How hard is learning maths without specific maths classes?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of learning mathematics in the context of a physics degree that offers limited mathematics courses. Participants explore the adequacy of the mathematics curriculum for understanding physics concepts and the implications of choosing a joint degree in mathematics and physics versus a standalone physics degree.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses concern about the limited mathematics offered in their physics program, questioning whether it is sufficient for understanding physics without a strong theoretical background.
  • Another participant suggests that for most physics students, the mathematics learned alongside physics courses is adequate, particularly emphasizing the importance of calculus and linear algebra.
  • There is a challenge regarding the accuracy of the program's mathematics offerings, with one participant questioning the claim that only one of linear algebra or ODEs can be taken and whether PDEs are covered in any form.
  • A later reply confirms the limited mathematics options but mentions a multivariable calculus class that may touch on PDEs.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of pursuing a joint degree in mathematics and physics, weighing the benefits of additional mathematical rigor against the desire to focus more on physics courses.
  • Some participants inquire about the specific university program and its offerings, indicating interest in the curriculum details.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity of additional mathematics for a physics degree, with some believing that the mathematics learned in physics courses is sufficient, while others advocate for a more rigorous mathematical foundation. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the adequacy of the program's mathematics curriculum.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the structure of university programs may vary significantly, particularly between different countries, which could affect the availability of courses and the flexibility in choosing classes.

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I'm going to university next year and I'm strongly considering doing physics. however the I'm slightly concerned because the physics degree at the uni I am going to has very little of the math that i thought is needed for physics. to illustrate my point, in the course there are no PDEs, diff geometry, group theory or functional analysis , etc. and you can only do one out of linear algebra or ODEs. i know that many phys students who don't do a lot of math just pick up what they need in the physics classes. but how hard is that to do? would it not be difficult to understand if you're just learning the applications but not the theory behind it?
The university also offers a physics and math joint degree but I am reluctant to do that as it contains many math classes which are meant solely for maths students and may not actually be useful. also as a consequence i would have to take much less physics classes. i would like to know might this degree actually be more worthwhile to do than just the physics one?
thank you, and please reply

BTW, i don't live in the us. I am not sure what the system there is like but from what I've heard there is huge freedom in the classes one can take there (and it's possible to do 4 degrees at once!). i just want to inform anyone answering it's not like that here, everyone has to take a set number of credits each year, and in most circumstances i'd say it's impossible to take more.
 
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Unless you want to go hardcore theory you don't really need much more math than you pick up along the way, save for the calculus and linear algebra sequences. I don't think it iwll be a big problem. You can always read math books during your free time.
 
Are you sure that you can only choose one of linear algebra and ODEs, and that PDEs aren't covered? I find this very difficult to believe. Are there required courses called Mathematical Methods or Mathematical Physics?
 
Last edited:
George Jones said:
Are you sure that you can only choose one of linear algebra and ODEs, and that PDEs aren't covered?

yes I'm certain, though there is a class on multivariable calculus which might cover some of the basics for PDEs.

George Jones said:
I find this very difficult to believe. Are there required courses called Mathematical Methods or Mathematical Physics?

no, there are no general courses like that available.
 
Do you mind giving the name of the university? I am curious about its program, and I would like to take a look.
 
There is a difference between what is required by a program, what can or is advised to be taken in a program.

The Physics webpage lists various possibilities.

http://www.physics.ucc.ie/undergrad.html

Scroll down to "BSc in Physics" and click on "Click to view information on this course". Look carefully at the course descriptions for the various courses in the various options. It looks like there is a fair amount of mathematics available.

If you want even more mathematics, you might also do the same for "BSc in Mathematics & Physics"
 
Have you looked at The University of Limerick B.Sc in Mathematics and Physics?
 
Darth Frodo said:
Have you looked at The University of Limerick B.Sc in Mathematics and Physics?

Yes, but i want to stay in cork at least for my undergraduate studies.
 
  • #10
Ah ok. If you're worried about not enough mathematical rigor why not do MAthematics and Physics in UCC?
 
  • #11
Darth Frodo said:
Ah ok. If you're worried about not enough mathematical rigor why not do MAthematics and Physics in UCC?

this was exactly the point of my question; i was asking whether that might be better.
 

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