Math subject guidance -- prerequisites for a physics class

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the prerequisites for the "Foundation of Theoretical Physics" class, emphasizing the necessary mathematics courses. Key required math courses include Calculus I (MATH 1834), Calculus II (MATH 2834), Calculus III (MATH 3834), and Differential Equations I. Participants agree that while all math classes are beneficial, Differential Equations I is essential for understanding the physics topics listed, including Mechanics, Electromagnetism (EM), and Quantum Mechanics (QM).

PREREQUISITES
  • Calculus I (MATH 1834)
  • Calculus II (MATH 2834)
  • Calculus III (MATH 3834)
  • Differential Equations I
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the syllabus and content of Differential Equations I to understand its relevance to physics.
  • Explore the applications of Calculus III in physics, particularly in vector calculus.
  • Investigate the role of Real Analysis in advanced physics courses.
  • Review the prerequisites for upper-level physics courses to identify any additional math requirements.
USEFUL FOR

Students planning to take advanced physics courses, particularly those interested in theoretical physics and the mathematical foundations necessary for success in these subjects.

Aayam
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ok. so here is the plan. there is a class i want to take. but before i can take that class i need/want to learn bunch of stuff. The classes has bunch of pre-requisite classes that i want to learn. I want to learn them efficiently(dont confuse this with me rushing, if it takes time, so be it but i don't want to waste time doing something that isn't necessary)

class i want to take is "foundation of theoretical physics.
Classes i need to learn before that classes are( i intend to learn all of these, i need help on how much math for these classes)(also, these are all undergraduate courses)
Mechanics
EM
Modern physics
Statistical and Thermal physics
EM Waves
QM

The math classes i will be taking, but for right now, physics i more necessary. Do i absolutely have to take all the math classes to be able to do the physics listed above?

Cal 3
lineal Alg
Diffeq I
Diffeq II
Real analysis I
Real analysis II
Probability & Statistics
Vector Calcdo i really have to take all the math classes in order to do the physics involved. or can i just learn bunch of things..

please help
 
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If you are set up on the quarter system you might have different class descriptions but here you would need to take calc1,2,3 diff eq1 and linear algebra. vector calc here is done in calc 2-3
MATH 1834
CALCULUS I
The first of a three
-
course sequence in analytical geometry and calculus.
Limits, Continuity, differentiation, integration, applications.

MATH 2834 CALCULUS II
A continuation of Calculus I, Analytical Geometry and Calculus.
Applications and techniques of integration, sequences, and series, conics,
parametric equations, polar coordinates, and vectors.

MATH 3834 CALCULUS III
Continuation of Calculus II. Vector
-
valued functions, partial
differentiation, multiple integration, line integral
s, surface integrals.
Green’s Theorem, the Divergence Theorem, and Stokes’ Theorem.

All the physics you stated require differential equations 1 here.
Not sure about the analysis classes since there are no prereqs stated but most of the upper level physics students are taking advanced calc and complex variables. (real and complex analysis)
 

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