What should I study next to get to the level I want?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the steps and resources needed to progress in the study of Quantum Physics, particularly for someone with a foundational background in calculus and introductory physics. Participants share suggestions on what to study next and where to find resources.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn Quantum Physics and seeks guidance on what topics to cover next, emphasizing a willingness to take time to reach their goal.
  • Another participant suggests obtaining a textbook for a sophomore-level "introduction to modern physics" course, indicating that such resources are appropriate for the inquirer’s current level of knowledge.
  • There is a discussion about finding free resources, with one participant humorously mentioning the idea of piracy while clarifying they do not support it.
  • Suggestions for alternative resources include checking libraries and using MIT OpenCourseWare, which is noted as a valuable resource for learning Quantum Physics.
  • Concerns about the morality of downloading materials and the implications of using resources like libraries versus online downloads are raised by participants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the importance of textbooks and online resources for studying Quantum Physics, but there is no consensus on the best approach to accessing these materials, particularly regarding the ethics of downloading content.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the availability of free resources and the appropriateness of using certain methods to access educational materials. There is also mention of varying levels of mathematical preparedness required for some resources.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students interested in pursuing Quantum Physics who are seeking guidance on study resources and methodologies, as well as those contemplating the ethics of accessing educational materials online.

TheNextBigOne
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So...

I'm interested in learning about Quantum Physics, but I know I have a long time before I actually get to that level. A really long time. Like I've only come a couple steps in this thousand mile long journey.

So far, I have a lot of Single-variable calculus, and Calculus-based Introductory Physics of Electricity and Magnetism, and Mechanics under my Math/Science belt. (I took AP Physics C, and AP Calculus AB in my last and most recent year of high school if that gives you any indication of what I know so far)

I would really appreciate just a list of what I should cover, when I should cover it, and what I should emphasize.

I just need to do this. I don't care how long it takes me, as long as I get there.

Thank you for any help or advice that you can give me, even if it isn't much.
 
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TheNextBigOne said:
So far, I have a lot of Single-variable calculus, and Calculus-based Introductory Physics of Electricity and Magnetism, and Mechanics under my Math/Science belt.

Get a textbook for a (college/university) sophomore-level "introduction to modern physics" course, for example this one. Books like this are geared to precisely your level of preparation.
 
jtbell said:
Get a textbook for a (college/university) sophomore-level "introduction to modern physics" course, for example this one. Books like this are geared to precisely your level of preparation.

Thanks!

Do you know of anywhere that offers that type of information given in the textbook for free?
I know I could buy the used textbook for about $1 (from the url), I'm just curious if I could even save that.
 
TheNextBigOne said:
Thanks!

Do you know of anywhere that offers that type of information given in the textbook for free?
I know I could buy the used textbook for about $1 (from the url), I'm just curious if I could even save that.

*cough* pirate it *cough*

DISCLAIMER: I do not, in any way, support piracy. ;D
 
nickmo94 said:
*cough* pirate it *cough*

DISCLAIMER: I do not, in any way, support piracy. ;D

Lol. I might just NOT have to do that. I would never ever pirate something from the internet. Never ever ever.
 
uhh library?
 
TheNextBigOne said:
Lol. I might just NOT have to do that. I would never ever pirate something from the internet. Never ever ever.
Now I'm curious... moral reasons, fear of getting caught, or fear of virus infections? (I don't think it's even possible to infect a pdf or a djvu file). Regarding the morality aspects, I download tons of stuff, and I still buy all the books I'm actually going to study, so the fact that I'm able to (and do) download almost everything I want doesn't affect anyone's profit. I use downloads the same way people used libraries in the past (and I guess some people still do :smile:).

Anyway, I think you should check out https://www.amazon.com/dp/0131118927/?tag=pfamazon01-20. It's a great book that will really help you understand the theory better.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
MIT OpenCourseWare is always a good resource.

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-04-quantum-physics-i-spring-2006/syllabus/

It's not piracy! :D Math might be somewhat advanced though.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Fredrik said:
Now I'm curious... moral reasons, fear of getting caught, or fear of virus infections? (I don't think it's even possible to infect a pdf or a djvu file). Regarding the morality aspects, I download tons of stuff, and I still buy all the books I'm actually going to study, so the fact that I'm able to (and do) download almost everything I want doesn't affect anyone's profit. I use downloads the same way people used libraries in the past (and I guess some people still do :smile:).

Lol. *cough*Sarcasm-intended-in-my-last-post*cough* :smile:

But thanks! Those all sound like great resources! I'll look at them right away.
 
  • #10
Elante said:
MIT OpenCourseWare is always a good resource.

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/physics/8-04-quantum-physics-i-spring-2006/syllabus/

It's not piracy! :D Math might be somewhat advanced though.


I've heard good things about OCW from MIT. I completely forgot about it till you mentioned it. Thanks!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

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