How much Physics does a math PHD program expect

[deluks917]

I'm on track to finish a fairly strong Math BS in two years (including for example year long grad courses in Real/Complex/Algebra/PDE/DiffGeo/Dynamical Systems). The problem is that I will not have taken any physics beyond the basic freshmen introductory sequence. I will have a decent amount of applied math (numerical analysis/probability) but I feel like the lack of physics might hurt.

Do you feel like I should replace some math courses for Classical Mechanics/Quantum/Electromagnetism. The issue I have with doing this is that starting next year I will be taking mostly graduate math courses and I'm not sure its a good idea to replace graduate math courses with undergraduate physics courses (I doubt I could get in or handle graduate physics courses). I'm also doing well in my math classes and not sure i'll do as well in physics classes. Will I be at a disadvantage in Math grad school with such a limited physics background. If you went to a Math PHD program I'd appreciate advice on how much physics you think i need.

 

[JCVD]

I'm a grad student at a pure math program, I only took the physics intro class as an undergrad, and I don't think many other people in my program have taken more physics than that, if any at all. The only time in a math class I felt physics classes would have helped was solving certain problems in a differential equations class, but it appears you have no problem with diffy q. For a pure math program, not having taken much physics is definitely not a problem and will not downgrade your application. I would assume the same is pretty much true for applied math programs, but I am not qualified to say.

 

[Pengwuino]

You should definitely take some physics courses if you want to see your field bastardized before your eyes :).

Naaa, jk, there's no need to take any physics courses as a math student.

 

[cristo]

For a pure math program, not having taken much physics is definitely not a problem and will not downgrade your application. I would assume the same is pretty much true for applied math programs, but I am not qualified to say.

I don't see how this assumption can be true: how can you be accepted into an applied maths programme if you have not taken classical mechanics?

 

[Shackleford]

I don't see how this assumption can be true: how can you be accepted into an applied maths programme if you have not taken classical mechanics?

That's not a prerequisite for the Applied Math M.S. at my university. However, it is offered through the Department of Mathematics. I suspect there's a difference between it and what a Department of Applied Mathematics requires.