As a year II physics major, when should I take linear algebra

[sdefresco]

After seeing so much higher-level physics and proofing for special relativity, I imagine I'll need to take this at some point to continue do grad-level physics. I'm taking calc III at the start of year two, and then on to diff eq. When should I take linear algebra in that case? My adviser seemed to think I could wait to take it - and it's not even a requirement at my university's program - but seeing late classes convinces me that I need to take it at some point.

 

[member 587159]

At my university, physics students take linear algebra in their first semester of their first year together with the mathematic students. I can't imagine how a physicist doesn't use linear algebra.

 

[fresh_42]

After seeing so much higher-level physics and proofing for special relativity, I imagine I'll need to take this at some point to continue do grad-level physics. I'm taking calc III at the start of year two, and then on to diff eq. When should I take linear algebra in that case? My adviser seemed to think I could wait to take it - and it's not even a requirement at my university's program - but seeing late classes convinces me that I need to take it at some point.

How did you manage to solve multivariate differential equation systems? With vectors, matrices and tensors basically everywhere in physics, I cannot understand the advice you've been given.

 

[Orodruin]

Ar my university linear algebra is among the courses students take first. Trying to do any kind of advanced physics without linear algebra is like trying to fill a bathtub from a lake using only a teaspoon.

 

[plasmon_shmasmon]

Take linear algebra with either of the other math classes. You'll probably be taking a lot of your physics classes your 3rd year, so take it before then.

 

[sdefresco]

At my university, physics students take linear algebra in their first semester of their first year together with the mathematic students. I can't imagine how a physicist doesn't use linear algebra.

I guess it's because this sort of stuff kind of gets integrated into our fundamental physics courses (the major-specific ones), as well as the calcs. Linear algebra is not usually taken until at least year 2 in my university it seems, unless you're an already-started math major. I know a lot of first-semester sophomores take it with multivariable, but I'll end up doing it with diff eq. My schedule is a little too loaded to take another math course.