Should I Take Quantum/Classical Mechanics if Not Required for Physics Major?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the necessity of taking advanced courses in quantum and classical mechanics for students not majoring in physics, particularly in relation to admissions for astrophysics graduate programs. It is established that while some programs only require one semester of quantum mechanics at the graduate level, others mandate two semesters. The participant emphasizes the value of completing undergraduate quantum mechanics to facilitate understanding in graduate courses, while classical mechanics is deemed less critical for success in graduate-level electromagnetism (E&M).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of undergraduate quantum mechanics concepts
  • Familiarity with classical mechanics principles
  • Knowledge of astrophysics graduate program requirements
  • Self-study techniques for complex scientific material
NEXT STEPS
  • Research specific astrophysics graduate programs and their course prerequisites
  • Explore self-study resources for quantum mechanics, such as textbooks and online courses
  • Investigate the differences between undergraduate and graduate-level classical mechanics
  • Learn about the structure and content of graduate-level electromagnetism courses
USEFUL FOR

Students considering graduate studies in astrophysics, particularly those evaluating the importance of undergraduate coursework in quantum and classical mechanics for their academic trajectory.

Simfish
Gold Member
Messages
811
Reaction score
2
I don't want to take the second quarter of quantum mechanics, since I can easily self-study the material and since I'd prefer to take graduate level courses in some other field instead. It's not required for the physics major here. Does it matter that much if I don't take it?

Same goes for classical mechanics (although it's more because the teachers teaching it have very negative reputations).

EDIT: Okay, for clarification, I'm only talking about whether or not it will matter for admissions (I actually generally do learn better through self-study than through courses). And mostly with respect to astrophysics grad school.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org


It really depends on the astrophysics grad program. Some only require one semester of quantum at the graduate level, some require two. But either way the second half of the course at undergrad would help a lot - my school only offered one semester, so I was told I had to take undergrad quantum 2 before going into graduate quantum mechanics (and I'm glad I did). Classical isn't as big of a problem, and I didn't have any problems in graduate E&M after only taking one semester as an undergrad.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
4K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K