What are the math requirements for B.S in Physics?

[1stepatatime]

I'm now going into my Junior year of college looking to major in Physics. The last math course I've completed was Calculus 3. I read through the course outline and it listed that a the last lower division math I'll need to complete before I start their Physics program. It looks like Diff. Eq is apart of the Mathematical Physics course listed. I'm interested to know what other math classes would cover the rest:

Mathematical Physics:
prereq: Mathematics 250A (Calculus III). Survey of mathematical techniques required for upper division physics courses including differential vector operators, complex variables, partial and ordinary differential equations, special functions, Fourier transforms and series, matrices and operators, probability and statistics.

Classical Mechanics:
Classical mechanics and associated mathematical and numerical techniques: Newtonian dynamics; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics.

Modern Physics:
A survey of modern physical theories, their experimental foundations and applications: special relativity; quantum physics of atoms, molecules, and nuclei; introduction to solid state physics.

These of course aren't all of the classes, but I hopefully someone who can shed some light on this subject. I'm a little confused though because I thought I needed a Linear Algebra and formal ODE course at least. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[VeeEight]

Calculus (single & multivariable), Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations are the usual ones. Numerical Analysis and Functional Analysis are also useful. Different schools have different requirements, so check with your department.

 

[arunma]

At my school the bare minimum was calculus 1 and 2, multivariable calculus, differential equations/linear algebra (usually taught as a single class, though not always), and one upper level math class. We used a lot more math than that in physics class, but it was all taught to us. I learned PDEs and (hard) linear algebra from quantum, ODEs from mechanics, and boundary value problems in E&M. But the bare minimum actually wasn't so bad.

 

[ZapperZ]

I'm now going into my Junior year of college looking to major in Physics. The last math course I've completed was Calculus 3. I read through the course outline and it listed that a the last lower division math I'll need to complete before I start their Physics program. It looks like Diff. Eq is apart of the Mathematical Physics course listed. I'm interested to know what other math classes would cover the rest:

Mathematical Physics:
prereq: Mathematics 250A (Calculus III). Survey of mathematical techniques required for upper division physics courses including differential vector operators, complex variables, partial and ordinary differential equations, special functions, Fourier transforms and series, matrices and operators, probability and statistics.

Classical Mechanics:
Classical mechanics and associated mathematical and numerical techniques: Newtonian dynamics; Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics.

Modern Physics:
A survey of modern physical theories, their experimental foundations and applications: special relativity; quantum physics of atoms, molecules, and nuclei; introduction to solid state physics.

These of course aren't all of the classes, but I hopefully someone who can shed some light on this subject. I'm a little confused though because I thought I needed a Linear Algebra and formal ODE course at least. Anyways, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Be glad that your school offers a course in mathematical physics. If not, you will have to take a lot more math courses.

I strongly suggest that you first take that mathematical physics course first. Your school obviously knows what tools you need to have before you take advanced physics classes. If you think that the mathematics that you learned out of that mathematical physics course isn't sufficient, then talk to your advisor and see if he/she recommends taking specific math courses.

On a side note, if your math-physics class uses a text other than https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=379895&highlight=boas" get that book anyway. You'll be glad you did.

Zz.

 

[rezeew]

I can provide you with a detailed response to your question about the math requirements for a B.S in Physics. The math requirements for a B.S in Physics may vary slightly depending on the specific university or program you are attending. However, in general, a strong foundation in mathematics is essential for success in physics.

Based on the information you have provided, it seems like you have completed the necessary lower division math courses, such as Calculus III, for the Physics program you are interested in. The next math course you will need to complete is Differential Equations (Diff. Eq), which is a part of the Mathematical Physics course. This course will cover mathematical techniques that are essential for upper division physics courses, such as differential vector operators, complex variables, partial and ordinary differential equations, special functions, Fourier transforms and series, matrices and operators, probability and statistics.

In addition to Diff. Eq, you will also need to take Linear Algebra and a formal course in Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) as part of your math requirements. Linear Algebra is important for understanding concepts such as vector spaces and matrices, which are used in many areas of physics. A formal course in ODE will provide you with the necessary tools to solve differential equations, which are used extensively in physics.

Other math courses that may be required for a B.S in Physics include Multivariable Calculus, Complex Analysis, and Numerical Analysis. These courses are important for understanding advanced physics concepts and for performing calculations and simulations.

Overall, a B.S in Physics will require a strong background in mathematics. It is important to carefully review the course requirements for your specific program to ensure that you have completed all the necessary math courses. I suggest speaking with an advisor or faculty member in the Physics department to get more information about the specific math requirements for your program. I wish you the best of luck in your studies and future career in Physics!