The math level of computer scientists and physicists

  • Context: Courses 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Ricster55
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Computer Physicists
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the mathematical background of computer science (CS) and physics majors, comparing their coursework and the relevance of various mathematical disciplines. Participants explore the extent of mathematics required for these fields, including foundational courses and potential advanced topics.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the essential math courses for CS and physics majors include differential equations, linear algebra, and discrete math, while higher-level courses like abstract algebra and topology are less commonly used.
  • Others argue that while pure math courses may not be directly applicable in many CS jobs, they can be beneficial for specific areas such as cryptography or theoretical computer science.
  • It is noted that physicists may have a deeper understanding of applied mathematics due to their training, while CS majors may focus more on algorithms and discrete math.
  • Some participants highlight that advanced math topics like complex analysis and partial differential equations are more relevant to physics, whereas CS may lean towards logic and algorithmic math.
  • A participant mentions that the number of CS professionals familiar with advanced topics like topology and real analysis is quite small compared to physicists.
  • There is a discussion about the distinction between undergraduate and PhD-level education in these fields, which may affect perceptions of mathematical proficiency.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and application of advanced mathematics in CS and physics, with no clear consensus on the overall math level required for each major. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the importance of specific mathematical disciplines for these fields.

Contextual Notes

Some participants note that the discussion may be influenced by the distinction between undergraduate and PhD-level education, which could affect the perceived math proficiency of individuals in these fields.

  • #31
bhobba said:
Actually he wasn't - he was downright sloppy - competent - but excellent - no. In later years he hired assistants to do that tiresome stuff.

Compare him to an actually great mathematician like Von-Neumann and he was way ahead.
That's harsh. If we compare everyone with geniuses, then no one was excellent except Gauss.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: StoneTemplePython and bhobba
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #32
FactChecker said:
That's harsh. If we compare everyone with geniuses, then no one was excellent except Gauss.

Maybe - but I think people get he gist.

How true is it - make your own mind up - see the following:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393337685/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thanks
Bill
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: FactChecker and StoneTemplePython
  • #33
bhobba said:
Maybe - but I think people get he gist.

How true is it - make your own mind up - see the following:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393337685/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thanks
Bill

I think having von Neumann as your bar is too high -- he was at once brilliant in pure and applied mathematics and fast. Outside of Olympiad settings its not at all clear that being so fast matters that much. (Gowers has written about this, I can dredge something up a link.)

Einstein's Mistakes is a really enjoyable book (though people should be aware that the author, a physicist, takes cheap shots at engineers from time to time).
 
  • #34
StoneTemplePython said:
he was at once brilliant in pure and applied mathematics

Its not his speed that made him great - it was his ability to penetrate a problem. For example he solved many of the problems on the atomic bomb project such as using a conventional bomb around the atomic material to reach critical mass and hold it there long enough for explosive fission to occur. Natuarally that's just one of many things eg he practically invented game theory.

But yes he was so fast it was said he was the only person fully awake.

Thanks
Bill
 

Similar threads

Courses Need help in choosing math classes for a HS student
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
3K
Courses Advanced Math for Computational Material Science Engineering
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Please someone respond -- I need to know if I continue with CS
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
2K
Programs Is it too late for me to get into Physics?
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Courses Computer Science Major: Take Calculus-based Physics or Algebra-based?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
5K
Programs Materials Engineering Undergrad Reflection
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
Courses Uncertain on which classes to take next semester
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Applied Math PhD candidate but I hate group theory
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
3K
Courses How much CS as a physics major does one need?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Courses Is Pure Mathematics required to be a top-tier Physics student?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K