Intermediate methods of mathematical physics

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The discussion centers on two mathematics courses relevant to physics: Course 233, which covers differential equations and vector calculus, and Course 234, focusing on Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, and complex analysis. There is uncertainty regarding whether Course 233 is a prerequisite for Course 234, with participants suggesting that while knowledge from 233 may be beneficial, it is not strictly necessary. Applications of Laplace transforms to ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are noted as a potential overlap. Regarding the need for complex analysis in physics, it is suggested that while complex analysis is important, real analysis may not be explicitly required in the physics curriculum. The emphasis is placed on the applications of complex analysis rather than the theoretical aspects, indicating that students are expected to acquire necessary analytical skills as they progress in their studies. The courses utilize the Kreyzig text "Advanced Engineering Mathematics," which may provide additional context for the topics covered.
torquemada
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Hi my school has these two courses:


Specific mathematical methods used in advanced courses in physics.
233. Differential equations, vector differential and integral calculus.
234. Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, complex analysis.

There is no indication that 233 is a prereq for 234. However the website sometimes fudges prereqs. Are the topics mutually exclusive? Or do I need to know 233 for 234? Thanks


Also I'm wondering how come physicists need complex analysis but not real analysis? Or will real analysis pop up somewhere, and it's just not specified on any of the physics course descriptions at my college? Thanks
 
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torquemada said:
Hi my school has these two courses:


Specific mathematical methods used in advanced courses in physics.
233. Differential equations, vector differential and integral calculus.
234. Laplace transforms, Fourier analysis, complex analysis.

There is no indication that 233 is a prereq for 234. However the website sometimes fudges prereqs. Are the topics mutually exclusive? Or do I need to know 233 for 234? Thanks


Also I'm wondering how come physicists need complex analysis but not real analysis? Or will real analysis pop up somewhere, and it's just not specified on any of the physics course descriptions at my college? Thanks

Could you perhaps list the topics of the two courses?? I don't think you really need 233 for 234, although you might see applications of 234 that uses differential equations... For example, Laplace transforms are often applied on ODE's.

For your second questions. You don't really need complex analysis either, you just need the applications of complex analysis. So the course could as well be "complex calculus" or something. But I think that most colleges think that by the time you need complex stuff, then you are mature enough to take complex analysis.
 
Unfortunately that's the only description they provide for those courses - they use the kreyzig text Advanced Engineering Mathematics, if that helps :).
 

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