Interested only in theory/mathematical physics. What should I focus on?

  • Thread starter Thread starter ahsanxr
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Focus Physics
Click For Summary
The discussion centers on the dilemma of choosing between a math-heavy or physics-heavy course load for a second-year undergraduate majoring in both mathematics and physics, with a focus on theoretical/mathematical physics. The individual is considering a math-heavy path that includes courses like real analysis, topology, and graduate quantum mechanics, which would limit their physics lab experience and potentially affect their formal physics degree. Conversely, a physics-heavy approach would involve courses such as E&M II and statistical mechanics, but would restrict their ability to take advanced math classes. Concerns are raised about how each choice would impact future applications to graduate programs in physics or mathematical physics, particularly regarding the lack of formal lab experience or advanced math coursework. The discussion highlights the importance of aligning course selection with long-term academic and career goals in theoretical physics.
ahsanxr
Messages
350
Reaction score
6
I'm a second year undergrad, currently majoring both in mathematics and physics. However I've decided that the time has come where I should stop taking both classes evenly and start devoting more of my time to one field. However I'm unsure which field that should be if I'm interested primarily in theoretical/mathematical physics. To give you guys a better idea here's what I was thinking about taking in fall 2012.

If I go math-heavy:

Real analysis
Topology
Graduate Algebra 1
Graduate Quantum Mechanics 1

If I go physics-heavy:

Either Topology or Analysis
Elementary Lab 1
Graduate Quantum Mechanics 1
E&M II
Statistical Mechanics.

Which side should I focus on in your opinions? If I do decide to go math-heavy I probably won't be doing the 3 required lab semesters of the physics BS, and hence I won't have a formal degree in physics although I would have taken classes up til QFT by the time I graduate. How would physics schools view that if I decide to apply to them for theory? Similarly if I decide decide to focus on physics I won't be able to take a lot of math grad classes. How then would that be viewed by the math/mathematical physics graduate schools?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You asked the same question here.

It's better to explain what was unsatisfactory about the answer than to just ask the question over again.
 
Hi all, Hope you are doing well. I'm a current grad student in applied geophysics and will finish my PhD in about 2 years (previously did a HBSc in Physics, did research in exp. quantum optics). I chose my current field because of its practicality and its clear connection to industry, not out of passion (a clear mistake). I notice that a lot of people (colleagues) switch to different subfields of physics once they graduate and enter post docs. But 95% of these cases fall into either of...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 119 ·
4
Replies
119
Views
16K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
16
Views
3K