Textbook Sequence Request: Entering B.Sc. Physics (Theoretical Focus)

[okabe rintarou]

Hello, I have recently completed high school (Class 12, CBSE board in India). I have a solid foundational grasp of standard high school mechanics, electromagnetism, and modern physics based on that curriculum. However, I want to rebuild and elevate my foundations rigorously for university.

Current Mathematical Background:
Single-variable calculus (differentiation and integration).
Standard vector algebra.
Differential Equations: Comfortable with first-order ODEs and basic second-order ODEs.
Linear Algebra: Currently self-studying via MIT 18.06 (completed up to lecture 10).

Goals & Objectives:
I am about to start my B.Sc. in Physics. My long-term goal is strictly theoretical physics. I want to build the necessary mathematical and conceptual maturity to deeply understand advanced quantum mechanics—specifically topics like the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI)—and eventually push theoretical boundaries

Learning Preferences:
I am looking for a textbook sequence (from freshman mechanics up through quantum) that leans heavily into theory, conceptual rigor, and foundational understanding. While I know problem-solving is essential, I want books that explain the deep "why" behind the physics rather than just focusing on engineering applications.

What specific sequence of textbooks would you recommend to bridge my current level to advanced theoretical quantum mechanics?

 

[robphy]

Possibly useful:
https://www.ocf.berkeley.edu/~abhishek/chicphys.htm
https://webspace.science.uu.nl/~hooft101/theorist.html

 

[MidgetDwarf]

I would have a copy of giancoli physics for scientist and engineers , or even Serway Physics for Scientist and Engineers to serve as a reference and or problems to work out.

A good physics series for the 1st yr physics is the one by Shankar. The author of the famous quantum mechanics books. Exercises are difficult, and not that many. So that is why I recommended purchasing either Giancoli or Serway.

For mathematics:

I like the 9th edition of Calcus by Thomans and Finley. It covers calculus 1,2, and 3.

For ODE:

I like the textbook by Ross: Ordinary Differential Equations. It covers 2 semesters worth of material. Readable and cheap.

The one titled Elementary only contains the first semester material.

For a complementary book, I like Zill: Ordinary Differential Equations with Boundary Problems.

It is more plug and chugg, but has tons of exercises. Moreover, the chapter on laplace/Inverse Transforms is explained clearly. Something that is a bit hard to read from Ross, for someone self-studying IMO.

LA:

I like the LA book by Wayne Bishop. To supplement this book, Anton : Elementary Linear Algebra.

Although Thomas covers calculus 3, it doesn't do so at all sufficient level. So to do well in upper division courses, it helps to know the material at the level of Marsden and Tromba: Vector Calculus.

An alternative, that is more proof, is the book by Hubbard and Hubbard: Vector Calculus, Linear Algebra, and Differential Forms. Although, I much prefer this book. It is a bit pricey and may be harder to read due to Marsden because it covers the material at a higher level.

It would also be helpful to purchase a math methods book.

From the ones I seen, Boas is the easiest. Their is one written by a member here, but sadly, i do not remember the title of it. It is very good, but way more advanced than Boas. I prefer this one over Arfken or even Fishbane? (Sorry, I have browsed a lot of books, so sometimes I forget the Authors names).

 

[MidgetDwarf]

Oh. The edition of Serway I like is the 4th. It doesn't have seizure inducing graphics all over the pages.

 

[Frimus]

@MidgetDwarf:
- The one written by a member here, but sadly, i do not remember the title of it. It is very good, but way more advanced than Boas.

It is
"Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering" by Mattias Blennow (Orodruin here on PF)
It is indeed great, advanced and expensive - but worth it.

 

[Muu9]

Purcell/Griffiths for EM
Morin for Classical Mechanics
Shankar or Zweibach for QM
Kittel for Thermal Physics
Riley Hobson Bence for math methods

David Tong's notes are also an excellent resource: https://davidtong.org/teaching/

 

[Frimus]

"Concepts in Thermal Physics" by Mr. and Mrs. Blundell couple is an another gem in thermal physics literature.

 

[Muu9]

Also, if your physics background is at the JEE Advanced level, you probably won't need a basic physics book like Serway or Giancoli

 

[MidgetDwarf]

For upper divisions.

I like Taylor : Classical Mechanics.

For some odd reason, when I was first learning this material, I found Taylor easier than Kleppner and Kolenkow, where KK is supposed to be at a lower level. I worked through KK, but Taylor was easier to digest, and covered more, for me.

For EM:

Griffith's book is nice, but I much prefer Wangness Electromagnetic Fields and Ohanian Electrodynamics. Nothing wrong with Griffiths. I just like these.

For thermodynamics:

Schroeder Thermal Physics or Blundell Blundell.

I prefer Schroeder (easier imo)

For Quantum: Townsed, McIntyre, and lastly Shankar.

I much prefer Shankar, but it is the most sophisticated out of the bunch. I dislike Griffiths QM book. I would stay away from it, unless you find Townsend or McIntyre too difficult.

 

[Demystifier]

I want to build the necessary mathematical and conceptual maturity to deeply understand advanced quantum mechanics—specifically topics like the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI)—and eventually push theoretical boundaries

Learning Preferences:
I am looking for a textbook sequence (from freshman mechanics up through quantum) that leans heavily into theory, conceptual rigor, and foundational understanding. While I know problem-solving is essential, I want books that explain the deep "why" behind the physics rather than just focusing on engineering applications.

Since you are interested in foundational topics, such as MWI, I highly recommend Norsen:
https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-...Undergraduate/dp/3319658662?tag=pfamazon01-20

 

[Muu9]

Since you are interested in foundational topics, such as MWI, I highly recommend Norsen:
https://www.amazon.com/Foundations-...Undergraduate/dp/3319658662?tag=pfamazon01-20

This seems to be meant to be read after a first quantum physics course

 

[Muu9]

Wangness Electromagnetic Fields and Ohanian Electrodynamics

As a first course in university level EM? Maybe Ohanian, but I'm pretty sure Wangsness is graduate level

 

[weirdoguy]

I like Taylor : Classical Mechanics.

Me too. I had it, sold it, and bought it again recently, so that I can solve problems from it (I didn't do it the first time).

 

[MidgetDwarf]

As a first course in university level EM? Maybe Ohanian, but I'm pretty sure Wangsness is graduate level

I said upper division.

 

[bhobba]

Start with:


After that, to better understand QM, although it's a bit pricey, it introduces the correct theory that ordinary QM is an approximation to so-called Quantum Field Theory (QFT):
https://www.amazon.com.au/Fields-Their-Quanta-Quantum-Foundations-ebook/dp/B0DLNLLG7Y

Demystifier's reference looks good too. The thing to realise though is in the non relativistic limit our deepest theory, Quantum Field Theory (QFT) is not ordinary QM. My suggestion interprets and introduces QFT.

Thanks
Bill