Prerequisite mathematics for intermediate mechanics?

[dpatnd]

I will be taking intermediate mechanics next semester, and am a bit concerned about potential gaps in my mathematical knowledge. Long story short, I used to be a physics major, switched to electrical engineering, and then decided to double major after a semester in EE. The issue is that, as a consequence of that "missed" semester, I am one math class behind the physics majors. The math class in question functions as an introduction to linear algebra and differential equations beyond what is learned in the Calculus I-III sequence and is a prerequisite for intermediate mechanics. I have only had the calculus sequence, and will take the equivalent math class next semester alongside intermediate mechanics.

Thus, I was wondering if anyone who has had this "second pass" at classical mechanics has any insight into the math needed to do the relevant physics. Would it be a bad idea for me to take the class now? What topics in differential equations and linear algebra (beyond what is covered in a standard calculus sequences) would be relevant to intermediate mechanics?

 

[kuruman]

I think that taking this combined math course concurrently with intermediate mechanics will be fine. You might struggle a bit at first, but then you will be fine once you pick up a few tricks of the trade especially if you are a good student and your decision to do a double major is an indication that you are.

I recommend that you talk to the instructor of the intermediate mechanics course before you sign up and ask whether (s)he thinks you will be able to handle it. Should you decide to take the course, the instructor will be alerted and take any shortcoming you might have under advisement.

BTW, what does TL;DNR in the thread summary mean?

 

[dpatnd]

I think that taking this combined math course concurrently with intermediate mechanics will be fine. You might struggle a bit at first, but then you will be fine once you pick up a few tricks of the trade especially if you are a good student and your decision to do a double major is an indication that you are.

I recommend that you talk to the instructor of the intermediate mechanics course before you sign up and ask whether (s)he thinks you will be able to handle it. Should you decide to take the course, the instructor will be alerted and take any shortcoming you might have under advisement.

BTW, what does TL;DNR in the thread summary mean?

Oh, it stands for "too long; did not read." The instructions before posting told me to include one.

As for the rest, I hope I'm good enough. I double majored because I felt I was left with no choice, but that's a different story. The Director of Undergraduate Studies for physics did tell me he thinks I'll do fine in the course based on my A's in the calculus sequence.

 

[kuruman]

Oh, it stands for "too long; did not read." The instructions before posting told me to include one.

Thanks. I thought it might have meant "Too late; do not resuscitate."

 

[dpatnd]

You might struggle a bit at first, but then you will be fine once you pick up a few tricks of the trade especially if you are a good student and your decision to do a double major is an indication that you are.

Incidentally, what might some of these "tricks of the trade" be? If these are some specific topics or techniques, then I may try to learn a bit in the time that is left before the next semester begins.