Stats or Proofs: Which Math Course is More Valuable for a Physics Major?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Mike K
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Stats
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the decision of a physics major choosing between taking a course in Statistics or Foundations of Higher Mathematics. Participants explore the potential value of each course in relation to future studies and careers in physics, including considerations of theoretical versus experimental focuses.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant is deciding between Statistics and Foundations of Higher Mathematics, noting that neither is a major requirement.
  • Another participant asks about the future direction of graduate studies to better assess which course might be more beneficial.
  • A participant mentions their undergraduate research in astrophysics and growing interest in quantum physics.
  • Some participants suggest that if one plans to work with large data sets, Statistics would be more useful, while others argue that Foundations of Higher Mathematics is better for those focusing on mathematical physics.
  • There is a recognition that the choice may depend on whether the student prefers theoretical or experimental physics.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about their preference for theoretical versus experimental work, indicating that all their research has been theoretical so far.
  • Another participant agrees that Statistics will be important regardless of research focus and questions the utility of proof-based mathematics in physics.
  • It is noted that proof-based mathematics can be useful in physics, but the applicability may vary based on the individual's future path.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the value of Statistics versus Foundations of Higher Mathematics, with no consensus reached on which course is definitively more beneficial for a physics major.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge the uncertainty in predicting future research interests and the potential limitations of their current knowledge in making a decision.

Mike K
Messages
24
Reaction score
1
I am a physics major deciding between taking either Statistics or Foundations of Higher Mathematics this semester.

Neither are major requirments. Foundations of Higher Math covers logic, set theory, proofs, number systems, and some basic analysis. Elementary to Intermediate Statistics and Data Analysis covers a large range of basic to advanced topics in statistics (alternatively, there are lower level stats options, but I think those are for non-STEM majors).

Which would be more useful for a future in physics/grad school? I planned on foundations at first because it was a prereq for a second semester of linear algebra, but I plan on taking PDEs instead.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Mike K said:
Which would be more useful for a future in physics/grad school?

What do you see your future in grad school like? What topics? etc.
 
micromass said:
What do you see your future in grad school like? What topics? etc.

My undregrad research focuses on astrophysics, but I am becoming more interested in quantum after a few semesters of coursework.
 
If you ever see yourself working with a large set of data and what to say something meaningful about that data, go with statistics. If you never want or plan to see real data, then ignore statistics. Personally if you go the second route, i'll be happy. People like that often pay me an insane amount of money to do a t-test :).
 
Mike K said:
My undregrad research focuses on astrophysics, but I am becoming more interested in quantum after a few semesters of coursework.

OK, anything more specific? Are you interested in very mathematical physics? Theoretical physics? Or something very experimental?
If you're going with the experimental route, then statistics is always the better option. If you're planning to do a lot of math in the future, then the foundations will be more appropriate.
 
micromass said:
OK, anything more specific? Are you interested in very mathematical physics? Theoretical physics? Or something very experimental?
If you're going with the experimental route, then statistics is always the better option. If you're planning to do a lot of math in the future, then the foundations will be more appropriate.

I see what you mean. Unfortunately, I am unsure which I prefer as all my research has been theoretical and I am unsure if I would enjou experimental.
 
MarneMath said:
If you ever see yourself working with a large set of data and what to say something meaningful about that data, go with statistics. If you never want or plan to see real data, then ignore statistics. Personally if you go the second route, i'll be happy. People like that often pay me an insane amount of money to do a t-test :).

I agree that stats will be important no matter what I end up researching. I think I am leaning towards that. I'm just wondering if anyone found proof based math or logic useful in physics.
 
Mike K said:
I agree that stats will be important no matter what I end up researching. I think I am leaning towards that. I'm just wondering if anyone found proof based math or logic useful in physics.

Of course it can be useful in physics. A whole lot depends on where you end up in. Since you clearly don't know that yet, I don't think there's much meaningful advice we can give you.
 

Similar threads

Courses Math Course Advice -- Harvard freshman planning to double major in physics and mathematics
  • · Replies 41 ·
2
Replies
41
Views
9K
Programs Physics Major with Stats/Data Analysis Minor (Is this a good combo?)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Courses What math would I need? (physics-math double major interested in THEP)
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Studying Looking for a thread discussing ideal math classes for physics major
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Courses Choosing courses for mathematics minor to support my physics major
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Programs Degree in Biostatistics vs applied Math
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Courses Which math course should I take (as a physics major)?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Programs Best upper division Math for an EE major
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Schools Lack of physics courses at private university for a physics major
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Courses Need help in choosing math classes for a HS student
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
4K