What is Mathematical physics: Definition and 247 Discussions

Mathematical physics refers to the development of mathematical methods for application to problems in physics. The Journal of Mathematical Physics defines the field as "the application of mathematics to problems in physics and the development of mathematical methods suitable for such applications and for the formulation of physical theories".

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  1. B

    What should I consider when applying for a PhD in mathematical physics?

    right now I'm finishing up a master's degree in quantum chemistry, but I much prefer the development of the methods than the actual use of them (i.e. the more theoretical side of things). And I've been keeping on top of my mathematics of all flavor, and would really be interested in doing a phd...
  2. Z

    Engineering physics or Mathematical physics

    Hi, So I'm with a real dilemma and I only have a few days to make a choice. My situation is the following: I'm 18 years old and next year I'm going to start university in Canada (Montreal). I have already applied in engineering physics and got accepted. However, the problem is that I'm really...
  3. L

    Bridge to mathematical physics book?

    Background Next year I am going to be a final year student - Msci Physics. I am fairly mathematically competent even though I don't "take" any theoretical/math options (my confidence in this area is another question). In first year we had a standard introduction to all the topics we were...
  4. T

    What Are the Best Mathematical Physics Books for Self-Study?

    Greetings everyone, I'd like to continue my physics and mathematics education but I'll have to do that on my own since I'm heading into engineering. I'm looking for a book that would cover a lot of the mathematics that are needed at the undergrad physics level. I'll have Calc 1,2,3, Linear...
  5. V

    Homework for mathematical physics

    Homework Statement hello everyone there, i really hope that someone can help me with my homework,because i don't havee a clue where to start. so the instructions are like this: wide metal band alternately folded on three sides of the square. Through it, along the edges,is electrical...
  6. D

    Course on mathematical physics

    I have almost finished my bachelor's degree in mathematics, with a minor in physics. A while ago I decided not to continue with physics on my master's degree, but to focus on pure mathematics while learning a bit of computer science as well. However, after planning out the two semesters of...
  7. F

    Which is the best Mathematical Physics book

    Prefer me a book that covers entire Mathematics which is required for Physics Note: please consider me a new(3 years no touch of maths due to health issue) and the book you prefer me must have clear understanding of mathematical concepts subjects as follows #Algebra #Trigonometry...
  8. A

    Math Physics: Exploring Areas of Math & Physics Linked Together

    Some people call it physics that simply is more difficult or reliant on mathematics. I was wondering if anyone could enlighten me a bit more as to what types of maths and physics areas are generally equated with mathematical physics.
  9. H

    The mathematics required for mathematical physics (LQG, ST, FT, etc)?

    I realize this might be a little bit of academic advisement, but I think it'd be more useful to have some people who really know a lot about the subject post about this. I like math a lot, and specifically I was wondering about number theory or set theory and logic, which is interesting but I'm...
  10. S

    Self-Studying Mathematical Physics: Books & Approach

    hi, please suggest me a good book/s for selfstudy on mathematical physics, which gives a detailed explanation, and how should be the study approach for selfstudying, i feel I'm good at algebra :) Thanks :)
  11. C

    Exploring Factor Space: A Course in Modern Mathematical Physics

    FACTOR SPACE is defined in my book as the set whose elements are the equivalence classes defined by the equivalence relation R .denoted by S/R i cannot understand where this is different from equivalent class? page 8 - a coursein modern mathematical physics - szekeres any help will be...
  12. L

    Nanotechnology transfer to Mathematical Physics at Waterloo?

    I am going into first year Nanotechnology Engineering at Waterloo and I am thinking of transferring to Mathematical Physics in second year. Mathematical Physics starts in second year, but there are required courses from first year Applied Mathematics. I have been told by faculty members at...
  13. J

    Questions about papers on Mathematical Physics

    Hi everyone Im going to start a major in physics next year and I would like to follow mathematical physics afterwards but I lack knowledge about which are the areas of math that contribute the most to the development of physics. For instance I know that differential geometry, functional...
  14. K

    Guidance in Mathematical Physics

    Hey all, in need of some advice. I'm currently at UWO going into second year. I'm enrolled in an Astrophysics and Pure Mathematics program, and need to choose which courses I need to take, specifically math courses, for my future. I have a 4.0 and am strong in math. I'm wondering which...
  15. thrill3rnit3

    Mathematical Physics: What Do Mathematicians Do?

