Physics Guidance for a maths student

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the challenges faced by a B.Sc. 2nd year Maths student in India seeking guidance on studying Physics. The student aims to specialize in Mathematical Physics but finds the college curriculum insufficient for core physics knowledge. Recommendations include the "Course of Theoretical Physics" by Landau and Lifshitz for comprehensive physics lectures and the Greiner series for a more practical approach. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of understanding differential equations, linear algebra, and tensors, rather than abstract mathematics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of differential equations
  • Knowledge of linear algebra
  • Familiarity with group theory
  • Basic skills in tensor analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study "Course of Theoretical Physics" by Landau and Lifshitz
  • Explore the Greiner series for practical physics applications
  • Research mathematical methods specifically tailored for physicists
  • Investigate institutes in India offering Master's programs in Mathematical Physics
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students transitioning to Physics, aspiring Mathematical Physics specialists, and educators seeking to bridge the gap between pure mathematics and applied physics.

ShakilasSalafi
Messages
4
Reaction score
0
I am a B.Sc. 2nd year student of Maths (Honours-equivalent to an US Maths Major), Physics and Computer Science(Probably equivalent to US Physics minor and CS minor) in a college in India. I hope to become a specialist in Mathematical Physics later on. Since my background knowledge of core physics isn't much and my college curriculum is more suitable for training pure mathematicians(topologists, algebraists etc.), it is not possible for me to learn much physics from my college curriculum. So I would be really thankful if someone, preferably some expert or someone who faced such problems and has solved it, can chalk out a plan/guidance for me, along with mentioning books by good authors. Also please mention whether I need to study books written for mathematical methods for physicists, since I've heard that the mathematics needed for physics is bit different and many mathematicians fail to understand physics because of not being able to realize this difference.Are there any institutes in India offering mp courses for maths students?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
If you want a comprehensive set of Physics Lectures, I recommend "Course of Theoretical Physics by Landau and Lifshitz". It covers what would normally be included in a General Physics course. In general for Physics you will need not the abstract kind of Maths. Just simple things, solving differential equations, taking integrals, linear algebra, group theory, knowing how to work with tensors, and things along these lines. Topics that come up in "Pure" mathematics are hardly ever needed.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
32
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 119 ·
4
Replies
119
Views
18K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 27 ·
Replies
27
Views
2K