How to Self-Study Special Relativity Effectively?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the absence of a Special Relativity (SR) course in the Bachelor's degree curriculum for theoretical physics, prompting the inquiry about self-study options. Participants express disbelief at the lack of SR in university courses, emphasizing its fundamental importance. Recommendations for independent study texts include Rindler, Synge, Helliwell, and Wheeler and Taylor's "Spacetime Physics." The conversation highlights the necessity of a solid foundation in SR for effective self-study, with participants questioning the value of recommendations when the original poster seems inclined to choose other texts. The overall sentiment underscores the significance of SR in physics education and the availability of resources for self-learners.
Jianphys17
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Hi, I was wondering, as in the Bachelor's degree curriculum there is no SR course, for one who is interested in theoretical physics (as me), would do it alone, perhaps with texts such as Rindler or Synge ...?

Thank you in advance !
 
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Jianphys17 said:
Hi, I was wondering, as in the Bachelor's degree curriculum there is no SR course, for one who is interested in theoretical physics (as me), would do it alone, perhaps with texts such as Rindler or Synge ...?

Thank you in advance !

What stage of your education have you reached? I can't believe there is a university physics course without SR. It's fundamental.

There are a number of books on SR that aim to teach it for independent study. I like:

Special Relativity by TM Helliwell

 
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In Germany, special relativity is part of the theory lectures. Here in Frankfurt it's usually introduced at the end of the 1st semester and continued in the 2nd semester. The lectures include Theory 1 (Mathematical methods, "naive" mechanics) and Theory 2 ("Analytical" mechanics).
 
Yes, there is, in Em course 2th year, but is very short and almost a historical path..
 
Jianphys17 said:
Yes, there is, in Em course 2th year, but is very short and almost a historical path..
Which university are you going to?
 
I' am Italian, at Rome
 
Jianphys17 said:
I' am Italian, at Rome
La Sapienza? It is a very good university, including the physics department.
 
If you know the basic calculations of SR, then I would highly recommend Spacetime Physics by Wheeler and Taylor
 
  • #10
You got two recommendations. You want to ignore them and buy one of three other books. What, then, is the point of our making recommendations?
 
  • #11
What is the best for a complete self-study ?
 

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