Need good math methods for physics book

AI Thread Summary
A first-year physics graduate student with a double major in math and physics seeks advice on math methods resources, noting deficiencies in complex analysis and heat flow. The discussion centers around the textbook "Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences" by Boas, which is considered accessible and appropriately rigorous for quick learning. However, another book by Hassani is recommended as a better alternative. Two versions of Hassani's work are mentioned: one that is less rigorous and similar to Boas, praised for its clear explanations, and another that is more advanced and rigorous. Participants suggest exploring both books at a library to determine personal preference.
frogjg2003
Messages
263
Reaction score
0
I am a first year physics graduate student. I double majored in math and physics, so I wasn't required to take a math methods in physics course. Looking at the course that was offered at my undergraduate institution, the only topics it covered that I am only deficient in are complex analysis and heat flow.
The textbook for that course was Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences by Boas. Is that a good book? Are there other good math methods books out there as well.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I think Boas is pitched at just the right level of rigor (or lack of it; she tends to omit proofs) for getting up to speed quickly.
 
Boas is a nice book, but in my opinion Hassani is much better..
 
Thank you. Is Hassani as (more) rigorous as Boas?
 
yes but more rigorous =/= more useful. boas is fine.
 
frogjg2003 said:
Thank you. Is Hassani as (more) rigorous as Boas?


Well, actually there are two "Hassani's"
There is "Mathematical Methods: For Students of Physics and Related Fields"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387095039/?tag=pfamazon01-20
this one is not very rigorous (same as Boas), but it has some very nice explanations.
It's my favorite math-methods book.

The other one is "Mathematical Physics, A Modern Introduction to its Foundations"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0387985794/?tag=pfamazon01-20
more advanced and rigorous but still a very nice book

Just go to your library and see which one you like..
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Thread '"WHAT IS A QUANTUM FIELD THEORY?" A First Introduction for Mathematicians'

The book is fascinating. If your education includes a typical math degree curriculum, with Lebesgue integration, functional analysis, etc, it teaches QFT with only a passing acquaintance of ordinary QM you would get at HS. However, I would read Lenny Susskind's book on QM first. Purchased a copy straight away, but it will not arrive until the end of December; however, Scribd has a PDF I am now studying. The first part introduces distribution theory (and other related concepts), which...
View full post »

Thread 'Books with a more theoretical approach to turbulence and DNS'

I've gone through the Standard turbulence textbooks such as Pope's Turbulent Flows and Wilcox' Turbulent modelling for CFD which mostly Covers RANS and the closure models. I want to jump more into DNS but most of the work i've been able to come across is too "practical" and not much explanation of the theory behind it. I wonder if there is a book that takes a theoretical approach to Turbulence starting from the full Navier Stokes Equations and developing from there, instead of jumping from...
View full post »

Similar threads

Applied Blennow to follow up Altland?
Replies
8
Views
164
Intro Math Hassani's books on Mathematical Physics/Methods
Replies
3
Views
4K
Other Recommendation for Mathematics for Physicist and Engineers book
Replies
6
Views
2K
Other Math Physics Resource Request: Mary L Boas Book
Replies
10
Views
3K
Applied A question about mathematics textbooks for physicists
Replies
34
Views
6K
Other Good Physics books from Springer at the Undergad level?
Replies
9
Views
4K
Quantum Math Textbooks to Read Before Starting QFT
Replies
9
Views
4K
Mathematical Methods Book That Uses SI Units
Replies
9
Views
2K
Other Need guidance please for purchasing a textbook on Math Physics
Replies
4
Views
2K
Solid State Minimal background books for Condensed Matter Theory
Replies
7
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top