Programs Which Math Classes Should I Take for a Physics Major with a Math Minor?

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For a physics major with a math minor focused on astrophysics or optics, the most beneficial courses to consider are Numerical Analysis, Partial Differential Equations (PDE), and Intro to Complex Analysis. Given the importance of programming in astrophysics research, Numerical Analysis is particularly recommended, especially for those with limited programming experience, as it provides a foundation in computational methods and tools like MATLAB. This course is relevant not only to astrophysics but also to fields such as computational biology and engineering. While Linear Algebra II and PDE are also valuable, the emphasis on practical programming skills makes Numerical Analysis a strong choice for enhancing research capabilities in the desired fields.
Jeff6851
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I am a physics major with a math minor. I only have to take two more math classes after this semester to finish my minor. I'd like to know which classes would be most beneficial for me.

I've taken:

Calc I
Calc II
Calc III
Diff Eq
Linear Algebra
Differential Geometry

Courses that I can take for my minor:

Intro to Analysis
Real Analysis I
Linear Algebra II
Partial Diff Eq
Intro to Complex Analysis
Numerical Analysis

I've been leaning toward Linear Algebra II and Partial Diff Eq. I don't want to be a theoretical physicist and I want to do either Astrophysics or optics.
 
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If it were me given your interests, then I would choose between Numerical Analysis, PDE, and Complex Analysis. Have you taken any programming? If not, then Numerical Analysis could be a good crash course on MATLAB, or whatever language is used. From what I understand, programming is a very important aspect of astrophysics research.
 
jbrussell93 said:
If it were me given your interests, then I would choose between Numerical Analysis, PDE, and Complex Analysis. Have you taken any programming? If not, then Numerical Analysis could be a good crash course on MATLAB, or whatever language is used. From what I understand, programming is a very important aspect of astrophysics research.

I've only had an intro to Java class, never any MATLAB
 
I'd go with numerical analysis then. Not only is it relevant to astrophysics, but also computational biology, engineering, etc.
 

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