Astrophysics for the Math Challenged

  • Thread starter Thread starter IkeB777
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Astrophysics
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of pursuing astrophysics and cosmology education for someone with limited mathematical skills. Participants explore the necessity of mathematics in understanding physics concepts and the potential paths for self-teaching versus formal education.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a strong interest in astrophysics but feels hindered by a lack of mathematical ability and fears the requirements of formal education.
  • Another participant suggests that taking classes may be the most effective way to acquire necessary math skills rather than self-teaching.
  • A question is raised about the value of spending money on introductory math courses, with some suggesting it is worthwhile for serious study.
  • Participants recommend resources for self-teaching, including online platforms like Khan Academy and specific textbooks such as "Principles of Physical Cosmology" by Peebles.
  • There is acknowledgment of the subjective nature of learning preferences, with some individuals able to learn independently while others may require structured classes.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on whether self-teaching or formal classes are more effective for learning math in preparation for studying astrophysics. There are competing views on the necessity and value of introductory math courses.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying degrees of confidence in their ability to learn math, and there is uncertainty regarding the best approach to acquiring the necessary skills for studying physics at a deeper level.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in pursuing astrophysics or cosmology who struggle with mathematics and are seeking advice on educational pathways and resources for self-improvement.

IkeB777
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
I am seriously considering a path of education in the direction of astrophysics/cosmology, but I can barely divide numbers on paper. I have never had any aptitude for mathematics, in my view, but I am extremely interested in the concepts of physics and always have been. If I go to school, I will be going for free for at least 3 of the 4 first years, thank you Obama, but I wouldn't be seeking a career with it, I just want to know it better. I think I would be a cut-rate astrophysicist were I to seek it as a profession. I have a job that I like, which affords me a lot of time for study most of the year, and we go crazy and make a third of our yearly income within 6 weeks in the middle of the summer.

My struggle is not only with an apparent block to, or fear of math, but also the fear of all that other stuff I would have to 'complete' in order to learn deeper the subjects about which I care the most. This is my laziness speaking, and I know the answer to this question is just suck it up, thanks for reading...

Also, could someone point me in the direction of good places to look for self-teaching on the internet, hopefully free of charge, particularly in lower maths, so I may not have to waste the free money on a couple of classes?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think that most likely the path of least resistance towards getting the math skills you will need is by taking classes, not avoiding them and trying to learn on your own.
 
So you think the money spent on Math 101 is money well spent?
 
Go to the library (or Amazon) and get a book like this:
Principles of Physical Cosmology by Phillip James Edwin Peebles.
Start reading it and see if you can make any sense out of it.
 
Thanks Robin and gmax. That's teamwork!
 
IkeB777 said:
So you think the money spent on Math 101 is money well spent?

If you want to take Math 201, yes.

Obviously there is a subjective element to these things. Some people take the class and just learn everything out of the textbook, but if you want to seriously study physics at more than a superficial level (i.e. beyond a first year college class) you need the prerequisits and that's all there is to it.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K