When did Hilbert Space First Enter the Undergrad Math Curriculum?

In summary: How long does it take for newly discovered math material or physics material to be standardized into the math undergrad curriculum? Just wondering about hilbert space as well. When did hilbert space first go into the undergrad curriculum?It can vary, but on average, it can take around 30-40 years for a new idea to be fully integrated into the undergraduate curriculum. For example, the theory of relativity was first proposed in the early 1800s, but it didn't become a part of the undergraduate curriculum until the 1920s. And depending on the level of the undergrad course, it can take even longer--for example, the fundamentals of calculus haven't changed much in over 100 years, but the way in which they are taught can vary
  • #1
kramer733
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How long does it take for newly discovered math material or physics material to be standardized into the math undergrad curriculum? Just wondering about hilbert space as well. When did hilbert space first go into the undergrad curriculum?
 
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  • #2
kramer733 said:
When did hilbert space first go into the undergrad curriculum?

Before 1970, in the UK. (I have no idea how many years it was there before 1970.)
 
  • #3
I would hazard a guess of 30-40 years depending on the importance of the idea.
 
  • #4
Pyrrhus said:
I would hazard a guess of 30-40 years depending on the importance of the idea.

And depending on the level of the undergrad course. The fundamentals have been so well established that even a unified theory is unlikely to make it into a sophomore course, but a senior level mechanics course is a different story.
 
  • #5
Sometimes it happens immediately, like the results of the WMAP experiment measuring the age of the universe. I remember discussing it in my cosmology class the week it was announced, and it comes up in almost all astronomy classes now.
 
  • #6
kramer733 said:
How long does it take for newly discovered math material or physics material to be standardized into the math undergrad curriculum? Just wondering about hilbert space as well. When did hilbert space first go into the undergrad curriculum?

It depends.

Sometimes courses can be offered at the undergraduate level that present an introductory level course on a particular topic without going into great detail.

Also with research, it usually takes a little while before things become polished. You typically start out with unorganized ideas and lots of pieces of paper (or nowadays, electronic documents), and then it takes a little while for that to be processed, refined, and presented in an optimal way.

Also nowadays, this process can happen a lot quicker since there is a much higher rate of involvement of people in this process, and the major bottleneck which was communication has largely been reduced with technologies like the internet.
 

1. When did Hilbert Space first enter the undergraduate math curriculum?

Hilbert Space was first introduced in the undergraduate math curriculum in the late 19th and early 20th century.

2. Who was responsible for introducing Hilbert Space in the undergraduate math curriculum?

David Hilbert, a German mathematician, is credited with introducing Hilbert Space in the undergraduate math curriculum.

3. What is the significance of Hilbert Space in mathematics?

Hilbert Space is a fundamental concept in mathematics that allows for the study of infinite-dimensional vector spaces. It has applications in various fields such as quantum mechanics, functional analysis, and signal processing.

4. How is Hilbert Space taught in the undergraduate math curriculum?

Hilbert Space is typically taught as a part of advanced courses in linear algebra or functional analysis. Students are introduced to the basic concepts and properties of Hilbert Space, such as inner product spaces, orthonormal bases, and projections.

5. Is Hilbert Space a difficult concept for undergraduate students to grasp?

Hilbert Space can be a challenging concept for undergraduate students as it deals with abstract and infinite-dimensional spaces. However, with proper guidance and practice, students can develop a solid understanding of Hilbert Space and its applications.

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