How to select one from these two books? (Physical Mathematics)

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around selecting between two mathematics books aimed at enhancing mathematical skills for physics, specifically for a student in Condensed Matter Physics. The books in question are "Mathematical Physics" by S. Hassani and "Physical Mathematics" by K. Cahill.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that Hassani's book covers more topics overall.
  • Others mention that while Hassani's book includes advanced topics, Cahill's book offers introductory topics such as Statistics, Monte Carlo Methods, and Renormalization that are not found in Hassani's book.
  • A suggestion is made to read a chapter from each book to determine which one is more beneficial for learning.
  • One participant proposes creating a list of desired topics to learn and developing a plan based on that list.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the content and focus of the two books, indicating that multiple competing perspectives exist regarding which book may be more suitable for the student's needs.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not reached a consensus on which book is preferable, and the discussion reflects a variety of preferences based on individual learning goals and content coverage.

Photonico
Messages
7
Reaction score
3
Dear everyone,

I'm an HDR student in Condensed Matter Physics. I want to enhance my math ability with the aim is learning physics.
I found two books, they seem all fit my purpose.

1. Mathematical Physics 2nd by S.Hassani
2. Physical Mathematics 2nd by K.Cahill

I want to choose one of them to learn because the time is precious. I need some valuable advice about it.

Cheers,
Lu
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Hassani covers more topics.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and Photonico
Read a chapter from each. Pick the one you learn more from.
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Vanadium 50, Demystifier, vanhees71 and 1 other person
malawi_glenn said:
Hassani covers more topics.
I found that Hassani's book has more advanced topics, but Cahill has many introductory topics which are not contained in Hassani's book, such as Statistics, Monte Carlo Methods, and Renormalization...
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Demystifier and vanhees71
you could do a list of topics that you want to learn, and then do a plan
 
Reply
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: vanhees71 and Photonico

Similar threads

Other Recommendation for Mathematics for Physicist and Engineers book
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Foundations Should I start with Lang's Basic Mathematics or Gelfand's books?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
8K
Please recommend a free pdf book about university-level mathematics for me
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Cosmology What are some recommended books for studying mathematical physics?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Applied Blennow to follow up Altland?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
787
Intro Physics Opinions on books for (self) studies in statistical physics
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
6K
Astrophysics Question regarding two specific books on stellar structure
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Quantum An alternative route to learn mathematics for physics, the "rigorous way"
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Books for a friend interested in mathematical physics but...?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Applied Bibliography on integration and ODE/PDE solving techniques for physics
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K