Switching from Physics to Maths: 4-Year Undergrad Course

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In summary, the individual was originally planning to study theoretical physics but has now realized they want to focus solely on math. They are starting college in October and are wondering if there are any additional courses worth studying beyond the provided syllabus for their four-year undergraduate program. They have been suggested to take as many courses as they can handle and it is clarified that they are not required to take physics courses unless they enroll in a combined degree program. The individual's intention is to take the required courses and then use their extra time to study more. It is also mentioned that the best universities often offer engineering degrees with a strong focus on applied math, and that this is the case for the individual's university as well.
  • #1
Maybe_Memorie
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I'm starting college in October, hopefully, and I was going to study theoretical physics. Now I've realized I don't want to, i just want to study math. The course load is less intense, so I'll have more time on my hands, time which could be used doing extra study. I've included the sylabbi for the 4 years undergrad. Please tell me if there's anything worth studying extra that isn't in the sylabbus.

Thanks! :smile:

JF: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=jfmaths
SF: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=sfmaths
JS: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=jsmaths
SS: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=ssmaths
 
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  • #2
Take them all... :biggrin:

just kidding, take as much as you can handle.

BTW I don't quite understand, if you learn for a maths bsc degree why are obliged to take physics course, or I might have read wrong, I just skimmed over it.
 
  • #3
That's my intention. :smile:

I meant I was going to apply for physics, but just want to do math now.
 
  • #4
Since it is an European degree just doing the required courses should put you at the same level as a normal US graduate, then you got 2 years to just pick extra courses. Also the courses they have suggested covers just about everything for the last 2 years so just pick from those, which courses depends on what you want to do.
MathematicalPhysicist said:
BTW I don't quite understand, if you learn for a maths bsc degree why are obliged to take physics course, or I might have read wrong, I just skimmed over it.
You don't really got majors in Europe like you got in the US, instead you got programs and often the best schools don't provide pure maths programs since they are commonly engineering schools.
 
  • #5
Maybe_Memorie said:
I'm starting college in October, hopefully, and I was going to study theoretical physics. Now I've realized I don't want to, i just want to study math. The course load is less intense, so I'll have more time on my hands, time which could be used doing extra study. I've included the sylabbi for the 4 years undergrad. Please tell me if there's anything worth studying extra that isn't in the sylabbus.

Thanks! :smile:

JF: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=jfmaths
SF: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=sfmaths
JS: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=jsmaths
SS: http://www.maths.tcd.ie/undergraduate/modules/index.php?file=ssmaths

That is an impressive curriculum. I would not worry too much about how to spend extra time.
 
  • #6
Klockan3 I am not from the US, but as far as I can tell most places even outside US offer programmes at the BSC level in maths and physics, and they also offer programmes with only maths or only physics.

And unless you enroll in a combined degree in maths and physics, I don't think you should be obliged to take physics courses, more so if you plan the pure math path.
 
  • #7
MathematicalPhysicist said:
Klockan3 I am not from the US, but as far as I can tell most places even outside US offer programmes at the BSC level in maths and physics, and they also offer programmes with only maths or only physics.

And unless you enroll in a combined degree in maths and physics, I don't think you should be obliged to take physics courses, more so if you plan the pure math path.
But as I said, the best universities are often engineering universities which means that their main focus is applied maths. Maybe it is more so for the German and Scandinavian universities due to a strong engineering history, I don't really know how the higher ed climate is out there. But for example where I go the best maths students don't go to the pure maths degrees since they are given by bad universities and instead takes the most mathematical degree at the engineering university since it gives them both more maths plus everything else contained in that degree.

The engineering universities don't give pure mathematical degrees at the undergrad level since that isn't what they are for. I am quite sure that this is what happened here, also since you apply for programs and not the university itself it doesn't matter that not every university have everything since you just apply to the program you want from the start. It just happens to be in that way that the best mathematical degrees are not the pure ones, even in terms of studying pure maths later.

Edit: Also as you can see that is an applied maths degree in its base, then a few physics courses don't hurt.
 

Related to Switching from Physics to Maths: 4-Year Undergrad Course

1. Why would someone switch from Physics to Maths?

There are many potential reasons for switching from Physics to Maths. Some students may find that they have a stronger interest or aptitude in mathematics, while others may prefer the problem-solving and analytical skills that are emphasized in mathematics courses. Additionally, some students may find that their career goals align more closely with a math degree, or they may simply want to explore a different subject area.

2. What are the main differences between Physics and Maths courses?

While there may be some overlap in subject matter, physics courses tend to focus more on the physical laws and principles that govern the natural world, while mathematics courses focus on developing abstract theories and methods for solving problems. Physics courses also tend to have a more hands-on, experimental component, while mathematics courses are more theoretical and proof-based.

3. Will switching to a 4-year undergrad Maths course extend my graduation timeline?

It depends on your individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the Maths program you are switching to. In some cases, credits from your Physics courses may transfer over and count towards your Maths degree, reducing the time it takes to graduate. It's important to speak with an advisor to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

4. Will I need to complete additional prerequisites if I switch to a Maths degree?

Again, this will depend on the specific requirements of the Maths program you are switching to. Some programs may have different prerequisites than a Physics degree, while others may have similar requirements. It's best to consult with an advisor to determine if there are any additional prerequisites you may need to complete.

5. What career options are available with a Maths degree?

A Maths degree can open up a wide range of career opportunities in fields such as finance, data analysis, computer science, engineering, and more. The problem-solving and critical thinking skills developed in a Maths program are highly valued by employers in many industries. Additionally, a Maths degree can also be a stepping stone to graduate studies in various fields, including physics, economics, and statistics.

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