Programs Seeking physics advice for a math major

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The discussion centers around a senior math major seeking to take a physics class that utilizes advanced mathematical concepts, particularly in mathematical analysis. The individual has completed the standard undergraduate physics sequence, which includes mechanics, electricity and magnetism (E&M), optics, thermodynamics, and introductory modern physics. Recommendations for suitable courses include Electricity & Magnetism, which relies heavily on vector calculus, and Quantum Mechanics, which focuses on differential equations. There is a consideration of the individual's prior physics coursework, with a caution against jumping into graduate-level courses without adequate foundational knowledge in E&M. The conversation emphasizes the importance of aligning math skills with the appropriate level of physics courses.
benorin
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I am a senior math major, I really like mathematical analysis (I even enjoy working nasty integrals involving special function and the like.) So I would like to take a physics class which would exploit such maths; I have taken the standard undergard calc based physics sequence, viz. mechanics, E&M, optics+thermo+intro modern physics (special relativity + wave mechanics a.k.a. quantum).

What can I handle?

PS: I know this doesn't belong here...
 
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Assuming you can get into them with just general physics as prerequisite, check out Electricity & Magnetism and Quantum Mechanics. E&M is heavy on vector calculus (divergence, gradient, curl, line and surface integrals), whereas QM is heavy on differential equations (ordinary and partial).
 
Edit*
When you say you've taken the regular undergrad calc based physics sequence, are you referring to a one year sequence covering all of those topics? Or did you take say Jr level level EM and Mechanics? I originally suggested taking the Graduate Electrodynamics course assuming you had the math background, but I made this suggestion thinking you had taken an EM course. I don't think I could recommend that much of a jump even if the math skills were there.
 
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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"...
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...

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