling.
Doing both simultaneously on an ad hoc basis is an option, but I did that as an undergrad, and even if I was less of a terrible student, that's never the most productive way of mastering the material. Moreover, I work a full-time job now. Not a very intensive one, thank goodness, so I can devote time to going through a textbook, but I still don't have the free time I did when I was 19. I don't even have the money to pay for a tutor currently, albeit this might change in a couple of months.
So... yeah, your advice? Thank you for your time. As a side note, I realize my own story might be a bit unique, but I'm sure I'm not the only older person interesting in learning physics outside of school: I've already met a couple of people off this forum who are doing the same thing. I'd be happy to hear your experiences.