- #1
D_Miller
- 18
- 0
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 next year, I still have two 7-week periods open, and I would like to spend them learning a bit of physics. In the last one of them, I have decided to take a course on cosmology, a subject I've always had a soft spot for. I'm still undecided with respect to the first seven weeks though. I think I'll take a directed individual study, and this is where I'd love some advice:
I think it's a shame that I haven't had more chances to apply what I've learned in mathematics to my physics studies. This is why I would like some suggestions on physics subjects that require skills in more exotic kinds of mathematics than just calculus and linear algebra. For example, Hilbert space theory, complex analysis and measure-based probability theory all seem like subjects one could apply to physics. The same probably goes for group theory. My university is already running a semester class on geometry in physics, though, so I assume they would be reluctant to let me conjure up such a course. Furthermore, would prefer to have a course on something which isn't just a different approach to something I've already seen. Here I am thinking of the Von Neumann formulation of quantum mechanics, and the Caratheodory formulation of thermodynamics. Remember, I have to be able to cover it in seven weeks, so it can't be too wide.
Sorry if I've ranted a bit too much. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
However, after planning out the two semesters of next year, I still have two 7-week periods open, and I would like to spend them learning a bit of physics. In the last one of them, I have decided to take a course on cosmology, a subject I've always had a soft spot for. I'm still undecided with respect to the first seven weeks though. I think I'll take a directed individual study, and this is where I'd love some advice:
I think it's a shame that I haven't had more chances to apply what I've learned in mathematics to my physics studies. This is why I would like some suggestions on physics subjects that require skills in more exotic kinds of mathematics than just calculus and linear algebra. For example, Hilbert space theory, complex analysis and measure-based probability theory all seem like subjects one could apply to physics. The same probably goes for group theory. My university is already running a semester class on geometry in physics, though, so I assume they would be reluctant to let me conjure up such a course. Furthermore, would prefer to have a course on something which isn't just a different approach to something I've already seen. Here I am thinking of the Von Neumann formulation of quantum mechanics, and the Caratheodory formulation of thermodynamics. Remember, I have to be able to cover it in seven weeks, so it can't be too wide.
Sorry if I've ranted a bit too much. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.