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glueball8
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What types of mathematics is needed for a undergrad pursue theoretical physics? How rigorous does it have to be and how much proofs is there?
Dr Transport said:less rigor the better in my opinion for a theoretician working outside of string theory...
This, you get enough of the non rigorous stuff when you study physics. Of course it is easier to do courses that just do the computational parts but that would be just to make the physics courses easier rather than learning anything in itself.Nabeshin said:In my opinion, as long as you can handle it, the more rigor the better.
Nah, only if you start loving the rigorous side of maths too much, but then what are you doing in physics?Landau said:If you learn your math too rigorously, you'll end up being frustrated with your physics teachers and depressed by physics textbooks ;)
Landau said:If you learn your math too rigorously, you'll end up being frustrated with your physics teachers and depressed by physics textbooks ;)
MathematicalPhysicist said:It depends which books you are using, most of the physics textbooks prefer physical intuition
over mathematical rigoursness and they will include experimental data and appratus, because physics is an empirical science, obviously.
Nabeshin said:In my opinion, as long as you can handle it, the more rigor the better.
The purpose of studying math for theoretical physics is to develop a strong foundation in mathematical concepts and techniques that are essential for understanding and solving problems in theoretical physics. This includes topics such as calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and complex analysis.
The math involved in theoretical physics is highly rigorous and requires a deep understanding of mathematical concepts and the ability to manipulate them in complex ways. The level of rigor is comparable to that of advanced mathematics courses, and students are expected to be able to prove theorems and solve challenging problems using mathematical reasoning.
There are many types of proofs used in math for theoretical physics, including direct proofs, proof by contradiction, proof by induction, and proof by construction. Each type of proof has its own strengths and is used in different situations depending on the problem at hand.
To improve your skills in math for theoretical physics, it is important to practice regularly and seek help from professors, tutors, or peers when needed. It is also helpful to develop a deep understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and to constantly challenge yourself with more difficult problems.
While a strong background in math is not necessary to pursue theoretical physics, it is highly recommended. The math involved in theoretical physics is complex and requires a strong foundation to fully understand and apply. However, with dedication and hard work, it is possible to develop the necessary math skills while pursuing a degree in theoretical physics.