Prerequisites to modern physics?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the prerequisites for studying modern physics, specifically special relativity, general relativity, and quantum mechanics. Participants explore the necessary mathematical background, the order in which topics should be learned, and recommendations for textbooks.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting with an introductory modern physics textbook that follows a freshman physics sequence.
  • Another participant notes that the original poster has sufficient math and physics background to begin studying quantum mechanics.
  • There is a proposal that a chemistry course might be beneficial before tackling quantum mechanics.
  • Some participants argue about the necessity of learning general relativity before quantum mechanics, with differing opinions on whether this is required.
  • Several participants express uncertainty regarding the order of learning special relativity, general relativity, and quantum mechanics.
  • One participant mentions that many PhD physicists do not study general relativity, questioning the assumption that it should precede quantum mechanics.
  • Another participant clarifies that they have not yet taken a chemistry course, which adds to the discussion about prerequisites.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the order of learning special relativity, general relativity, and quantum mechanics, with multiple competing views expressed. There is also disagreement on the necessity of chemistry as a prerequisite for quantum mechanics.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the prerequisites and the order of topics, indicating that their views may depend on individual educational paths and institutional requirements.

Leonhart231
Messages
15
Reaction score
1
So, I'm a third year electrical engineer, with a heavy interest in more advanced / theoretical / particle physics.

I have a few questions actually.
What more should I learn before trying to tackle special / general relativity, quantum mechanics, etc?
Is there a particular order I should learn those topics in?
And are there any books you recommend on the subjects?

Here's what I currently know in math and physics:

Math:
Multivariable calculus (I've worked through 5 dimensions if that's important)
Linear algebra
Differential equations
Complex (imaginary) calculus
Frequency (continuous and discreet) domain analysis (Fourier, Z, and Laplace transforms)
Currently in a probability and random variables course.

Physics:
Basic first year college physics (mechanics, rotational motion, thermodynamics, waves, electronics and magnetism)
As an EE, I of course know a lot more about electronics.
I am currently in a dedicated E&M course.

I'd also like to clarify that I don't just want a theoretical understanding, but a mathematical understanding, meaning, that I can actually solve problems, rather than just know approximately how it works.

This is also my first time on Physics Forums, so if I've done anything wrong, or if you need more information, let me know! Thank you!

EDIT: I realized I should mention that I'll be teaching myself everything, in case that wasn't clear.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: fauzannr
Physics news on Phys.org
I suggest you start with an "introductory modern physics" textbook of the kind that is used for a class that often follows the freshman intro physics sequence (mechanics / E&M / thermo). Here's the book that I used for several years:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/013805715X/?tag=pfamazon01-20

There are several other similar textbooks. You'll find links to some of them on that Amazon page.

At the college where I had my first teaching job after grad school, all the EE majors were in fact required to take a course like this.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Any thoughts regarding my first 2 questions (or additions to the third)?

Thank you jtbell for your recommendation!
 
You've taken more maths/physics courses than is required at my university to do an intro quantum mechanics course that's roughly based on Griffiths. So I think that you're more than ready to start QM.
 
Leonhart231 said:
I have a few questions actually.
What more should I learn before trying to tackle special / general relativity, quantum mechanics, etc?
Is there a particular order I should learn those topics in?
And are there any books you recommend on the subjects?

From the looks of it, it seems that you've got all of the math covered. As for the answer to your first question, just the basics of special / general relativity, but I'm sure you've gotten those narrowed down. As for QM, I'd recommend taking a chemistry course if you haven't already.

As for the second one, it's a bit unclear. Are you talking about Modern Physics, or the topics mentioned in your first question? If so, then Special Relativity > General Relativity > Quantum Mechanics.

I'm not sure about your third question, there are a lot of books out there on those various subjects. I'd say your best bet would be a textbook since you're learning the material on your own. As for recommendations, I'm not sure, sorry. :frown:

Hopefully this helped!
 
Lyrassia said:
If so, then Special Relativity > General Relativity > Quantum Mechanics.
Why would someone need to learn GR before learning QM?
 
WannabeNewton said:
Why would someone need to learn GR before learning QM?

And why would you need chemistry for QM?
 
Lyrassia said:
As for the second one, it's a bit unclear. Are you talking about Modern Physics, or the topics mentioned in your first question? If so, then Special Relativity > General Relativity > Quantum Mechanics.

I initially meant the order to learn the modern physics topics in, but I guess it applies to any pre-requisites as well. Thanks for the thoughts!
 
WannabeNewton said:
Why would someone need to learn GR before learning QM?

One wouldn't need too, I'd presume someone would know GR before QM.
 
  • #10
micromass said:
And why would you need chemistry for QM?

Again, someone wouldn't need to. Someone would already have taken chemistry before QM.
 
  • #11
Lyrassia said:
One wouldn't need too, I'd presume someone would know GR before QM.

Why??

QM is a standard undergrad course. Many PhD's in physics never even study GR. I have no idea why you would presume this.
 
  • #12
Lyrassia said:
One wouldn't need too, I'd presume someone would know GR before QM.
This is completely false.
 
  • #13
micromass said:
Why??

QM is a standard undergrad course. Many PhD's in physics never even study GR. I have no idea why you would presume this.

I know that QM is a standard course for undergrad. I didn't mean SR as an actual course, just a brushed topic in a physics lecture.
 
  • #14
Lyrassia said:
Again, someone wouldn't need to. Someone would already have taken chemistry before QM.

Actually, I haven't taken chemistry yet. Haha. I've been putting off my "breadth" courses, so take that into account.
 
  • #15
Leonhart231 said:
Actually, I haven't taken chemistry yet. Haha. I've been putting off my "breadth" courses, so take that into account.

That's fine. It doesn't really matter. :p
 

Similar threads

Introduction to Modern Astrophysics -- What are the prerequisites?
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Courses Algebra or Calculus based physics to start with?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Textbook/study plan questions
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Course advice for Theoretical Physics at Cambridge University
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Learning physics beyond classical mechanics without labs?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
Studying Should I first study the math or math and physics at the same time?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
5K
Other Can I (with a math major) do a masters in theoretical physics?
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
Studying Modern physics after quantum mechanics
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Re-Learn Math for Physics Olympiad
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
Programs Help me decide: physics or chemistry?
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
10K