Deciding My Senior Year: Math or Physics for a Mathematical Physicist

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a student's decision on whether to pursue graduate mathematics classes or undergraduate physics classes in their senior year, with a focus on becoming a mathematical physicist. The scope includes considerations of academic scheduling, preparation for graduate school, and the balance between mathematics and physics education.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • The student has taken extensive pure mathematics courses and is considering whether to continue with graduate mathematics or take undergraduate physics classes.
  • Some participants suggest that reading advanced texts like Landau is beneficial, while others question the feasibility of self-learning physics without formal classes.
  • One participant emphasizes the importance of taking essential undergraduate physics courses, such as classical mechanics and electromagnetism, to prepare for graduate programs in physics.
  • The student expresses confidence in handling intense coursework but seeks advice on making the best choice for their future academic path.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the importance of formal physics education versus self-study. There is no consensus on the best path forward for the student.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects varying assumptions about the prerequisites for graduate study in mathematical physics and the balance between mathematics and physics education. The student's specific academic background and future goals are also factors in the decision-making process.

Who May Find This Useful

Students considering a career in mathematical physics, those weighing the balance between mathematics and physics in their studies, and individuals interested in graduate school preparation strategies.

math_owen
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Ok. I have to decided on which path to take next year.

I want to be a mathematical physicist. I'm going into my senior year, and I have almost literally taken every math class offered. I took 8 pure math classes last year. I've taken the 1st year of physics too.

Next year I can take graduate classes in mathematics or I can't opt to take physics classes. Mixing them doesn't really work with the scheduling. I would need to take 3 physics classes in the fall so that I can take quantum in the spring. I would like to research the mathematics behind quantum in graduate school and beyond.

So, should I take the grad classes, which will help me get into a better math grad school, or do I take the physics?

I've been told by some that I should learn the physics on my own if I wish to be a mathematical physicist. Is this realistic? To me, this sounds like Bourbaki-arrogance. I don't know too many Bourbaki's that can handle reading Landau, but I'm sure they would say they "could". Thing for me is, I "want" to be able to read Landau and beyond someday - as well as the classic Algebra by Bourbaki.

Thanks.
 
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read Landau, good idea
 
You say you will need to take three classes this fall so that you can take quantum in the spring - does that mean you've not taken any quantum at all so far?
 
No, no quantum yet. In the fall would be a waves and optics class, EM, and mech, and in the spring quantum 1 and EM 2. I'm not at all worried about the intense work. Especially after Differential Geom, Analysis on Manifolds, Fourier analysis and Complex analysis last semester. I just want to make the wisest choice.
 
If you want to apply to graduate programs in physics, undergraduate courses in classical mechanics, E&M, statistical mechanics and quantum are pretty much essential. You might want to take a lab course too.

My advice: you have 4 (5? 6?) years of grad school to take grad courses. Use your undergrad to broaden your background and explore material that sounds interesting.
 

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