LS George Posted January 6, 2014 Posted January 6, 2014 Right now I'm applying for a masters degree in physics with photonics. It is an area that I find very interesting, and I've seen other options that are in the physics degrees (e.g. applied nuclear physics, advanced quantum physics) that are also interesting and I'd plan on taking when I'm on my degree. I'm also very keen to study General relativity, but I am also very, very aware that you need to be pretty damn good at maths to be able to do general relativity. What I'm wondering is if I'm able to study areas of maths and physics after I've completed my degree so that I will be able to tackle general relativity. Just as a side note, I am applying to British universities, just so you're aware if there are any differences in the way the university system works where ever you are from.
ajb Posted January 7, 2014 Posted January 7, 2014 What I'm wondering is if I'm able to study areas of maths and physics after I've completed my degree so that I will be able to tackle general relativity. You are free to study whatever you like before, during or after your degree. Are you asking for advice on what to study to prepare you for general relativity?
LS George Posted January 7, 2014 Author Posted January 7, 2014 You are free to study whatever you like before, during or after your degree. Are you asking for advice on what to study to prepare you for general relativity? I guess it would be nice to know what perquisites are required to study general relativity.
ajb Posted January 7, 2014 Posted January 7, 2014 I guess it would be nice to know what perquisites are required to study general relativity. I think all you really need is some familiarity with special relativity and maybe some classical mechanics\field theory. From there you can build lots of the tools you need. The mathematics of general relativity, and really all of classical physics, is differential geometry. You could read up on this first of just learn enough as you go along, which is quite typical of how it is taught to physics students.
LS George Posted January 7, 2014 Author Posted January 7, 2014 I think all you really need is some familiarity with special relativity and maybe some classical mechanics\field theory. From there you can build lots of the tools you need. The mathematics of general relativity, and really all of classical physics, is differential geometry. You could read up on this first of just learn enough as you go along, which is quite typical of how it is taught to physics student Yeah If that is the case, then that greatly suits my learning style/pattern.
ajb Posted January 8, 2014 Posted January 8, 2014 Yeah If that is the case, then that greatly suits my learning style/pattern. A very accessible introduction are Sean Carroll's lecture notes which can be found at http://preposterousuniverse.com/grnotes/
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now