Math courses beyond undergrad requirements

AI Thread Summary
For a first-year physics and astrophysics double major, taking Differential Equations and Linear Algebra is essential, with the order depending on advisor guidance. Beyond these courses, it is beneficial to consider classes in scientific computing, as programming skills are increasingly important in astrophysics, whether pursuing experimental or theoretical work. Advanced topics such as vector spaces and differential geometry may also be valuable, especially for those interested in theoretical aspects like General Relativity. While a math minor can enhance the degree, the focus should be on developing programming skills alongside mathematical knowledge to prepare for future academic and career paths in the field.
Machtay
Messages
2
Reaction score
0
I'm a first year physics and astrophysics double major. My schedule has me taking Differential Equations next year and Linear Algebra the following semester(or vice versa, I haven't asked my advisor which to take first). After that there are no required math courses to complete my degree. What are some math classes I should take beyond linear algebra/differential equations? Would a math minor supplement my degree well or is it unnecessary? And if there are no truly necessary math classes which ones are useful/interesting? I'm definitely interested in taking more so any advice is much appreciated!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It depends a lot on what you will be doing later. Will you be going the experimental route? Will you be doing theoretical GR? Stuff like that.
 
As Micromass said, it really depends on what you'll be doing later, but I would imagine a class in scientific computing would be useful for just about everyone. They are most often offered by applied math department.
 
Astrophysics in general you will need much more skills in the programming department. I would focus on that, if you are interested in more theoretical aspects of astrophysics then programming will still be largely useful. After that you may want to start on some more advanced vector spaces and lead your self into the ideas of manifolds (the basis of differential geometry, the math of General relativity).

Also, learn some more programming.

And program a lot.

Oh, did I forget to mention programming?
 
  • Like
Likes artyb
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...
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...

Similar threads

Back
Top