- #1
muppet
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I'm choosing 3 maths modules for next year (my third in Maths and Physics, in a UK university) with a view to studying theoretical physics thereafter (starting off with general relativity, quantum field theory and most likely strings, and working outwards from there depending on where I am- possibly to particle theory, black holes, cosmology etc.) The options I'm seriously looking at are courses in differential geometry; topology; solitons; and elliptic functions. I think the first two are all but definite choices (they look interesting, and I understand differential geometry is at the heart of GR, while topology is useful in string theory?), so it's really one from solitons or elliptic functions. My course booklet suggests that elliptic functions have some use in theoretical physics, although precisely what it is eludes me. The relevance of solitions seems more apparent, although the actual maths of elliptic functions seems more interesting (so far as I can tell without actually studying both courses!)
Any thoughts? I'd be particularly appreciative if someone could explain the relevance of elliptic functions to physics. Many thanks.
Any thoughts? I'd be particularly appreciative if someone could explain the relevance of elliptic functions to physics. Many thanks.