Engineer wants to self learn undergrad physics

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around an engineer's desire to self-learn undergraduate physics, seeking resources and guidance on topics typically covered in a physics degree. Participants explore various subjects within physics, including electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and mechanics, while also addressing the mathematical foundations necessary for understanding these topics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to expand their physics knowledge beyond their engineering background and seeks recommendations for books and courses.
  • Another suggests reviewing the physics program from the participant's engineering degree to identify relevant topics and math courses.
  • Several participants mention key subjects to cover, including electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and optics, with specific textbook recommendations such as Griffiths for electrodynamics and quantum mechanics.
  • There is a discussion about the importance of understanding Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics before tackling quantum mechanics.
  • One participant notes that general relativity is typically not covered in undergraduate courses, while another mentions having studied it during their undergraduate experience.
  • Some participants express a shared interest in self-learning and collaborating on the material.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the topics to study for undergraduate physics but have differing views on the necessity and coverage of general relativity in undergraduate curricula. There is no consensus on the best resources or methods for self-study.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the potential challenges of self-learning, including the time commitment required to grasp the material thoroughly. There is also mention of the need for problem-solving resources to reinforce understanding.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals with a background in engineering or related fields who are interested in self-studying undergraduate physics topics, as well as those seeking recommendations for textbooks and online resources.

THE 1
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Okay, first of all I am hoping I have posted this in the correct place.

So the background is the following, I currently have an engineering degree but wish to actually expand my knowledge more in the physics side of things.I just would like to know a level of physics up to undergrad standard just because I am interested more than anything.

Now I am just asking the question of what I would have to study/look at in order to get myself to that kinda standard. Obviously I am okay with math, I know there are a few nuances with mathematical methods that differ and new techniques but I shouldn't have a problem with them. I will however have to relook over the math as I have not done it for a while but I expect it to come back.

So really I am looking for maybe some books or video courses that would take me through all the topics that you would learn in an undergrad physics course.

I own the Feynman lectures on physics books but I really need questions and solutions I can get through in order to check my understanding, you obviously cannot learn by just reading you need to apply what you find out. If you can suggest maybe one or two books that are fairly comprehensive and include some mathmatical methods that would help.

Thanks to everyone who replies.
 
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Maybe take a look at the physics program where you did your engineering degree? That might give you an idea of what sort of sequence to follow and what sort of math courses the physics students take that you wouldn't have taken.

Then it would be a matter of getting math/physics textbooks, finding online lectures, and slowly working your way through the material. If you're just working on this stuff in your spare time, I suspect that learning all the physics that an undergrad in a physics program would learn and actually understanding it well is going to take quite some time.
 
Okay cool I will look into it, I don't know where I would find out about the physics course as it was a long time ago.

I was really hoping there would be a basic book with questions that has all the topics in I could work through.

I realize it will take time but I am interested I wanted to do a physics degree but I wouldn't be able to afford to do one now plus the knowledge is more important than a certificate
 
If you were to study electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, mechanics, thermodynamics and possibly optics, you'd pretty much have covered the undergraduate curriculum.

The most popular electrodynamics and quantum mechanics texts are by Griffiths, and I recommend them highly. Hecht is common for optics, and Kittel/Kroemer for thermodynamics, but they're just good at best. The situation is murkier for undergraduate mechanics.

Hope this helps.
 
I will look into those books thanks.

To be honest the topics I am interested in are electrodynamics, relativity, quantum mechanics and thermodynamics. Mechanics is something I have done a fair amount of.

If anyone can suggest some more or even some online courses that would be great.

Its a shame the feynman lectures don't have questions and solutions because I have them.
 
THE 1 said:
Mechanics is something I have done a fair amount of.

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics?
 
TMFKAN64 said:
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics?

Ah yea that would be a no on that front so they need to be in there.
 
You should really learn a little about these before you start quantum mechanics. It will make the mathematics much clearer.

As for relativity... there really isn't much to it. You don't touch general relativity at all as an undergraduate, and a decent chapter from any standard undergraduate textbook should be all you need.
 
I am actually looking at doing the same sort of thing, I am currently an undergrad student and would frankly rather learn the material on my own.

Any interest in summing forces? Our goals are essentially the same.
 
  • #10
JonDrew said:
I am actually looking at doing the same sort of thing, I am currently an undergrad student and would frankly rather learn the material on my own.

Any interest in summing forces? Our goals are essentially the same.

Yea sure why not, we just have to find a good way of going about it.
 
  • #11
TMFKAN64 said:
You should really learn a little about these before you start quantum mechanics. It will make the mathematics much clearer.

As for relativity... there really isn't much to it. You don't touch general relativity at all as an undergraduate, and a decent chapter from any standard undergraduate textbook should be all you need.

we did GR in undegrad
 
  • #12
sam_021 said:
we did GR in undegrad

OK, you don't *usually* touch GR in undergrad. :smile: I've seen some courses that use Schutz's book, but it's not really a part of the standard undergraduate curriculum.
 

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