Advice on Last Minute Physics Course Load for Drop/Add Week

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a student's course load during drop/add week, which includes upper division electromagnetism, mechanics, partial differential equations, relativity, and advanced linear algebra, totaling 18 credits. The student expresses concern about the feasibility of this load, particularly the advanced linear algebra course, which is focused on proofs and not required for their physics track. The consensus is that while linear algebra is beneficial for quantum mechanics, the current course load may be overwhelming, and switching to a lab could provide a more manageable balance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of upper division electromagnetism and mechanics
  • Familiarity with partial differential equations (PDEs)
  • Basic knowledge of relativity and modern physics concepts
  • Experience with advanced linear algebra, particularly proof-based coursework
NEXT STEPS
  • Evaluate the impact of advanced linear algebra on quantum mechanics understanding
  • Research the benefits of laboratory courses in physics education
  • Explore strategies for managing a heavy course load in physics
  • Investigate introductory resources for higher mathematics to strengthen proof skills
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics students, academic advisors, and anyone navigating course selection during drop/add week.

malignant
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I actually have less than an hour before drop/add week ends and am completely stumped. Currently I'm taking:

2nd semester of the upper division e&m
2nd semester of the upper division mechanics
PDEs
A relativity/modern physics course (not a qm course, that comes next year)
Advanced linear algebra

This totals to 18 credits and I'm not sure if that's at all realistic for physics. I'm not too afraid of any of the physics classes because I did well in the first semester of the upper division e&m and mechanics.

The one I'm thinking about switching out for a lab is the advanced linear algebra. It's not required but I decided to take it to help with QM but it might be a bit much. It's a 4th year math course and so far it's pretty much all proofs and I didn't take the intro to higher math course which is recommended for the proofs. I learned some proofs back when I took discrete math a long time ago.

Any advice on whether or not to take the linear algebra? Will it even help much with qm if it's all proofs?
 
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It's too late, but linear algebra will help in quantum mechanics.
 

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