Beginner friendly mathematical physics book

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on identifying beginner-friendly mathematical physics books suitable for self-study at the undergraduate STEM level. Key recommendations include "Mathematical Methods for Physics" by Mary L. Boas, "Div, Curl and All That" for vector calculus, and the Open University course books for "The Physical World S207." Participants emphasize the importance of mastering foundational mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra, before progressing to physics texts like Halliday/Resnick/Walker. The conversation highlights the necessity of integrating math and physics studies for effective learning.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of calculus (including derivatives, integrals, and ordinary differential equations)
  • Familiarity with linear algebra and vector calculus
  • Basic knowledge of classical mechanics and electromagnetism
  • Ability to self-study using textbooks and course materials
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Mathematical Methods for Physics" by Mary L. Boas
  • Learn vector calculus through "Div, Curl and All That"
  • Explore the Open University course "The Physical World S207"
  • Review "Complex Variables for Scientists and Engineers" by Paliouras and Meadows for quantum mechanics preparation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for self-taught students, particularly those pursuing undergraduate STEM physics, educators seeking teaching resources, and anyone looking to integrate mathematical methods with physics concepts effectively.

  • #31
The history is that in Frankfurt Walter Greiner started with theoretical physics in the 1st semester, which was a novum in these days. That's why there had to be "Mathematical Methods" in the 1st-semester theory lecture. This is something you have to offer anyway, because the math lectures, which IMHO should be taken by the physicists together with the mathematicians, cannot deliver the necessary mathematical tools as quickly as needed in the theoretical-physics lectures.

Math must be taught in a rigorous manner with theorems and strict proofs. "Mathematical Methods" just provides plausibility arguments for the calculational machinery needed for theoretical physics. Thus the lecture mainly concentrates on vector algebra and vector calculus (assuming that the students are familiar with differentiation and integration for functions with one real variable, which is not always fulfilled either nowadays though, because the German high-school teaching is in a monotonic decline particularly in math) and on the calculational side of the subject, i.e., usually no rigorous proofs for theorems (e.g., Stokes's and Gauss's integral theorems) are given but plausibility arguments.

Usually that's done with examples from physics, i.e., classical mechanics and some electrostatics. This also has the advantage that early on you learn to think in the typical physicists' way in terms of mathematics as a language to formulate and work with the physical laws.
 
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