- #1
gabriel202
- 1
- 0
Hi, I apologize if this question has been asked before. Where I'm from, the physics university is terrible (underfunded, professors who don't like lecturing, lack of students, etc). I want to one day do research in the areas of: theoretical physics, mathematical models used in theoretical physics, the structure and limits of a physical theory. The mathematics university is leagues above. Is it then better to enroll in the applied mathematics bachelor programme?
A bit about myself: About two years ago, I discovered my passion for compulsive studying. Then I went through a couple of fields before I decided that theoretical physics is the right one for me. And so, since last year I've been self studying physics. If I have to give a self assessment, I'd say that I suffer from a very common self-learner disease: I know a couple of areas pretty well (quantum mechanics NR and a bit R, electromagnetism), some not so well but definitely not required at this stage (various differential geometry applications). But my foundations are terrible!
But I've always been drawn to the mathematical aspects. As a concrete example, I have gone through the "derivation" of the Dirac equation, as Dirac did it, a moment of pure ecstasy. When the Dirac algebra was introduced (a mathematical space which is a direct consequence of basic spacetime symmetry assumptions, and Dirac's insight into the mathematical workings of PDEs, marvelous) my mind quickly entered "formalization mode", and so I dabbled in Clifford algebras a bit, and then I was very happy to discover the connection with the Lorentz algebra!
Anyways, it seems to me that the real purpose of a bachelor degree should be to introduce structure, to communicate with peers that have the same goals and interests as you, and to interact with professors, and if possible have one advise/work with you. Am I wrong?
Thank you for your time.
A bit about myself: About two years ago, I discovered my passion for compulsive studying. Then I went through a couple of fields before I decided that theoretical physics is the right one for me. And so, since last year I've been self studying physics. If I have to give a self assessment, I'd say that I suffer from a very common self-learner disease: I know a couple of areas pretty well (quantum mechanics NR and a bit R, electromagnetism), some not so well but definitely not required at this stage (various differential geometry applications). But my foundations are terrible!
But I've always been drawn to the mathematical aspects. As a concrete example, I have gone through the "derivation" of the Dirac equation, as Dirac did it, a moment of pure ecstasy. When the Dirac algebra was introduced (a mathematical space which is a direct consequence of basic spacetime symmetry assumptions, and Dirac's insight into the mathematical workings of PDEs, marvelous) my mind quickly entered "formalization mode", and so I dabbled in Clifford algebras a bit, and then I was very happy to discover the connection with the Lorentz algebra!
Anyways, it seems to me that the real purpose of a bachelor degree should be to introduce structure, to communicate with peers that have the same goals and interests as you, and to interact with professors, and if possible have one advise/work with you. Am I wrong?
Thank you for your time.