Graduate School Mathematics Preperation

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on enhancing mathematical skills for graduate studies in theoretical physics, particularly in cosmology, quantum mechanics, and particle physics. Key recommendations include Mary Boas' "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" for beginning to mid-undergraduate levels, and for advanced undergraduates or beginning graduate students, "Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to its Foundations" by Hassani and "Mathematics for Physics: A Guided Tour for Graduate Students" by Stone and Goldbart. For advanced graduate or research levels, Nakahara's "Geometry, Topology and Physics" is suggested. These resources cover essential mathematical concepts necessary for success in theoretical physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Familiarity with basic calculus and algebra
  • Understanding of undergraduate-level physics concepts
  • Knowledge of mathematical proofs and problem-solving techniques
  • Exposure to differential equations and linear algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Mary Boas
  • Explore "Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to its Foundations" by Hassani
  • Review "Mathematics for Physics: A Guided Tour for Graduate Students" by Stone and Goldbart
  • Investigate "Geometry, Topology and Physics" by Nakahara for advanced topics
USEFUL FOR

Undergraduate physics students, aspiring graduate students in theoretical physics, and anyone seeking to strengthen their mathematical foundation for advanced studies in physics.

JordanGo
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Here is my situation:
I am currently finishing my undergraduate physics program and thinking of doing graduate studies. My only concern is that the knowledge of mathematics is fairly weak. My program offers little mathematics, its very general physica. I am interested in doing theoretical physics in the domain of cosmology, quantum mechanics or particle physics (something to that effect). As I am aware, these subjects are heavily based on mathematics.
Here is my question:
I have a good long break coming up and was hoping to get some studying done. Can someone give me a list of mathematical topics/applications I may want to study to enhance my skills in the mathematical side of physics?
 
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It depends on what you've already studied. I'll give you reference(s) that covers the material at each level and then you can look at each and fill up the gaps in your knowledge according to that:

Beginning-mid undergrad level:

I would say after the first two or three years of undergrad, most people should be familiar with the topics found in Mary Boas' book:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471198269/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I haven't read the book myself but it seems like a decent book that covers material beyond calculus.

Advanced undergrad/beginning grad:

Two excellent references are Hassani's "Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to its Foundations" and Stone and Goldbart's "Mathematics for Physics: A guided tour for graduate students".

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387985794/?tag=pfamazon01-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0521854032/?tag=pfamazon01-20

The first one has a pretty good exposition of each topic and is mathematically precise. It states, defines and sometimes proves things clearly. The latter is a somewhat more "down-and-dirty" approach. It can be a bit mathematically sloppy at times but the challenging problems in every chapter (only 10-15 of them, so quality over quantity) make up for it.

Advanced grad/research level:

Nakahara's "Geometry, Topology and Physics". Haven't read a lot of this, but it looks like a good overview of differential geometry, algebraic topology, complex manifolds etc.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
These are great suggestions! Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for your awesome replies!
 
JordanGo said:
These are great suggestions! Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much for your awesome replies!

The book Hercuflea posted is geared towards people who want to graduate school in math, so I wouldn't necessarily start with that. Of course, it's all stuff you're going to have to learn at some point or the other if you want to do theory, but right now you should be learning the topics found in the books I posted.
 

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