What Should I Read Next in Physics for Self-Study?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nick M
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Physics
AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on the academic path of an engineering major who has completed foundational physics and mathematics courses and is seeking to enhance their understanding of physics through self-study. The individual is considering reading materials, including David Bohm's Quantum Theory and Griffiths' Introduction to Quantum Mechanics, and is looking for recommendations on a structured reading list. Participants suggest following a progression from introductory physics to upper-level texts, recommending Griffiths for Electromagnetism (E&M) and Jackson for graduate-level E&M. The conversation raises questions about the necessity of this structured approach, particularly whether advanced texts like Jackson's can be tackled independently and what foundational concepts might be missing in Griffiths that are covered in Jackson, including the potential introduction of relativity. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive understanding of physics while exploring the balance between structured learning and self-directed study.
Nick M
Messages
191
Reaction score
0
As an engineering major, my class layout includes only Physics I & II w/Calculus (which I finished last year). I'll be taking Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics in the engineering department soon. I've got Calculus I & II and Linear Algebra finished, and will be taking Multivariate and Diff-EQ this year.

I'd like to continue with a self-study Physics plan on the side. What should I read next? I picked up Quantum Theory by David Bohm, and was going to also snag Griffiths Intro to Quantum Mechanics. Does anyone have a recommended "list" to follow? I've tried to generate one based on the Physics curriculum at my school and Amazon book reviews. I'd much appreciate some recommendations.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For upper level undergrad E&M I suggest "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by Griffith's
 
I see that people usually take Physics II (E&M, using chapters from a general physics text like I did) followed by junior level E&M (using a text such as that which you mentioned - Griffiths), and then a graduate level E&M (using a text such as Jackson).

Is this all really necessary? I understand having Physics I, II, III, and Modern, which gives a nice tasting of everything, and introduces the student to a lot of material - but are there people who then just buy the text from Jackson and have at it? I guess my question is, what sorts of things are held back in say Griffiths, and then introduced in Jackson?

Does it have something to do with relativity entering the picture?
 

Thread 'What are the best A-Level options for someone wanting to do Physics?'

Bit Britain-specific but I was wondering, what's the best path to take for A-Levels out of the following (I know Y10 seems a bit early to be thinking about A-levels, but my choice will impact what I do this year/ in y11) I (almost) definitely want to do physics at University - so keep that in mind... The subjects that I'm almost definitely going to take are Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and I'm taking a fast track programme which means that I'll be taking AS computer science at the end...
View full post »

Thread 'Hepth programs in Europe'

After a year of thought, I decided to adjust my ratio for applying the US/EU(+UK) schools. I mostly focused on the US schools before, but things are getting complex and I found out that Europe is also a good place to study. I found some institutes that have professors with similar interests. But gaining the information is much harder than US schools (like you have to contact professors in advance etc). For your information, I have B.S. in engineering (low GPA: 3.2/4.0) in Asia - one SCI...
View full post »

Thread 'Should I pursue a masters degree after 4.5 years working in IT?'

I graduated with a BSc in Physics in 2020. Since there were limited opportunities in my country (mostly teaching), I decided to improve my programming skills and began working in IT, first as a software engineer and later as a quality assurance engineer, where I’ve now spent about 3 years. While this career path has provided financial stability, I’ve realized that my excitement and passion aren’t really there, unlike what I felt when studying or doing research in physics. Working in IT...
View full post »

Similar threads

Is this a good self-study program?
Replies
16
Views
2K
Studying How to self-study physics past High School Level?
3
Replies
102
Views
5K
Studying Should I first study the math or math and physics at the same time?
Replies
9
Views
4K
Studying What Are the Best Steps for Self-Teaching Theoretical Physics?
Replies
14
Views
3K
Studying Struggling with exercises after reading quantum mechanics textbook
Replies
2
Views
295
Studying How Should I Study Quantum Mechanics and Which Math Should I Know?
Replies
7
Views
2K
Textbook/study plan questions
Replies
9
Views
2K
Physics knowledge advice for a Civil Engineering undergrad
Replies
8
Views
2K
Studying Self-Studying Physics in 8 months for a University Entrance Exam
Replies
49
Views
6K
Studying Modern physics after quantum mechanics
Replies
5
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top