How Can I Prepare for a Theoretical Physics Course with a Math Minor?

[AlmenoFSigma]

Greetings from Portugal!
I hope I got the right forum section :)

I would greatly appreciate your help in the following matter:
I am a Physics Engineering student, just finishing 1st year and I've recently decided to change to Theoretical Physics with a minor in Mathematics, yet I think I am not quite prepared for this course, thus I am holding university on "standby" for a year (plus financial reasons).
What I need from you is guidance on a study plan that will prepare me for this course!
I was thinking I would restudy some of the classes I took in a more mathematical way cause I am really interested to go deeper in mathematics, although the main point is preparing myself for theoretical physics.

So far I thought I would try the following textbooks:
Linear Algebra Done Right by Axler
Calculus by Michael Spivak
An Introduction to Mechanics by Kleppner and Kolenkow

Which topics should I consider studying? (I would appreciate any textbook recommendations or critics on the ones above)
I also need an Electromagnetism textbook since the course I am transfering to had this covered in the 1st year.

Thanks in advance!

 

[zhermes]

What physics/math have you already taken? What will you be taking when you start theoretical physics?

 

[physiker_192]

Hi,


welcome to the forums.

In my uni, the engineering physics n theoretical physics lectures are the same for the first year.

I am not so sure about your mathematics minor,, but I think you will be able to get a better advise here if you can provide a link to your study programme courses/lectures.

Additionally, you can just drop by the offices of some of your professors n chit chat with them (e.g. about books,, general study advise etc..).

 

[AlmenoFSigma]

Hey, thanks for the replies :)
I have done pretty much the 1st year of the theoretical physics course except for electromagnetism. Here is the program:

1st Semester:
Mechanics
Calculus I
Linear Algebra & Analytic Geometry I
Introduction to Programming

2nd Semester:
Electromagnetism
Physics Lab I
Calculus II
Chemistry

3rd Semester:
Waves and something I can't translate
Thermodynamics
Infinitesimal Analysis
Algebra I

4rd Semester:
Topics in Modern and Astrophysics
Physics Lab II
Option
Option

5th Semester:
Quantum Mechanics
Physics Lab III
Option
Option

6th Semester:
Option
Option
Option
Option

Options:
Computational and Statistical Physics
Electrodynamics and Relativity
Optics
Condensed Matter Physics
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Algebra II
Mathematical Models of Physics
Number Theory and Criptography
Linear Algebra & Analytical Geometry II
Complex Analysis and Fourier Analysis
Geometry
Differential Geometry
Grafs and Aplications
Introduction to Dynamical Systems

although the options are a little bit more restricted lol

 

[rezeew]

Greetings from a fellow scientist in the United States! It's great to see your passion for physics and your dedication to preparing for your new course. I understand the importance of a strong foundation in mathematics for success in theoretical physics.

Based on your current plan, I would suggest focusing on the following topics in your study plan:

1. Linear Algebra: As you mentioned, this is an important topic for theoretical physics and it's great that you have chosen a textbook specifically for this subject. I would also recommend "Introduction to Linear Algebra" by Gilbert Strang as an additional resource.

2. Calculus: Spivak's "Calculus" is a classic and highly recommended for a rigorous understanding of calculus. I would also suggest "Calculus" by James Stewart as a supplement.

3. Mechanics: Kleppner and Kolenkow's "An Introduction to Mechanics" is a great choice for this topic. I would also recommend "Classical Mechanics" by John R. Taylor.

4. Electromagnetism: For this subject, I would suggest "Introduction to Electrodynamics" by David J. Griffiths. It is a well-respected textbook in the field and covers the necessary topics for theoretical physics.

In addition to these textbooks, I would also recommend practicing problems and exercises to solidify your understanding of the concepts. You can also supplement your studies with online resources such as video lectures or online courses.

Overall, your study plan looks well thought out and I would encourage you to stay dedicated and focused in your studies. Best of luck in your academic journey!