Mathematics vs Theoretical Physics

eoinalmighty

Still trying to decide on a college course. I love physics and I really love maths! Is there any real difference in the long run between theoretical physics and mathematics? The job prospects seem to be the same! Anyone got any pros or cons on these 2?

nothing

Why not take a general science course, and do both? Or an elective course of Maths and Theoretical physics? (NUIM has a really good one)

Fremen

They'll probably be much the same in first year. In UCD, they are exactly the same, as far as I remember.

Maths courses will generally cover the mathematical basis of physics (along with some other abstract nonsense ), whereas a TP course would typically involve some lab work too. There would be very little difference between a TP course, and a joint hons. in mathematical physics and experimental physics.

It really wouldn't be a bad idea to do a general science course and specialise as you went along. That way, you'd actually know what you like from experience rather than guesswork. You wouldn't have the headache of trying to switch courses either. Just because science has low points doesn't mean it's not a tough course.

MathsManiac

Did you have a particular university in mind?

eoinalmighty

I had planned on going to trinity where the theoretical physics is really mathsy!

Fremen

Heh, it's going to be really maths-y just about anywhere!

Edit: as a guideline, the maths you'll cover in TP is more focused on calculus and differential equations, while what you'll cover in a maths course will be broader, taking in stats, abstract algebra, and some programming too. The labwork might be a nice change if you choose TP. No matter how much you like maths, doing pure maths courses 24/7 can be a bit much. It's all a question of what you're interested in, though. Both programs look pretty good.

MathsManiac

Thought it might be TCD from the question. When I was there, the maths and TP courses were almost identical in first year, and continued to have a fair degree of overlap.

They're both quite challenging courses, and they don't hang about in first year! Also, because you're not splitting your time with other subjects, you go farther and faster in the maths area. I've had a fair bit experience giving grinds to undergrads in other universities, and haven't yet encountered another with the same first or second-year standard. (This doesn't mean such places are worse - it's just that there aren't that many where you can basically do maths all day long!) Indeed I've yet to encounter any undergrad material in another uni that we hadn't done by the end of 2nd year in TCD maths. This is great if you're really into your maths (and physics if TP), as you can really get your teeth into things early on.

I know there's been a suggestion to do a general science degree and specialise later, and I can see the merit in that, but I thought it was fantastic NOT to have to do other subjects that I wasn't especially interested in. So, I guess it's whatever floats your boat.

In my day, one could select a fair number of computer-related courses in 3rd and 4th year maths, (which the TP people couldn't do) and consequently a number of the maths people ended up in careers in that area, but I'm not sure that that flexibility is still there; (it may not be, from what I've heard).

If you're unsure between these two, it might also be worth checking out whether it's possible to switch at the end of first year.

Fremen

If you do end up doing theoretical physics, you might want to get your hands on one of these, because there is a good chance that at some stage you will have to deal with these.

Merjock

In my days in TCD (I did a maths degree there quite some time ago) there
were a couple of bright sparks doing what was known as a 'double mod',
(Double Moderatorship) that is, two degrees at the same time, one in Maths and also one in Theoretical Physics. I'm not sure whether it is still possible to do this, and it might turn your brain into marmalade, but it would be a possible solution to your problem.

Merjock

Michael Collins

Merjock wrote: »

In my days in TCD (I did a maths degree there quite some time ago) there
were a couple of bright sparks doing what was known as a 'double mod',
(Double Moderatorship) that is, two degrees at the same time, one in Maths and also one in Theoretical Physics. I'm not sure whether it is still possible to do this, and it might turn your brain into marmalade, but it would be a possible solution to your problem.

Merjock

Sounds interesting. Can anyone shed some more light on this one?

nesf

If you're willing to travel to UCC (arguably not worth it if you living in Dublin for an undergrad), you could take a look at doing a joint honours in Physics and Maths, or Physics and Applied Maths. Or even Maths/Applied Maths if it's just applied maths rather than Physics that interests you.

All are good degrees and the standard is high so you'll find it a challenge, former Maths Olymp-ian* or not.


*stupid filter