Numerical Linear Algebra or Modern Algebra

[Ian Baughman]

So I am working out a course schedule for my last two years of undergrad and have room for only one more math class but do not know which would be more beneficial. The two courses are Intro to Modern Algebra or Numerical Linear Algebra. I am working towards a bachelors degree in physics and plan to continue onto graduate school for physics or applied physics. Which one of these do you think would be more beneficial to take?

 

[Dr Transport]

Numerical Linear Algebra

 

[mpresic]

I took abstract algebra as it was then called as an undergrad physics/math major. Numerical linear algebra was not offered and computers were mainly mainframe and new at the time. Nevertheless, numerical linear algebra should be a lot more beneficial. I never used the abstract algebra for anything in physics.

Sure, I understood SU2 and SU3 underlying high energy physics had roots in group theory, and basic ideas of Lie algebra in QM used group theory and I got some benefit from that exposure. But Abstract algebra contains stuff like Sylow theorems, division rings, principle ideal domains, ideals, categories, etc, that never made their appearance in any depth at all which was covered in the math departments.

Numerical Linear algebra will allow you to program effectively should you use the computer to analyze data in your research (almost a sure thing)