Which of these courses should I drop?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a participant's decision on which course to drop from their semester workload, specifically focusing on the courses Quantum Mechanics II, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Mathematical Methods of Physics, Partial Differential Equations (PDE), and Abstract Algebra. The conversation explores the perceived utility of these courses in relation to a physics major's studies.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a preference for dropping PDE due to its overlap with Mathematical Methods and a personal dislike for analysis.
  • Another participant suggests dropping Abstract Algebra, arguing it is less useful for a physics focus compared to the other courses.
  • A third participant agrees with the suggestion to drop Abstract Algebra, emphasizing that PDE offers more applicable techniques for physics.
  • There is acknowledgment that while PDE has broader applications in physics, Abstract Algebra also has relevance, particularly in Particle Physics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that Abstract Algebra may be less beneficial for a physics major compared to PDE, but there is no consensus on which course should definitively be dropped, as the decision ultimately depends on individual preferences and academic focus.

Contextual Notes

Participants express varying opinions on the utility of Abstract Algebra versus PDE, highlighting personal preferences and the specific focus of their physics studies. The discussion reflects differing views on the relevance of these courses without resolving the question of which to drop.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students in physics or related fields who are considering course loads and the relevance of specific mathematics courses to their studies.

Fizicks1
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I've posted a thread awhile back about whether my work load for this semester is manageable.
The courses I enrolled in were:

QM II
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Mathematical Methods of Physics
PDE
Abstract Algebra

After some serious consideration, I have decided to drop one of the above courses, as it is simply too heavy for me to handle, and I'm not going to risk getting grades that are less than excellent.

Which one should I drop though? I'm likely not going to drop the physics courses, so its most likely going to be Algebra or PDE I'll drop.

I'm leaning more towards dropping PDE because of it's overlap with Math Methods, and also because our PDE course focuses a lot on analysis which I am not a fan of.

What do you guys think? Any input greatly appreciated.
 
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Hey Fizicks1.

It looks like you are doing physics, so if you are going for utility, my suggestion is drop abstract algebra.

It looks like you are a physics nut, so if this is the case the other courses are going to supplement this focus far more than the algebra course.
 
chiro said:
Hey Fizicks1.

It looks like you are doing physics, so if you are going for utility, my suggestion is drop abstract algebra.

It looks like you are a physics nut, so if this is the case the other courses are going to supplement this focus far more than the algebra course.

Hey Chiro, thanks for your input.

I am indeed a physics major. I will definitely be taking all three physics courses I posted above. PDE and Algebra are the courses I'm choosing between to drop. Yes, PDE seem to have a broader application in physics, but Algebra is also useful in physics, such as in Particle Physics. Furthermore, the PDE course in my school is analysis focused, AND there is overlap with Math Methods. So currently I am more inclined towards dropping PDE.

Any more comments from anyone? 200+ views and only one reply!
 
You should drop algebra. It will not be as useful as you'd like. You can learn group theory on your own as you need it.
 
I agree with the other comments 100%. The vast majority of the physics community would tell you the same. PDE can add much more useful techniques to your applicable math base than abstract algebra ever could.
 

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