Group Theory (Physics): Is It Worth It for Physicists?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on a physics undergraduate student who is taking a group theory course in the math department during their final semester. Initially overwhelmed by the advanced material and the pace of the class, the student has caught up through self-study but expresses concern about the course's focus on mathematical concepts rather than topics relevant to physics, such as group representations and Lie groups. The student questions the value of continuing the course given their tight schedule filled with other challenging subjects like differential geometry and particle physics. They seek opinions from fellow physicists who have taken group theory to determine if the course is beneficial for their future in physics, while also planning to consult professors for guidance.
Grieverheart
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Hello there,i'm at my last semester in physics undergrad.I wanted to get group theory last semester but it I was already full with other subjects and research,so I went this semsester and took the group theory taught in the math department.Well,at first I was totally lost (me and the 2 best math students in class) cause the other students were asking stuff about things I never heard of ,but anyways.Lessons started last thursday we're using M.A.Armstrong's book on group theory and aparently starting about from the middle(ch.13) of it cause the other students already had done the rest.But I did some self-study and caught up and finally am able to understand.

That was some backround info,now to the main subject.Apparently the subject is math-centered,meaning we'll probably not talk alot(if at all) about group representations,lie groups etc. (stuff which physicists are mostly interested in).Do you think it's worth it for me as a physicist,to continue following the subject?
 
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I am a lowly mathematician, but physics people seem interested in lie theory and representation theory.

[sorry I totally misread your post. If you use armstrong's book it does get to some stuff that even many mathematicians might not be interested in.]
 
Well,I really like math a lot and in another situation I wouldn't mind to follow the subject but I'm at my last semester,doing research and I already have lots of fun but maybe somewhat difficult subjects like differential geometry,particle physics etc. and my schedule is very tight.Thus,I would prefer even studying group theory on my own if the subject as discribed above is of no use to me as a physicist.

An opinion from fellow physicist which have had group theory would be helpful.In any case I'll also try to consult some of my proffessors.
 
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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