Math Levels for different Physics Courses

[sr6622]

I am currently in Cal AB and will hopefully study through Cal BC this year. I am raelly interested in Quantum Mechanics, Relativity, and String theory.

I just wanted to know what level of math I will need to study Quantum, relativity, and string theory in depth.

Like Diff Q's, Partial Diff Q's?

I just want to know so I have some mathematical direction...

BTW, Cal BC is like Cal I.5, i think...

 

[Nothing000]

I think linear algebra is pretty important for QM.

 

[JasonRox]

I think linear algebra is pretty important for QM.

I think Linear Algebra would benefit any Physicists.

 

[marlon]

I think linear algebra is pretty important for QM.

SURE IT IS.

Linear Algebra is the fundamental mathematical formalism behind the theory of QM.

Any physicist who gets a "respectable" education will have passed some heavy courses on linear algebra. In college i studied many aspects of linear algebra in the very first year like :

1) all the stuff on vectors like linear combinations, linear dependence, etc etc (we already saw this in high school)
2) linear transformations
3) affine algebra (incidence geometry and parallel classes)
4) projective geometry (angle of Laguerre )
5) homogeneous coordinates
6) eigenvalues and eigenvectors
7) 3-D geometry (also covered in high school)
8) intro to group theory (Cayley tables, cosets, equivalent classes)

This was, together with the calculus course, one of the biggest courses in my first year of college. Lot's of theorems and proofs and exercises...

regards
marlon

Here is http://aivwww.ugent.be/Studentenadministratie/Studiegids/2005/EN/FACULTY/WE/COURSE/CBNAST/01000009/INDEX.HTM

 

[Nothing000]

Would you guys say that linear algebra is more important than differential equations, or is Diff E just as important? I am not majoring in physics, I am just wondering.

 

[marlon]

Would you guys say that linear algebra is more important than differential equations, or is Diff E just as important? I am not majoring in physics, I am just wondering.

No, they are most certainly equally important.

marlon