Which Class Should I Take: Partial Differential Equations or Electromagnetism?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers around a choice between two conflicting classes: partial differential equations (PDE) and electromagnetism (E&M), relevant for a math/chemistry major aiming for graduate studies in chemical physics or physical chemistry. Participants emphasize the importance of E&M for its applications in chemistry and the valuable mathematical techniques learned. There's a debate about the nature of the PDE course, with some suggesting that an applied focus may be more beneficial, while others argue that PDE is easier to self-teach due to its more straightforward mathematical concepts. The conversation also touches on the idea that taking pottery could enhance understanding of three-dimensional geometry, although it is not a priority for the major's academic goals. Overall, E&M is favored for its direct relevance to the intended graduate studies.
cytochrome
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I have a choice between 2 classes next semester that conflict, and if I choose one I will graduate without taking the other.

Partial differential equations or electromagnetism?

I'm a math/chemistry major and I want to go to grad school for chemical physics or physical chemistry. Any insight as to what would be more beneficial would be very helpful! I'm an avid self studier so whichever one I miss out on I will surely catch upThanks

EDIT: I could not take both and take pottery
 
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Last edited:
cytochrome said:
I have a choice between 2 classes next semester that conflict, and if I choose one I will graduate without taking the other.

Partial differential equations or electromagnetism?

I'm a math/chemistry major and I want to go to grad school for chemical physics or physical chemistry. Any insight as to what would be more beneficial would be very helpful! I'm an avid self studier so whichever one I miss out on I will surely catch up


Thanks




EDIT: I could not take both and take pottery
E&M. I didn't realize how useful E&M is in chemistry until very recently. And you'll learn a lot of useful math techniques in there too.

I'm in chem grad school and I'd pick E&M, no question.
 
"EDIT: I could not take both and take pottery"

Lol. Since you plan more on the physics side of the double major, pde's
"applied" for e&m may be more beneficial. Is the PDE course applied? By this i mean: solving heat, wave, laplace equations and or using Fourier series? Or is it taught as a course with some proofs?
 
It's a rigorous proof based course, which is the best way to learn it in my opinion.

I think PDE would be easier to self teach because I love math literature and have taught myself various subjects (abstract, number theory, complex) just for the fun of it
 
Sounds like a good course. Here at my university, we need to take a lot of analysis and an applied pde course to take the proof based one(s).

I believe math is much easier to self teach than physics. More straightforward and builds up to previous ideas.
 
Take pottery, it will give you insights into 3 dimensional geometry that is produced by rotating something on a ceramic wheel.
 

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