    Is there a separate area of study/specialization dedicated to mathematical physics? If so, what do mathematical physicists usually do?
  16. M

    Mathematical physics grad school: math vs physics departments

    I'm a junior physics major at a school in the US and I've recently come to the conclusion that I think that I like math better than I like physics. I'm thinking I might like to do mathematical physics in grad school, but since I've spent the last 3 years thinking I'd go to grad school for...
  17. A

    Mathematical physics problem - heat conduction

    Homework Statement There's a radioactive isotope placed inside an iron sphere (R=2cm), which acts as a source of constant heat (P=1W). The isotope is uniformly distributed over a very thin spherical layer (r=1cm). How much higher is temperature in the center of the sphere compared to...
  18. S

    Hassani's Mathematical Physics

    I have just finished my junior year as a physics undergraduate and I am looking for a mathematical physics textbook that will help me to learn about some of the more advanced areas of the subject. I have already gone through "Mathematical Methods for the Physical Sciences" by Mary Boas. I am...
  19. E

    Need tips on how to teach myself mathematical physics aside from school

    Yeah i want to learn some mathematical physics, since i can't just jump from my classes to that different section yet, but perhaps there are books or guides out there for beginners? If anyone knows of anything please let me know, Hawking and Greene can only take me so far lol.
  20. A

    What institutions offer top programs in Mathematical Physics for PhD students?

    Hello! I'm a undergraduate student in the last year of my Physics B.Sc. I've done a lot of Mathematics in a program at Ecole Polytechnique in France (Master 1 in Physics, european system). I would like to do my PhD in Mathematical Physics, I've studied some Statistical Mechanics and Exactly...
  21. I

    HELP. UBC or Waterloo for Mathematical Physics?

    Hey guys, I'm having a bit of trouble choosing my program. Please help me here. After spending my first term of university in UofT's Engineering Science program I quit knowing I did not want to do my degree in engineering. I'm more interested in the theoretical side of physics - the...
  22. P

    Looking for a good Mathematical Physics book answers

    Does anyone know of a good advanced undergraduate mathematical physics book with answers for self study? I hear good things about the Mary Boas book, but want more opinions. Thanks!
  23. N

    Math Physics: Kronecker Delta Fn in Cylindrical/Spherical Polar Coords

    What will be Kronecker Delta Function in Cylindrical co-ordinates as well as in spherical Polar coordinates?
  24. L

    The order to read Mathematical Physics

    Assume that I have read Calculus, completed IPhO Syllabus, finished Irodov, Krotov and Kleppner. Now, how should I proceed so as to make a transition to Mathematical Physics. Please list the topics in correct order to read. Please recommend some books for reading those topics. Also, if...
  25. U

    Math person wants to go into Mathematical Physics

    Hi. I don't know much about physics, and I wanted to get into some mathematical physics. I want to learn, from a mathematician's perspective, quantum mechanics and general relativity (and if I am right these are two most popular "flavours" of mathematical physics?). Someone (not a...
  26. Q

    Book for Independent Study in Modern, Thermal, or Mathematical Physics?

    I'm looking to do a guided independent study course at my college next term; the college doesn't offer physics beyond the introductory calculus-based sequence, which I've completed, and I'm not yet ready to transfer. The physics major sequence at the school to which I intend to transfer...
  27. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 267)

    Also available at http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week267.html July 23, 2008 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 267) John Baez After the workshop on categorical groups in Barcelona, I went to Granada - the world capital of categorical groups! Pilar Carrasco, an expert on this...
  28. R

    Mathematica Theoretical and mathematical physics grad schools

    I'm interested in doing my PhD in theoretical and mathematical physics - i.e. subjects like Quantum Field Theory, String Theory or Quantum Information Theory. My question is which universities in the US have really good programs in these areas?
  29. P

    Mathematica Exercises on mathematical physics

    Hi everyone, I'm looking for textbooks that contain exercises on various aspects of mathematical physics (everything a theoretical physicist needs actually, i.e. from linear algebra and tensor analysis to differential geometry and topology etc.) at a graduate level. I am aware, of course...
  30. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 266)

    Also available at http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week266.html June 20, 2008 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 266) John Baez I'm at this workshop now, and I want to talk about it: 1) Workshop on Categorical Groups, June 16-20, 2008, Universitat de Barcelona, organized by Pilar...
  31. P

    Mathematica Recommendation of a textbook about methods of mathematical physics

    Could someone recommend a good textbook on methods of mathematical physics? Thanks!
  32. E

    Mathematica Mathematical physics at UC Santa Barbara

    I will be applying to graduate schools in mathematics for Fall 2009. From what I've heard, the UCSB mathematics department is decent though not as good as some of the other mathematics departments I've been looking at (like Texas at Austin, Michigan, Illinois at UC, and University of...
  33. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 264)

    Also available at http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week264.html May 18, 2008 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 264) John Baez Here's a puzzle. Guess the next term of this sequence: 1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ... and then guess the *meaning* of this sequence! I'll give away the answer...
  34. T

    Mathematica Math Physics: What Is It & Is It Better?

