Hassani's books on Mathematical Physics/Methods

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the suitability of Dr. Hassani's books on mathematical methods for physicists and engineers, particularly for self-study by undergraduate students. Participants explore which of Hassani's texts would be more beneficial for someone with a foundational background in calculus and ordinary differential equations, and they also seek recommendations for other comprehensive and mathematically rigorous texts in this field.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with Hassani's undergraduate book before moving to the graduate text, while questioning if this is the best approach.
  • Another participant recommends a textbook by professor @Orodruin as a comprehensive alternative for mathematical methods.
  • A participant comments on the quality and content of the recommended textbook, noting its usefulness for understanding tensors and the calculus of variations.
  • There is a mention of the high cost of the hardcover version of the recommended book, but a participant expresses intent to purchase the paperback edition.
  • One participant shares their positive experience with Hassani's book, indicating it is excellent and expressing hope for more publications from the author.
  • A later reply seeks clarification on which of Hassani's books was received by another participant, indicating interest in both the undergraduate and graduate texts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying opinions on which book to start with, and while some recommend Hassani's texts, others suggest alternatives. There is no consensus on the best approach for self-study or which book is superior.

Contextual Notes

Participants' recommendations and experiences are based on personal backgrounds and preferences, which may not apply universally. The discussion reflects individual interpretations of the texts' content and suitability for different levels of study.

Who May Find This Useful

Undergraduate students in physics or engineering looking for self-study resources in mathematical methods, as well as those interested in recommendations for comprehensive textbooks in this area.

Parisi
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By looking around, it seems like Dr. Hassani's books are great for studying "mathematical methods for the physicist/engineer." One is for the beginner physicist [Mathematical Methods: For Students of Physics and Related Fields] and the other is [Mathematical Physics: A Modern Introduction to Its Foundations] for the advanced undergraduate / grad student.

I'm a sophomore undergrad and I have taken up the standard calculus sequence (~3sems) and ODEs. I want to self study ahead in mathematics to do well in future physics courses and also research. Would it be a good idea to start with Hassani's undergraduate book then look into his graduate one, or skip to Mathematical Physics? Or are there any other books that are comprehensive and mathematically rigorous under this branch of books on mathematical methods for the physicist/engineer?
 
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Parisi said:
Or are there any other books that are comprehensive and mathematically rigorous under this branch of books on mathematical methods for the physicist/engineer?
I can personally recommend this textbook by our very own professor @Orodruin

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https://www.amazon.com/Mathematical...ring-Mattias/dp/113805688X/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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BTW, if you follow the Amazon link above, you can use the "Read Sample" link below the image to look through the first few pages of the book, including the Table of Contents. This should help to give you an idea of what-all the textbook covers. :smile:
 
Geez. The hardcover is pricey.

BUt it is quality. A friend of myne owns a copy and I skimmed through it. Lots of cool stuff. Will buy a paperback soon. i think the op is better served by Boas due to background information listed.

Having a pure math background. The section on tensors was gold. I tried approaching it from a pure math perspecrive but gave up.However, this book actually showed me how to compute! Which gave me intuition and making more progress on the pure side.

Never being exposed to the Calculus Of Variations, besides a few examples in lecture during a mechanics course. I got the gyst of it from a quick read.
 
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Just received my copy last week. And it is indeed an excellent book. Hopefuly the author writes more books in thr future!
 
MidgetDwarf said:
Just received my copy last week. And it is indeed an excellent book. Hopefuly the author writes more books in thr future!
THe undergrad or the grad book?
 

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