I just took Lewin's courses: What next?

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After completing Walter Lewin's courses on Newtonian Mechanics and Electricity and Magnetism, the discussion centers on the next steps in studying physics, focusing on either Quantum Mechanics or Special Relativity. Recommendations for textbooks include Griffiths and Resnick for Quantum Mechanics and Resnick for Special Relativity, with suggestions to also consider 8.03 Vibrations and Waves as a preparatory course. Participants emphasize the importance of having a solid mathematical foundation, particularly in Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and differential equations, to tackle Quantum Mechanics effectively. It is noted that while Sakurai is a comprehensive text, it may not be suitable for beginners without prior knowledge. The consensus leans toward building mathematical skills while engaging with 8.03 before diving into more advanced Quantum Mechanics.
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A few days ago, I completed Walter Lewin's courses 8.01 (Newtonian Mechanics)and 8.02 (Electricity and Magnetism) . I loved the courses and I'm quite motivated to go further. I was thinking of two routes:

a) Quantum Mechanics: I'll probably use Griffiths/Resnick/Shankar/Gasiorowicz.
b) Special relativity: Probably Resnick.

Which of the two routes should I choose, and what textbook should I use?
 
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I'd take quantum theory next. Textbooks: Sakurai/Ballentine.
 
What math have you done so far? If you've done Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and differential then QM is definitely accessible, although 8.03 Vibrations and Waves ( and Special Relativity (use both Resnick and AP French) would be a good next step especially since 8.03 is sort of a transition to give some background on some classical concepts that are used/extended in QM. Although, Resnick's QM is at the level of a modern physics course, rather than a full QM coure, so it might be useful to work through that before trying Griffiths or Shankar.
 
megatyler30 said:
What math have you done so far? If you've done Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, and differential then QM is definitely accessible, although 8.03 Vibrations and Waves ( and Special Relativity (use both Resnick and AP French) would be a good next step especially since 8.03 is sort of a transition to give some background on some classical concepts that are used/extended in QM. Although, Resnick's QM is at the level of a modern physics course, rather than a full QM coure, so it might be useful to work through that before trying Griffiths or Shankar.
I did not require multivariable calculus for 8.02. I think I'll devote some time to gaining mathematical background while watching 8.03 lectures. After that, maybe I'll be prepared for more "hardcore" QM. Thanks!
 
Sakurai is not a beginners book, you need something on the level of Griffiths or Resnik to have a chance of getting thru it...
 

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