Courses Math vs. Physics: Choosing the Right Path for Graduate Studies

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The discussion centers on the decision-making process of a math undergraduate who is passionate about both math and physics and is considering a shift to a physics degree due to the stronger program at their university. Key points include the importance of selecting the right courses to complement either path. For those choosing to switch to physics, essential math courses include Algebra, Real Analysis, Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE), and Partial Differential Equations (PDE). Conversely, if remaining in math while taking physics courses, foundational physics classes such as Electromagnetism, Classical Mechanics, and Quantum Mechanics are deemed crucial. The consensus emphasizes that a solid understanding of both disciplines is necessary for a successful transition into Mathematical Physics at the graduate level.
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I'm currently a math undergrad, and I find that I love both, Math and Physics, and I want to study Mathematical Physics in grad school, but now I've to decide which path should I follow, next year I could change my degree to physics (my UNI physics department is much better structured and renowned than the math department), then take a lot of math courses, or I should stay in math and take physics courses.
1. If I choose the first option which math courses should I take?
2. If I choose the second one, which physics courses are "more important"?
What courses are more important to "complement" each option? (1 and 2)

A list of the most important courses available.
Math:
Algebra 1 & 2
Real Analysis
Analysis in R^n
Topology
ODE
PDE
Fourier Analysis
Functional Analysis

Physics:
Electromagnetism 1 & 2
State of Matter 1 & 2
Classical Mechanics 1 & 2
Thermodynamics
Solid-State Physics 1 & 2
Optics
Computational Physics
General Relativity
Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics 1 & 2
 
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Pallatinus said:
A list of the most important courses available.
Math:
Algebra 1 & 2
Real Analysis
Analysis in R^n
Topology
ODE
PDE
Fourier Analysis
Functional Analysis

This looks like a list of the maths courses you would take in any physics program. In particular if you want to do mathematical physics, you will need it all (you might grt away without topology if doing something more experimental or phenomenological). I would also add complex analysis.
Physics:
Electromagnetism 1 & 2
State of Matter 1 & 2
Classical Mechanics 1 & 2
Thermodynamics
Solid-State Physics 1 & 2
Optics
Computational Physics
General Relativity
Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics 1 & 2

Like above, this looks pretty much like a standard physics program. Depending on your interests you might be able to skip some of the "2s", but as a physicist you should have a basic knowledge in all those subjects.
 
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Orodruin said:
This looks like a list of the maths courses you would take in any physics program. In particular if you want to do mathematical physics, you will need it all (you might grt away without topology if doing something more experimental or phenomenological). I would also add complex analysis.

Like above, this looks pretty much like a standard physics program. Depending on your interests you might be able to skip some of the "2s", but as a physicist you should have a basic knowledge in all those subjects.
Thanks!
 
Pallatinus said:
I'm currently a math undergrad, and I find that I love both, Math and Physics, and I want to study Mathematical Physics in grad school, but now I've to decide which path should I follow, next year I could change my degree to physics (my UNI physics department is much better structured and renowned than the math department), then take a lot of math courses, or I should stay in math and take physics courses.
1. If I choose the first option which math courses should I take?
2. If I choose the second one, which physics courses are "more important"?
What courses are more important to "complement" each option? (1 and 2)

A list of the most important courses available.
Math:
Algebra 1 & 2
Real Analysis
Analysis in R^n
Topology
ODE
PDE
Fourier Analysis
Functional Analysis

Physics:
Electromagnetism 1 & 2
State of Matter 1 & 2
Classical Mechanics 1 & 2
Thermodynamics

Solid-State Physics 1 & 2
Optics
Computational Physics
General Relativity
Statistical Mechanics
Quantum Mechanics 1 & 2

I would regard the ones I've bolded as more important than the others.
 
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Hey, I am Andreas from Germany. I am currently 35 years old and I want to relearn math and physics. This is not one of these regular questions when it comes to this matter. So... I am very realistic about it. I know that there are severe contraints when it comes to selfstudy compared to a regular school and/or university (structure, peers, teachers, learning groups, tests, access to papers and so on) . I will never get a job in this field and I will never be taken serious by "real"...
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...
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