Path integrals important for undergrads to know?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relevance of path integral quantum mechanics (QM) for students transitioning to graduate-level studies. The original poster is studying Townsend's undergraduate quantum book and is contemplating whether to invest time in the chapter on path integrals, given their limited schedule and the fact that most of their peers have not encountered this topic during their undergraduate education. While acknowledging that path integrals offer valuable insights into quantum mechanics, the poster is uncertain about the immediate necessity of this knowledge for graduate studies. A suggestion is made to review specific lecture notes for a quick introduction to the subject, emphasizing that while it may not be essential, familiarity with path integrals could enhance understanding of quantum concepts.
wotanub
Messages
230
Reaction score
8
I'm going through a whole undergrad quantum book (Townsend) by myself. It has a chapter on path integral QM.

He said in the intro that it can be skipped, but I was wondering if knowledge of this subject is immediately helpful when starting graduate level quantum. I start grad school in the fall and I don't know if I should dedicate a week to the introduction of path integrals, especially if most others won't know it.

I'm pressed for time because I've got 6 chapters left in this book and then 10 E&M chapters. 16 chapters in 12 weeks...
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Most graduate students I know did not see path integrals as an undergraduate.

It would have been useful just because it such an insightful formulation.

If you want a rapid, incomplete, primer to path integrals you could just read lectures 14 & 15 in these notes.

http://www.nyu.edu/classes/tuckerman/stat.mech/lectures.html
 

Thread 'Self Learning Math/Physics'

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"...
View full post »

Thread 'What should I do if I found a paper with same result as mine?'

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...
View full post »

Similar threads

Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
Replies
14
Views
2K
Possible research directions for a beginner in TQFT
Replies
4
Views
2K
Other Extra Year of Study for Graduate Physics Research: A Possibility?
Replies
9
Views
2K
I What maps are considered in the Polyakov path integral?
Replies
0
Views
2K
Preparing for Physics Grad School after Math/Comp Sci undergrad
Replies
8
Views
2K
Studying Why am I not doing well in physics?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Testing Exam Prep Advice: First Year Physics Undergrad
Replies
8
Views
2K
Schools How has you chosen grad school affected your career path?
Replies
3
Views
2K
Studying What path should I take to eventually understand QFT?
Replies
3
Views
1K
I What do the authors of the paper mean here exactly by path integral?
Replies
6
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top