Is Advanced Physics Really Built on Calculus and Higher Math?

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Most introductory and advanced physics courses are fundamentally based on calculus and other advanced mathematical topics. While high school physics often avoids calculus, higher-level physics consistently requires it, especially when dealing with non-constant variables. Calculus is essential for understanding complex physical concepts and problems. Beyond calculus-based physics, topics such as partial differential equations (PDEs), analytical mechanics, and Fourier analysis are also integral to advanced studies in physics.
BioCore
I was wondering if someone could just tell me whether or not Most of intro and all of advanced Physics is primarily built upon Calculus and any other advanced Math topics. I know that high school physics usually teaches physics from a non-calculus point of view but I am specifically referring to Calculus based-physics and beyond.
 
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I would say yes. I, at the moment, cannot think of a topic in physics past freshman year that is not associated with calculus in some way. Typically, whenever things are not constant, calculus in required. Such problems can be simplified for high school students (ie find the work done by this constant force), but to get the full picture calculus is required.Cheers,
Nick
 
Nick thanks a lot for the feedback, really appreciate it.
 
And beyond the calculus-based physics you only got PDE's, analytical mechanics and fourier-analysis to deal with. :smile:
 
Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
Yesterday, 9/5/2025, when I was surfing, I found an article The Schwarzschild solution contains three problems, which can be easily solved - Journal of King Saud University - Science ABUNDANCE ESTIMATION IN AN ARID ENVIRONMENT https://jksus.org/the-schwarzschild-solution-contains-three-problems-which-can-be-easily-solved/ that has the derivation of a line element as a corrected version of the Schwarzschild solution to Einstein’s field equation. This article's date received is 2022-11-15...

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