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That's a great list. The only thing that's missing would be a linear algebra course. The OP mentions it in passing, but a good understanding of LA goes a long w
by ivan_ah 10y ago
That's a great list. The only thing that's missing would be a linear algebra course. The OP mentions it in passing, but a good understanding of LA goes a long way. I did UGRAD in engineering, and when I switched to physics everything was over my head, but my knowledge of LA still managed to keep me afloat. Also, matrix quantum mechanics is essentially straight up linear algebra (vectors, unitaries, projections, etc.)
Now switching to a shameless plug mode, I'll mention my math+mech+calc book, which would be a good addition to the section 1. Introduction to Mechanics. Chapter2 of the book (on topic) is part of the preview: https://minireference.com/static/excerpts/noBSguide_v5_preview.pdf https://minireference.com/static/excerpts/noBSguide_v5_previ...
- santaclaus 10y agoI was always amazed that more physics curricula do not require linear algebra. You don't even need to get to quantum for LA to be amazingly helpful. Our classical mechanics text from undergrad was swarming with LA...
- tnecniv 10y agoI was amazed that my EE degree didn't required it. We had a rushed treatment as part of a required ODEs course, but I didn't really get it until I took a theory heavy course dedicated to the subject. It and probability both made my life a lot easier and are essential parts of my daily work.
- xeromal 10y agoThanks for plugging your book. Math has always been a struggle for me and considering I got my ass kicked through undergrad barely passing my math courses, I constantly I'd enjoy math as a programmer if I had just had the proper schooling in highschool. Just snagged your book on Lulu. Wish me luck.
- godelski 10y agoLinear is a must, especially if you are going to get into QM. I haven't read your book, but the one by David Lay is a great text.
- bigger_cheese 10y agoI'll second that Lay was the textbook I used throughout my Engineering Degree. It is sitting on my shelf at work right between "The C++ Programming Language" and "Numerical Recipes"
- sn9 10y agoStrang's text is also great, and you can take the course via MIT OCW Scholar from the man himself. For those wanting a more mathematical perspective (versus engineering/applied science), there's Axler's Linear Algebra Done Right. For the programmers in the audience, another fun and illuminating (and cheap!) text is Klein's Coding the Matrix.