I'm in community college at the moment taking math courses

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the progression of mathematics courses available to a community college student majoring in Physics, particularly focusing on what follows after Calculus III and the mathematical requirements for transferring to a four-year institution for Astronomy or Astrophysics. Participants explore various advanced mathematics topics relevant to physics and engineering.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • The original poster expresses uncertainty about the mathematics courses available after Calculus III and seeks information on advanced topics.
  • One participant mentions that they have not encountered calculus beyond Calc IV, noting that this is non-standard.
  • Another participant indicates that engineering programs typically conclude with differential equations, while physics may continue with additional mathematics depending on the institution.
  • Several participants suggest that physics majors often study advanced topics such as Vector Analysis, Partial Differential Equations (PDEs), Complex Analysis, Real Analysis, and Abstract Algebra.
  • One participant elaborates on advanced mathematical concepts relevant to physics, including the calculus of functionals, differential geometry, group theory, and topics related to string theory, suggesting a strong mathematical foundation is beneficial for physics studies.
  • A participant notes that their school requires Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra & Matrix Theory, and Differential Equations I-II for Physics majors.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the extent of mathematics required beyond Calculus III, as there are multiple perspectives on the courses and topics that may be pursued in physics and engineering disciplines.

Contextual Notes

There are varying definitions of advanced mathematics courses across institutions, and the discussion reflects uncertainty about specific course offerings and requirements for different majors.

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I'm in community college at the moment. I'm sure a few of you have witnessed me make a fool of my self goofing-off on the forums not so long ago. But, I'm curious as to what comes... next?

As far as math is concerned, that is.

After looking through the booklet with the course selections and looking through the classes on-line I became a bit... not sure how to put it but, interested? maybe?

Starting at the freshmen (100) level courses:
Precalculus
Calculus and analytical Geometry I
Calculus and analytical Geometry II

Sophomore (200) level courses:
Introduction to Discrete mathematics
Liner Algebra
Calculus and analytical Geometry III
and, Differential Equations
I sifted through a few websites belonging to four-year colleges and universities and still didnt see anything going over calculus 3. But, I've heard stories of it going up to and past XII.

Can anyone throw me some information on this? or is that it? The CC in which I am attending, my major is Physics. They don't offer Astronomy or Astrophysics. Just a 200 level course, "Intro. To Stellar and Galactic Astronomy." When I transfer out to a four-year school. I'll be majoring in Astronomy or Astrophysics, depending on the programs offered and the schools I can get into. Yeah, I messed up in high school.

After Calc III do I only see what was learned in those classes and apply it to physics or is there more madness ahead?
 
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I've never heard of calculus past Calc IV, and even that is non-standard.

My father is an engineer and he took those classes plus Partial Differential Equations and and some "advanced math for engineers" business.
 


For engineering disciplines almost all programs stop at differential equations mathwise.

For physics i know you continue, but it depends on where you are. It may not be obvious. I know at penn state phys 497 is the same exact course as math 497 but different majors put it on there transcript differently.
 


Most Physics majors I knew also took Vector Analysis, PDEs, Complex Analysis, Real Analysis, some even took Abstract Algebra. There is plenty of math to learn :smile:
 


mattmns said:
Most Physics majors I knew also took Vector Analysis, PDEs, Complex Analysis, Real Analysis, some even took Abstract Algebra. There is plenty of math to learn :smile:

i hope so, because i want to learn a lot.
 


As I'm learning at the minute there's also the calculus of functionals (take a curve between two points and map it to a single number e.g. by integration... ) which underpins Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics. If you want to study general relativity there's differential geometry at its heart (specifically Riemannian geometry); particle theory rests heavily on group theory; and if you want to do string theory (chuckles) then solitons (non-dispersive solutions to non-linear differential equations), topology, elliptic functions (advanced calculus of comple variables) all come in handy (or so I'm given to understand! :wink:).
So essentially, you should really do an undergraduate degree in maths before attempting one in physics :biggrin:
 


At my school the only required maths for Physics are Calculus I-III, Linear Algebra & Matrix Theory, and Differential Equations I-II.
 

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