Recent content by aLearner

I definitely will be taking Linear Algebra and I'm using the book to gain command over Shankar's Principle's of Quantum Mechanics and J.J Sakurai's Quantum Mechanics. But more so, plenty of physical sciences use groups to explain theory, and so I truly believe a really strong foundation on the...

If I were to use an abstract algebra book for quick and easy reference which one would it be? Dummit and Foote is very cumulative, is there anything better in the market? And how long would it take to work out all of D + F for an average student with basic background in Algebra?

read the Elements by Euclid it will transform you

So I'm trying to understand this paper (found here: http://arxiv.org/abs/1301.3411) but my math skills are very limited. These include: -Groups (the very basics, like the first of Charles Pinter's book) -Analysis (the very basics) But what all books/papers/topics would you suggest I...

depends on the book you're using but just search it out on google. MIT also has open courseware on it.

Just a shout out: I don't think the school you go to has any impact on how well an education you get; only you can guarantee that. Ultimately it appears that the quality of your research work matters, not your college grade from some well-reputed college. However, there comes tremendous respect...

I think it's NOT a good idea to get into theoretical physics without really experiencing it. Learn the math (derrivatives, integrals, vector calc, differential equations) and then grab a book and see if you like it. In fact, if you have no calculus background whatsoever and still want to do some...

Hi! I'll be covering the above book next semester and was wondering if there is anything I should be particularly aware of about thermal physics. -aLearner

The thing about Newtonian mechanics is that it's skill base really requires you to intuitively think about the physical situation of the subject. It's one thing to be able to do all the math, which I believe you are capable of since you are getting an A in calc. But as far the actual problems...

well I've started on bcrowel's plan because a strong foundation in E&M is always helpful. Besides, if I can kill intro E&M and advanced E&M during the same semester, that says something. But I'll probably practice your advice once I get into the actual GR part of the project (hopefully 2 or so...

Wow I never knew that negru. Well, quantum gravity does sound interesting, but I'm just a sophomore undergrad who is interested in theory. School bores me, I prefer studying by my self at my own pace. But it is a lot easier to get help at school, which is why I prefer self studying at school on...

So I got As Bs Cs in my freshman courses. Pretty bad compared to how I did in school, but I got carried away with all the college stuff. So far I've only taken intro courses, and the real physics starts next term. So every intro course I did bad on I have a chance to do good on the advanced...

Well I can do single and multivariable calculus. I know some ODES and a little abstract algebra. Oh, and I know some linear algebra. especially square matrices and transformation matrices that I had to learn for a robotics read. I would really like to get advanced level math for GR, because I...

Well, so after some internet searching, this is what I got. Calculus 1,2,3 ODEs Linear Algebra Introduction to Classical Mechanics Introduction to electrodynamics A General Relativity Workbook Thomas A. Moore Introduction to Tensor Calculus, Relativity, and Cosmology Lawden Tensor...

So this is purely for self-study purposes. Say I'm very keen on understanding GR well, but I don't even have the prerequisites done for even starting to grasp GR. Would anyone be able to give an outline of the skills necessary in understanding GR? An outline would look something like this...