Extra Mathematics Courses for Undergraduate Physics Degree

[FordPrefect]

The BS degree for physics at the university (Kentucky) I will be attending has 'Calculus I-IV', as the only mathematical requirements. In addition to the calculus courses, I will be taking 'Matrix Algebra & Applications'.

My question is, what are other mathematics courses that are helpful to learn as an undergraduate to further a career in physics? Specifically, if (under my current future plans) I want to continue school as a graduate and study under either the sub-topic of 'Astrophysics' or 'Quantum Physics'?

Thanks for all of the help in advance, this site is a very useful tool for a novice like me.

-F.P.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Probability and Statistics would be one. Differential equations would be another.

 

[ekrim]

partial diff eq, complex analysis, differential geometry

 

[Vanadium 50]

Differential geometry? I don't think so - GR uses it, but precious little besides that.

Just out of curiosity, what is your background? Are you a physicist?

 

[FordPrefect]

Thanks for the help Vanadium and ekrim.

Vanadium, I don't know if your question was directed at me or ekrim (I assume ekrim since you addressed him prior, but just in case I'll answer it anyway), but I am not a physicist. However, it is my major and I start in a month or two.

 

[Vanadium 50]

It was directed to ekrim.

 

[ekrim]

It was directed to ekrim.

I'm an engineering physics senior

I was just listing the extra math courses a lot of physics majors at my school take. I've only taken complex and pdes of those.

Sorry if I misled

 

[mgiddy911]

I assume Calc IV is Diff EQ right. That is a standard requirement set. Calc 1,2, Vector Calc/ Calc 3, and Diff EQ (Calc IV?)

Linear Algebra is another common class which you will have some knowledge in form your Matrix class.

Math Methods is the other staple undergrad math for physics majors. I prepares you for the upper level ad or grad level physics classes. You learn some ODE skills, some PDE skills (Laplace's EQ), Fourier Series/Integration tricks, review vector skill and identities as well as orthoganal coordinates