Double Major in Math & Physics: Advice from an Insane Person

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the feasibility and experience of pursuing a double major in math and physics, with participants sharing insights on their academic journeys. One contributor notes that completing a double major took the same amount of time due to the overlap between math and physics courses. They emphasize that while advanced math courses can deepen understanding, they are not strictly necessary for grasping physics concepts. Another participant reflects on their experience, highlighting that math courses often reinforce the physics concepts already learned, albeit in a more abstract way. The conversation concludes with a humorous quote from Richard Feynman, illustrating the relationship between physics and math.
woodysooner
Messages
174
Reaction score
0
I don't know where to post this so sorry if wrong spot.

But wanted to see how long it takes if anyone has gotten a double major in math and phys.

And even better PHD IN Both, take a insane person to do that, insane like me, but that's long way off, just thought if i fould that type of person that could answer few questions for me.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
any takers? I know one of yall out there has both of these.
 
woodysooner said:
I don't know where to post this so sorry if wrong spot.

But wanted to see how long it takes if anyone has gotten a double major in math and phys.

I had a double major I am math and physics. It took the same amount of time. There is so much math in physics that if you take math courses for those courses where you can take anything, then it takes the same amount of time, at least at the college I went to.

Pete
 
awesome!

how did the math affect your physics.. did it connect ideas, give more insight and application to physics problems and phenomena.

Are you going grad school and if you for which phys or math??
 
During undergrad, I had the following experience:
I took the advanced physics courses without taking some of the staple math courses, specifically differential equations and boundary value problems. I understood all the concepts with a little extra homework. I was amused to find that when I did take the math courses, they involved the same concepts I was already using, but in a more abstract form. All the extra stuff I learned in the math courses were proofs and derivations of the stuff I was already using. Personally I find the math very interesting, but it was not necessary for understanding physics. If you encounter a topic which confuses you I would find another physics book which might possibly expain things from a different light. Also, if your physics books are anything like mine were, they will contain a short but sufficient derivation of all the math in the first (or zeroth) chapter. Just read and understand what is there, even if it takes you several readings.

As for the Physics and Math Ph.D. Richard Feynman once said:

"Physics is to Math what Sex is to Masturbation" :biggrin:
 
very nicely put, and that helps thanx
 

Thread 'Need help understanding particle physics and quantum physics'

So I know that electrons are fundamental, there's no 'material' that makes them up, it's like talking about a colour itself rather than a car or a flower. Now protons and neutrons and quarks and whatever other stuff is there fundamentally, I want someone to kind of teach me these, I have a lot of questions that books might not give the answer in the way I understand. Thanks
View full post »

Thread 'Raman Spectroscopy help'

I am attempting to use a Raman TruScan with a 785 nm laser to read a material for identification purposes. The material causes too much fluorescence and doesn’t not produce a good signal. However another lab is able to produce a good signal consistently using the same Raman model and sample material. What would be the reason for the different results between instruments?
View full post »

Similar threads

Programs Should I major in Physics & Astronomy or Physics & Math?
Replies
10
Views
3K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
Replies
1
Views
845
Courses Pure physics vs. adding a math major?
Replies
8
Views
3K
Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
Replies
41
Views
5K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
Replies
8
Views
2K
Any tips for doing a PhD in theoretical physics?
Replies
21
Views
3K
Admissions Can I change my major from "physical geography" to "math"?
Replies
30
Views
3K
Math Information on Quantitative Researchers (or other quant jobs)
Replies
5
Views
2K
Other Math Help for Physics Undergrad: Advice Needed
Replies
9
Views
2K
Programs "Back door" into physics for a math major
Replies
8
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top