Can I Learn Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity on My Own?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on a physics-math junior's intention to self-study Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity, despite struggling with current coursework in Quantum Mechanics. The student selected "Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Field Theory" by Devanathan and "General Relativity" by Wald for their rigorous mathematical approach. However, feedback from peers and a professor emphasizes the necessity of mastering current subjects before advancing to these complex topics, highlighting the importance of a solid foundation in Quantum Mechanics and Analysis.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Quantum Mechanics fundamentals
  • Proficiency in Analysis, particularly as taught in Rudin
  • Familiarity with Linear Algebra and Mathematical Methods
  • Knowledge of Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)
NEXT STEPS
  • Focus on mastering Quantum Mechanics concepts and coursework
  • Review Analysis topics from Rudin to strengthen mathematical foundations
  • Explore online lecture series related to Wald's "General Relativity"
  • Investigate study groups or tutoring for challenging subjects
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics students, particularly those struggling with Quantum Mechanics and seeking to understand advanced topics like Relativistic Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity.

jamalkoiyess
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Hello PF,

I am currently a physics-math junior and I was looking for advice on a small schedule that I am organizing for self-study.
Our curriculum for undergraduate physics doesn’t include General Relativity nor approaches relativistic quantum mechanics. I am planning on continuing in Cosmology and since both are highly important (and extremely interesting!) I decided to study them on the side.

For books I chose:

--Relativistic quantum mechanics and quantum field theory by Devanathan, v. (Varadarajan)
--General Relativity, Wald

I chose both book by inspecting them in the library. I wanted books that go directly into the math and explore the subject rigorously rather than scratch the surface and rely on further study by the reader.

I am planning to start with the quantum mechanics book and give a minimum of 5 hours each Sunday to that quest. So I posted this to get some comments or recommendations on what to do.

Also it would help if someone can share a link to an online lecture series on Wald's textbook since I heard that it was a tough read at first.

Thanks

Addition: Just to clarify what courses I took so far in case it was needed (I mentioned what I think is relevant):
-ODEs
-Calculus
-Modern Physics
-Mechanics
-Mathematical methods (complex analysis, linear algebra, Fourier analysis, Strum Liouville theory and special functions, vector calculus)
-Linear Algebra (with rigorous proof)
-Quantum mechanics(currently taking)
-Analysis (Rudin, currently taking)
 
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Don't take this the wrong way, but are you out of your mind?

You're barely passing QM. A D is a hair away from flunking. You need to be studying that, not messing around with other things.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Don't take this the wrong way, but are you out of your mind?

You're barely passing QM. A d is a hair away from flunking. You need to be studying that, not messing around with other things.
Agreed, if you're not acing your current coursework, there is no way you can learn relativistic QM or general relativity. QM and a course in analysis out of Rudin is a semester worth or work in itself.
 
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Vanadium 50 said:
Don't take this the wrong way, but are you out of your mind?

Dr Transport said:
there is no way you can learn relativistic QM or general relativity.

That was the response I got from my professor, didn't know why I expected otherwise. Thank you. I really need to stop wandering around and focus on what am taking. I only thought that a couple of hours weekly wouldn't affect that much.
 

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