Electromagnetism or quantum mechanics

[Prometheus]

I have a choice of studying an electromagnetism module or a quantum mechanics module next academic year. Whichever i do not study next year i will study the following year. Both are 3rd year undergrad level modules with the open uni.

 

I was just wondering if anyone would recommend studying one before the other, and if so why. Otherwise i'll choose on other considerations.

 

Thanks.

[studiot]

You need some EM theory to study quantum mechanics, but nowhere near third level stuff.

In fact you need a similar level of basic EM viz A level to first year university to study to study either QM or EM at third level.

You do not need any QM to study electromagnetics.

 

Good luck with the OU, it is a tough route on your own.

 

Edited June 17, 2015 by studiot

[Prometheus]

Cheers, but i'm not totally on my own. Got a friend who did the same modules this year, and i've always got you guys to bug.

 

In terms of the maths required: i understand for EM i will need a good command of vector calculus, whereas QM requires a bit of complex analysis, probability theory and calculus?

[studiot]

Don't know what they do these days, but the OU uswed to have a good third elvel course on complex analysis, that was way beyond QM requirements. I would have thought you would only need basic complex number theory, rather than the full works concert of the theory of the complex variable. QM involves the complex solution of partial differential equations (There also used to be a good OU third level course on these which would be very useful). Other required maths will no doubt be explained in the course, some is quite specialised such as the Bra and Ket notation.

EM does indeed involve much vector mechanics, in terms of calculus and geometry. A good summer read would be the superb intro book by Matthews called - you guessed it - Vector Calculus (Springer Verlag undergraduate books). Another good summer read here is Electromagnetism for Electronics Engineers by Carter (Chapman and Hall).

Edited June 18, 2015 by studiot

[Mordred]

I particularly enjoyed Mathews Vector calculus. It's well written.

[Prometheus]

Cheers guys. Think i'll take electromagnetism first.