Is learning physics helpful for undergrad math students?

AI Thread Summary
Engaging with advanced physics can significantly enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts, making it a valuable pursuit for those studying mathematics. A solid foundation in physics, particularly classical mechanics, can clarify calculus, while topics like differential geometry and functional analysis gain depth when linked to physics principles such as general relativity and quantum mechanics. The discussion emphasizes that integrating physics into mathematical studies is beneficial, especially for those with a background in calculus and discrete mathematics. The participant expresses a desire to ensure that their time investment in learning is productive, highlighting a commitment to deepening their knowledge in both fields.
A.MHF
Messages
26
Reaction score
1
A few months back I bought Spacetime Physics by Taylor and Wheeler, I haven't read it, but I was planning to. Generally, I do love physics especially the math part. I'm also self-learning some courses in mathematics and I was wondering if it would be helpful to me to also start learning some advanced physics for fun.
Any ideas?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What's your background in physics and math?
 
Yes! A lot of physics should be mandatory to math students. A lot of math concepts make WAY more sense with a solid knowledge of physics. Calculus can be understood only fully by knowing some (basic) classical mechanics. Differential geometry really shines when applied to classical mechanics and GR. Functional analysis gains a whole new depth with a solid knowledge of QM. And so on, and so on.

http://pauli.uni-muenster.de/~munsteg/arnold.html
 
  • Like
Likes Ravi Mohan, A.MHF and Thewindyfan
Thanks, these were my thoughts at the beginning but I wanted to make I'm investing my time in something useful.
My background is wide, I have deep knowledge of calculus, discrete mathematics, matrices, some knowledge in Set Theory, and a bit of real analysis and number theory. I'm sure I have more knowledge in other areas but they're not that deep. As for my knowledge in physics it's not that much. I have basic understanding of Classical Mechanics, E&M, and optics.
 
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"...
TL;DR Summary: I want to do a PhD in applied math but I hate group theory, is this a big problem? Hello, I am a second-year math and physics double major with a minor in data science. I just finished group theory (today actually), and it was my least favorite class in all of university so far. It doesn't interest me, and I am also very bad at it compared to other math courses I have done. The other courses I have done are calculus I-III, ODEs, Linear Algebra, and Prob/Stats. Is it a...
Back
Top