Graduate Electrodynamics I: Essential Math Topics to Review

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For preparing for a spring Graduate Electromagnetism (E/M) I course using Jackson's textbook, it's essential to focus on key mathematical topics such as partial differential equations (PDE), ordinary differential equations (ODE), linear algebra, and mathematical methods. These areas are frequently utilized in graduate-level electrodynamics. While Jackson is widely regarded as a standard reference, some participants in the discussion express a preference for Schwinger's approach, highlighting its clarity and effectiveness. It is suggested to explore Schwinger's text for additional insights and a different perspective on the subject matter. Accessing university library resources for a thorough review of these texts is recommended for effective preparation.
majormuss
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I am prepping for my spring Graduate E/M I course (official textbook: Jackson) and will like to know what math topics in PDE/Math-Methods/ODE/Linear-Algebra to brush up on or hone down on as I prep? Which topics are most frequently needed for Graduate Electrodynamics I?
 
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Jackson is a mathematical physics book disguised as an electrodynamics text.
 
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Its not often talked about but my favorite is Schwinger:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738200565/?tag=pfamazon01-20

When deciding on an EM reference went down to a university library to check out Jackson everyone said was THE book. Read Jackson - it was good. But spotted Schwinger and IMHO it was better so ended not bothering with Jackson and got Schwinger instead. I would just go down to your library and read through Schwinger for a bit of a brush up.

Thanks
Bill
 
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Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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