Undergraduate physics to graduate Applied mathematics

[theblackfish]

I am an undergrad in physics and math (pure). I want to do msc in Applied mathematics . There are few things that worry me :

1. Topology, complex analysis, differential equations, calculus, Probability, 3 Analysis and 3 Algebra - these are roughly my courses. I didn’t take any “applied” kind of courses. So can what are some courses I should definitely take before going to grad school ?

2. Does not having an Applied math undergraduate degree put me in disadvantage when I apply for msc in applied math ?

3. My friend says I have really good physics background and I should apply for physics msc programmes and then later shift to applied things slowly ? What’s your take on that ? (I really don’t feel like studying physics anymore )

4. My programming skills are also weak. What should I learn in programming before I go to grad school ?

Thank you in advance (if you answer)

 

[tade]

Just curious, what drives your shift from physics to maths?

 

[theblackfish]

Just curious, what drives your shift from physics to maths?

I joined my undergrad to do Math but then liked physics a lot. Now I realized I am not that good at physics, so I want to shift now.

 

[tade]

I joined my undergrad to do Math but then liked physics a lot. Now I realized I am not that good at physics, so I want to shift now.

Lol, the math in math is harder than the math in physics.

 

[theblackfish]

Lol, the math in math is harder than the math in physics.

I think I'll be fine. I took more pure math courses than physics courses.

 

[tade]

I think I'll be fine. I took more pure math courses than physics courses.

hmm, then that might make you well prepared for physics?

Lol, the math in math is harder than the math in physics.

 

[StatGuy2000]

I know this post is late, but I have the following comments.

I am an undergrad in physics and math (pure). I want to do msc in Applied mathematics . There are few things that worry me :

1. Topology, complex analysis, differential equations, calculus, Probability, 3 Analysis and 3 Algebra - these are roughly my courses. I didn’t take any “applied” kind of courses. So can what are some courses I should definitely take before going to grad school ?

Most applied math courses in graduate school require all of the above courses you mention as prerequisites, so I feel that you are well prepared to take any future applied math courses. The only courses I might suggest if possible is to add a couple of statistics courses, and maybe more computer science courses (see my response further below on that one).

2. Does not having an Applied math undergraduate degree put me in disadvantage when I apply for msc in applied math ?

Not at all.

Graduate programs in applied math typically require someone with a degree in a quantitative field. A bachelor's degree in math and physics is more than adequate in that regard, and countless people have been admitted to applied math programs with the kind of background you have.

3. My friend says I have really good physics background and I should apply for physics msc programmes and then later shift to applied things slowly ? What’s your take on that ? (I really don’t feel like studying physics anymore )

I think that is really up to you, but if you don't feel like pursuing further studies in physics, I don't see the need to go further. If you want to pursue further studies in applied math, you should pursue further studies in applied math. It's that simple.

4. My programming skills are also weak. What should I learn in programming before I go to grad school ?

That's an area of concern. If your programming skills are weak, you definitely need to firm this up. I would suggest taking as many computer science courses as possible before graduation, starting from introductory courses and then beyond. Study algorithms and data structures, and any courses on numerical analysis (as these are very important for most fields in applied math).

If you can't take them all by the time you are finishing your degree, I would suggest going through online programming courses through Coursera or EdX to firm up your programming. I would also suggest working on practice programming exercises and post these on Github.

 

[FactChecker]

You should learn or take as many classes in numerical methods, statistics, and computer programming as you can. Don't worry about having a disadvantage in grad school as long as you have the prerequisites. Your degree might take a little longer so you can learn the prerequisites, but do not be in a hurry. Nobody will care if you took another year to get a masters. Classes in graduate math are often full of people who have had that course before and are reviewing for preliminary tests, so be aware that comparing yourself to them may be a discouraging mistake.