Here's what I've got, where should I go now?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the participant's extensive reading list in mathematics and physics, seeking recommendations for further study, particularly in quantum field theory, general relativity, and programming. The scope includes theoretical and applied aspects of physics and mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • The participant has read a variety of textbooks across mathematics and physics, including works by Boas, Rudin, Griffiths, and Landau.
  • They express interest in filling gaps in their knowledge, particularly in quantum field theory, general relativity, and programming.
  • Some participants suggest that the participant is missing a solid foundation in Electromagnetism (E&M), with references to Griffiths and Jackson as potential texts.
  • One participant recommends "Lectures on Quantum Theory: Mathematical and Structural Foundations" by Chris Isham as supplementary reading for graduate students.
  • Another participant suggests studying Complex Analysis, mentioning Needham and Churchill & Brown as potential resources.
  • The participant indicates they have been studying consistently over the past year and a half, balancing exercises from the textbooks with personal problem creation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the specific gaps in knowledge or the best next steps, as multiple suggestions and recommendations are presented without agreement on a single path forward.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a variety of personal study approaches and preferences, with some participants emphasizing the importance of certain subjects while others propose alternative resources. The participant's unconventional study route is acknowledged but not elaborated upon.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals seeking guidance on advanced study in mathematics and physics, particularly those interested in self-directed learning and resource recommendations.

genericusrnme
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Here's a list of most of the textbooks I've read;
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences - Mary Boas
Introuction to Linear Algebra - Gilbert Strang
Linear Algebra - Hoffman and Kunze
Theory of Sets - Bourbaki
Algebra I (the first third of) - Bourbaki
Mathematical Analysis - Tom Apostol
Principles of Mathematical Analysis - Walter Rudin
Princples of Quantum Mechanics - R Shankar
Modern Quantum Mechanics - JJ Sakurai
Classical Mechanics - Goldstein
Classical Mechanics - Landau and Lifgarbagez
Non-rel Quantum Mechanics - Landau and Lifgarbagez
Classical Field Theory - Davidson
Introduction to Tensor Calculus and Contuum Mechanics - J Heinbockel
Intorduction to Topology and Modern Analysis - George Simmons
Algebra: Chapter 0 (first half) - Paolo Aluffi
Artificial Intelligence: A Modern Approach - Peter Norvig (I did one of Stanford's online courses)
Introduction to Electrodynamics - David Griffiths
And of course, I've picked up some other bits and bobs along the way.
Currently reading (more than half way through);
Advanced Linear Algebra - Steve Roman
Introduction to Manifolds - Loring Tu
Introduction to Statistical Mechanics - David Chandler

What gaps do I need to fill in my knowledge? (I'm sure there must be many since my route isn't exactly the conventional one)
I'm mostly interested in physics, specifically physics of the very small althogh I've never really found a good textbook on GR to see if I like that. I'm also interested in maths, I'm quite enjoying the linear algebra and manifolds ideas too, so any reccomendations for either QFT/QED/whatever comes after you've done your basic QM, introduction to GR or book to go onto after I've finished Tu and Romans books would be welcome.
I'm also interested in learning some kind of programming language, so what books would be suitable for someone with my background?

Thanks in advance :smile:
 
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Sorry for offtopic, but how much did it take to work through them all? Did you do a reasonable amount of exercises? Do you do this on your free time?
 
Over the past year/year and a half/at most two years I've been studying pretty much non stop on and off on a kind of 5 weeks on to 1 week off ratio. I do most of the exercises in the books, it really depends on how many are given, if there are a lot given then I'll skip a couple of the easier ones, if there isn't a lot I'll do all of them, and I also make my own problems and scenarios to investigate.
I do do this in my spare time although I have a LOT of spare time but I'm not neglecting other parts and people of my life.
 
You are missing E&M.
 
Jorriss said:
You are missing E&M.

Oh damn, I forgot a book!
I've also done Griffiths' Introduction to Electrodynamics. I've heard good things about Jackson for a follow up textbook though so I'll probably do that once I've finished the books I am currently working on. I'd be happy to accept any recommendations for alternate electrodynamics textbooks though.
Thanks for the input none the less :biggrin:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
George Jones said:
I think that "Lectures on Quantum Theory: Mathematical and Structural Foundations" by Chris Isham should be supplementary reading for all physics grad students. Read the reviews at

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1860940013/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thank you, it seems like quite a good book that teaches more 'theory' than simply solving PDEs. It's added to my to-do list!
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I would suggest some Complex Analysis. Needham is inspired but Churchill & Brown is more applied.
 

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