Study Plan for Physics Students: What to Study After Calculus III?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the study plan for physics students after completing Calculus III, focusing on what mathematical topics to pursue next. Participants explore various mathematical disciplines relevant to physics, including self-study options and the adequacy of university offerings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to study linear algebra independently after completing Calculus III and seeks advice on subsequent topics.
  • Another participant suggests studying differential equations, specifically ordinary differential equations (ODEs) followed by partial differential equations (PDEs), highlighting their importance in physics.
  • A later reply questions the adequacy of university instruction in differential equations, asking for alternative suggestions beyond what is taught.
  • Functional analysis and differential geometry are proposed as advanced topics relevant to quantum physics and relativity, respectively.
  • There is a concern raised about whether the differential equations studied in university were comprehensive, with a specific mention of Fourier transforms as a topic that may not have been covered adequately.
  • A participant indicates uncertainty about their learning of Fourier transforms and plans to inquire further with peers in their second year.
  • Another participant suggests that if a separate course on Fourier transforms exists, it is likely to be sufficient, noting its relevance to linear algebra.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the sufficiency of university mathematics courses and the necessity of additional self-study. There is no consensus on the best path forward, as various mathematical topics are proposed and debated.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty regarding the completeness of their mathematics education and the specific content of their courses, particularly in relation to Fourier transforms and differential equations.

Tosh5457
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Hello, I'm studying Physics at the university, and I realized that the 1st semester of the 2nd year is the last semester that has a mathematics discipline (it's differential and integral calculus III).
I had linear algebra & analytic geometry and differential and integral calculus I on the 1st semester, and now on the 2nd semester I have differential and integral calculus II.

Obviously they don't teach all the necessary maths at the university (and 3rd year physics students complain about it)... So now I'm going to study linear algebra by myself because I didn't study it much last semester.
My question is what should I study next? I'm not rushing it, I know I'll still take a long time to study linear algebra, but I'd just like to know from the start what should be my plan.

Thanks :smile:
 
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You should study differential equations thoroughly, first ODE's and then PDE's. They are extremely important in physics.
 
Klockan3 said:
You should study differential equations thoroughly, first ODE's and then PDE's. They are extremely important in physics.

Ok but we study that at the university, so can you suggest another thing?
 
Functional analysis (for quantum physics) or differential geometry (for relativity) seem like good options...
 
Tosh5457 said:
Ok but we study that at the university, so can you suggest another thing?
Are you sure that you did it properly? If you did that just in your calculus courses and not in a proper one then it wasn't done properly. Do you know what Fourier transforms are for example?
 
Klockan3 said:
Are you sure that you did it properly? If you did that just in your calculus courses and not in a proper one then it wasn't done properly. Do you know what Fourier transforms are for example?

I haven't learned it yet, I think it's on the 2nd year. I don't know if it's done properly though, I'm going to ask someone on the 2nd year about it.
 
Last edited:
Tosh5457 said:
I haven't learned it yet, I think it's on the 2nd year. I don't know if it's done properly though, I'm going to ask someone on the 2nd year about it.
If you got a separate course for it then it is probably alright. But it is there most of the linear algebra is useful for example.
 

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