Studying Mathematics in Physics: Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Geometry

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The discussion centers on the types of mathematics relevant to physics, particularly for someone interested in electrical engineering and potentially double majoring in physics. Key mathematical areas highlighted include calculus, linear algebra, vector calculus, differential geometry, tensors, abstract algebra, group theory, and knot theory, each associated with specific physics concepts like general relativity (GR) and quantum field theory (QFT). Additional contributions emphasize the importance of probability, statistics, and combinatorics for understanding random processes and complex systems in both physics and engineering. The conversation encourages a strategic approach to learning, suggesting that the individual should consider the importance of various math and physics courses in relation to their future goals.
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I would like to know the types of math used in different aspects of physics, so that i know where to go from now on. Although i am planning to major in electrical engineering i will not fail to maintain physics as at the very least a hardcore hobby (and maybe double major in physics and ee). Here is what i have so far

Calculus: everything
Linear Alg: any time you deal with lots of vectors: GR, QFT.
Vector Calc: EM
Diff Geometry: GR
Tensors: GR, mechanics
Abstract Algebra: vector spaces/orthgonality etc for gr
Group Theory: QFT,
Knot Theory: Superstring Theory

feel free to add more, pure math is welcome as long as the benefits and applications are specified.
I am currently in high school and trying to plan out what to learn and when (i am an avid self studier), so any additions are highly appreciated!
 
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RubinLicht said:
I would like to know the types of math used in different aspects of physics, so that i know where to go from now on. Although i am planning to major in electrical engineering i will not fail to maintain physics as at the very least a hardcore hobby (and maybe double major in physics and ee). Here is what i have so far

Calculus: everything
Linear Alg: any time you deal with lots of vectors: GR, QFT.
Vector Calc: EM
Diff Geometry: GR
Tensors: GR, mechanics
Abstract Algebra: vector spaces/orthgonality etc for gr
Group Theory: QFT,
Knot Theory: Superstring Theory

feel free to add more, pure math is welcome as long as the benefits and applications are specified.
I am currently in high school and trying to plan out what to learn and when (i am an avid self studier), so any additions are highly appreciated!
You're missing probability and statistics and combinatorics. These techniques find use throughout physics and engineering to describe random processes or behavior of complex systems over the long and short terms.
 
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RubinLicht said:
I would like to know the types of math used in different aspects of physics, so that i know where to go from now on. Although i am planning to major in electrical engineering i will not fail to maintain physics as at the very least a hardcore hobby (and maybe double major in physics and ee). Here is what i have so far...

See overview:
http://ls.poly.edu/~jbain/Cat/lectures/01.BranchesofMath.pdf
... try again. ;)

...feel free to add more, pure math is welcome as long as the benefits and applications are specified.
I am currently in high school and trying to plan out what to learn and when (i am an avid self studier), so any additions are highly appreciated!
You may be better served to look ahead at the math courses and physucs courses and rank the courses in order of importance to what you want to do.
 
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