    What precisely is mathematical physics? Also, is it a better field to go into than just math or just physics? Sorry if I'am being innaccurate with the "just math or just physics" but I think you guys know what I mean.
  35. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 262)

    Also available at http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week262.html March 29, 2008 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 262) John Baez I'm done with teaching until fall, and now I'll be travelling a lot. I just got back from Singapore. It's an incredibly diverse place. I actually had to...
  36. S

    Mathematica Mathematical Physics at Waterloo

    I am in my last year of high school and going to waterloo in Semptember for Mathematical Physics. I applied for the mathematical physics program twice, once from the Math Faculty and once from their Science Faculty. I don't know which one to choose, many of the courses are overlapping...
  37. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 261)

    Also available as http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week261.html March 19, 2008 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 261) John Baez Sorry for the long pause! I've been busy writing. For example: a gentle introduction to category theory, focusing on its role as a "Rosetta Stone" that...
  38. Q

    Mathematica Mathematical Physics - Math or Physics?

    I'm really quite sure at this point of my undergraduate education that mathematical physics is the answer for me - I love my upper level math courses, especially differential geometry, group theory, etc. But I started in physics, and remain a physicist at heart (I think!) - with most of my...
  39. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 259)

    Also available as http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week259 December 9, 2007 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 259) John Baez This week I'll talk about the "field with one element" - even though it doesn't exist. It's a mathematical phantom. But first: the Egg Nebula. In...
  40. M

    Mathematica How Does Thermal Conductivity Affect Heat Distribution in Spherical Sources?

    Homework Statement For a metal bar of cross sectional area A, the rate of flow of heat along the bar is given by the expression: Q=-KA(dT/dx) where K is the thermal conductivity of the material of the bar, and T and x refer to temperature and the distance measured from the high...
  41. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 258)

    Also available as http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week258 November 25, 2007 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 258) John Baez Happy Thanksgiving! Today I'll talk about a conjecture by Deligne on Hochschild cohomology and the little 2-cubes operad. But first I'll talk about...
  42. S

    Mathematica U of T's 'Math and Physics' and Waterloo's 'Mathematical Physics'

    I'm wondering if there's anyone who knows anything about this. In U of T there's a http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.ca/ofr/calendar/prg_mat.htm" (Scroll to the VERY bottom.) I'm wondering if it is a double major in physics and math or not? If not, then will it be more of a degree in Math OR...
  43. A

    Mathematica Mathematical Physics for Grade 12 Student | Canada Universities

    Hi, I am a grade 12 student living in Canada and I am very interested in theoretical physics. I am currently leaning towards doing a mathematical physics program at Waterloo for my undergraduate, however I'm not yet completely sure..: 1) Should I consider doing just a physics program? What...
  44. V

    Mathematica An advanced degree in Mathematical Physics after engineering?

    Hello all, As I've mentioned elsewhere, I'm currently in the last semester of a coursework masters degree(which i don't consider as a true postgraduate degree) in electrical engineering. my recent academic circumstances have rekindled my hitherto dormant interest in pure physics and mathematics...
  45. S

    Mathematica Is mathematical physics worth it?

    Hello, Im currently in my 2nd year as a physics major, I have been considering majoring in mathematical physics, because it seems fairly interesting and I figure it might help give me a better chance in finding a job (even a math oriented job), anyways, to do so I will have to re-take 3 math...
  46. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 257)

    Also available as http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week257.html October 14, 2007 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 257) John Baez Time flies! This week I'll finally finish saying what I did on my summer vacation. After my trip to Oslo I stayed in London, or more precisely...
  47. P

    Mathematica Mathematical Physics: Questions for Physicists & Math Specialists

    Any mathematical physicists here? What do you do? Do you get a bit of both worlds? Or is it strictly about mathematics? Do you get to feel the physics at all?
  48. C

    Mathematical Physics textbook advice?

    The recommended textbook for this mathematical physics class is Mathematical Methods for Physicists by Arfken (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0120598760/?tag=pfamazon01-20), however I've read some reviews online that seem to think that this textbook is inferior to the textbook Mathematical Physics: A...
  49. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 255)

    Also available as http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week255.html August 11, 2007 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 255) John Baez I've been roaming around Europe this summer - first Paris, then Delphi and Olympia, then Greenwich, then Oslo, and now back to Greenwich. I'm dying to...
  50. J

    Mathematica This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 253)

    Also available as http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/week253.html June 27, 2007 This Week's Finds in Mathematical Physics (Week 253) John Baez Yay! Classes are over! Soon I'm going to Paris for three weeks, to talk to Paul-Andre Mellies about logic, games and category theory. But right now I'm in...
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