Majoring in applied math and physics

[penzoate]

What are the benefits of double majoring in both physics and applied mathematics. I am not talking about financial benefits. I was reading about applied math and subtopics like game theory and cryptography seem kinda interesting. Can anyone enlighten on what kind of careers I can have with a degree in applied math and what kind of skills I acquirre as I study applied math

 

[penzoate]

Also , What skills do you acquire and learnas you work toward applied math degree that you won't learn as you work towards your physics degress

 

[mgiddy911]

take a look at the standard physics degree, and then the aditional math classes you have to take for the math major, the difference in the two are your benefits.
I am a theoretical physics / applied maths major
The aditional classes I take are:
Abstract Algebra( A rigorous introduction to the study of abstract algebraic systems with emphasis on the theory of groups. Equivalence relations, subgroups, homomorphisms, quotients, products, linear groups, permutation groups, and selected advanced topics.)

Intro to Real Analysis( A rigorous treatment of properties and applications of real numbers and real-valued functions of a real variable. Topics include: sequences, limits, the Bolzano-Weierstrass theorem, compactness and the Heine-Borel theorem, connectedness, topology, continuity, uniform continuity, fixed-point theorem, derivatives.)

Intro to Complex Analysis(An introduction to the theory of functions of a complex variable. Topics include analytic functions, contour integrals, Cauchy integral formula, harmonic functions, Liouville's theorem, Laurent series, residues and poles, and conformal mapping. Additional topics may include the Picard theorems, Rouche's theorem, Schwarz-Christoffel transformations, and Riemann surfaces.)

and another 300 level math like Methods of Applied Maths, Number Theory, Combinatorics, Projetive Geometry, Advanced Linear Algebra, Intro to Real Analysis II, Numerical Methods (computational math) or Intro to Topology

I'd say the the main benefit is just your exposure to higher maths. Other students that simply major in physics may not experience the maths of your level until grad school, I think it will be a definite plus to be introduced to things like group theory and topology during your undergrad career if you are planning on grad school for physics.

edit: the physics majors are required 8 hours in elective credit form math science or computer science, so many of the will take an aditional math class or 2, many take chem and bio though also. It depends on the students aspirations

 

[RHenderson]

I definitely agree with mgiddy that the main benefit is simply the exposure. Upper level physics classes espescially will be a lot easier if you already know the math and don't have to settle for the sometimes inadequate expositions given in physics texts. It also puts the math you already know into context if you have somewhere to apply it.

I'm taking a boundary-value problem class right now that's making my electrodynamics class in particular a lot easier. I wish I could have taken it before quantum. The numerical analysis class I'm taking will definitely sharpen some of the research-oriented programs I've been working on. And an advanced probability and statistics class really helps with quantum (in retrospect) and any statistical mechanics class of course.

I really wish I could have taken a Complex Analysis, but unfortunately I'm going to graduate before then! Real Analysis I've heard mixed things about as far as applicability to physics goes, but it can't hurt. I'm sure I would try to take it if I had time.

 

[penzoate]

How stressed out were you when you encounter proofs