Math Tripos or NatSci for Theoretical Physics?
Hello,
I intend to apply to Cambridge for 2016 entry. My ultimate goal is to become a theoretical physicist, so I will need a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics.
I also love mathematics for its own sake, and I am interested in pure math subjects that might not be taught to the typical Natural Science student. For example, I doubt that real analysis, set theory, or analytic number theory are taught in the Natural Science program at Cambridge, but I really do wish to study these at some point, hopefully in a classroom setting rather than on my own. I wish that I could learn all of the stuff in the Math Tripos in addition to all the physics required to do theoretical physics.
Thus I am unsure whether to take the Natural Sciences option with a specialisation in physics or the Math Tripos and then switch to physics at some point, or the Math With Physics option.
Which option should I take in order to become a theoretical physicist with the same experience in math as someone who did the Math Tripos? If you could describe each option in detail that would also be helpful.
Thanks.
I intend to apply to Cambridge for 2016 entry. My ultimate goal is to become a theoretical physicist, so I will need a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics.
I also love mathematics for its own sake, and I am interested in pure math subjects that might not be taught to the typical Natural Science student. For example, I doubt that real analysis, set theory, or analytic number theory are taught in the Natural Science program at Cambridge, but I really do wish to study these at some point, hopefully in a classroom setting rather than on my own. I wish that I could learn all of the stuff in the Math Tripos in addition to all the physics required to do theoretical physics.
Thus I am unsure whether to take the Natural Sciences option with a specialisation in physics or the Math Tripos and then switch to physics at some point, or the Math With Physics option.
Which option should I take in order to become a theoretical physicist with the same experience in math as someone who did the Math Tripos? If you could describe each option in detail that would also be helpful.
Thanks.
Scroll to see replies
Original post by Joshua Benabou
Hello,
I intend to apply to Cambridge for 2016 entry. My ultimate goal is to become a theoretical physicist, so I will need a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics.
I also love mathematics for its own sake, and I am interested in pure math subjects that might not be taught to the typical Natural Science student. For example, I doubt that real analysis, set theory, or analytic number theory are taught in the Natural Science program at Cambridge, but I really do wish to study these at some point, hopefully in a classroom setting rather than on my own. I wish that I could learn all of the stuff in the Math Tripos in addition to all the physics required to do theoretical physics.
Thus I am unsure whether to take the Natural Sciences option with a specialisation in physics or the Math Tripos and then switch to physics at some point, or the Math With Physics option.
Which option should I take in order to become a theoretical physicist with the same experience in math as someone who did the Math Tripos? If you could describe each option in detail that would also be helpful.
Thanks.
I intend to apply to Cambridge for 2016 entry. My ultimate goal is to become a theoretical physicist, so I will need a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics.
I also love mathematics for its own sake, and I am interested in pure math subjects that might not be taught to the typical Natural Science student. For example, I doubt that real analysis, set theory, or analytic number theory are taught in the Natural Science program at Cambridge, but I really do wish to study these at some point, hopefully in a classroom setting rather than on my own. I wish that I could learn all of the stuff in the Math Tripos in addition to all the physics required to do theoretical physics.
Thus I am unsure whether to take the Natural Sciences option with a specialisation in physics or the Math Tripos and then switch to physics at some point, or the Math With Physics option.
Which option should I take in order to become a theoretical physicist with the same experience in math as someone who did the Math Tripos? If you could describe each option in detail that would also be helpful.
Thanks.
Your best bet would be to apply to other universities that offer a combination of Maths with Physics. You will get all that your heart desires. I was in the same position as you at one point and that's what I did. Still applied to Cambridge Nat Sci though but the other unis I applied for the MMATHPHYS courses. Look into these, you don't have to go to Cambridge.
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@Arieisit: Thanks for your reply. But are you saying that if you want to become a theoretical physicist, Cambridge is not the place? I find this hard to believe as many great theoretical physicists have came out of Cambridge, who are also very strong in maths for sure.
Original post by Joshua Benabou
@Arieisit: Thanks for your reply. But are you saying that if you want to become a theoretical physicist, Cambridge is not the place? I find this hard to believe as many great theoretical physicists have came out of Cambridge, who are also very strong in maths for sure.
That is clearly not what I am saying. I'm saying that since you are interested in mathematical concepts that are generally not covered in a physics degree or especially not Cambridge Nat Sci, you can check out other universities' maths/physics courses.
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Original post by Arieisit
That is clearly not what I am saying. I'm saying that since you are interested in mathematical concepts that are generally not covered in a physics degree or especially not Cambridge Nat Sci, you can check out other universities' maths/physics courses.
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Right, but there must be some way to develop a strong foundation in both math and physics at Cambridge...
Original post by Joshua Benabou
Right, but there must be some way to develop a strong foundation in both math and physics at Cambridge...
I'm trying my best to give you options as to what to do. But now you are becoming rude and I am on the edge of insulting you. If you want to apply to Cambridge then do it! Did I say not to? I even said that I held the same views as you and still applied to Cambridge Nat Sci, and you can do the same but do not expect to be a half mathematician after finishing Nat Sci from Cambridge! !!
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Sorry I'm new to this site and I am not familiar with the UK university system. I apologize if I offended you in any way and I did not mean to come across as rude. To be honest I don't see how you interpreted my comments as rude in any way. I am simply asking if it is possible to pursue this scenario at Cambridge, as that's where I've decided to apply (for various reasons).
Do note that I don't intend to be a mathematician or even "half a mathematician". I intend to be a theoretical physicist with considerable experience in ceartain pure maths subjects. I also happen to be better at maths than at physics.
Do note that I don't intend to be a mathematician or even "half a mathematician". I intend to be a theoretical physicist with considerable experience in ceartain pure maths subjects. I also happen to be better at maths than at physics.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Joshua Benabou
Sorry I'm new to this site and I am not familiar with the UK university system. I apologize if I offended you in any way and I did not mean to come across as rude. To be honest I don't see how you interpreted my comments as rude in any way. I am simply asking if it is possible to pursue this scenario at Cambridge, as that's where I've decided to apply (for various reasons).
Using ellipisis after my trying to give advice would be perceived as rude. How can you not know that? Anyway, yes I understand your dilemma now. Cambridge is very old fashioned and do not generally offer combined degrees or double majors. So it's not possible to do the "extra maths" that Nat Sci doesn't cover from the Maths degree at the same time. They believe that most students (even the high calibre at Cambridge) would be able to handle that sort of thing since they work you so hard and believe me when I say, that they do. All of this is available for reading on their website though. Also, I am sorry for lashing out against you.
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Original post by Arieisit
Your best bet would be to apply to other universities that offer a combination of Maths with Physics. You will get all that your heart desires. I was in the same position as you at one point and that's what I did. Still applied to Cambridge Nat Sci though but the other unis I applied for the MMATHPHYS courses. Look into these, you don't have to go to Cambridge.
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Good luck getting onto that with your A*AA hahahahaah.
Original post by callum_law
Good luck getting onto that with your A*AA hahahahaah.
Uhhh that was since 2013...
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Original post by Arieisit
Close but nae cigar, eh, bud???
Well I am from the U.S - I don't know if using ellipsis is considered rude in British culture. I always thought it indicated an incomplete thought or that the conclusion is implicit. My apologies.
Are you saying that if I wish to do extra maths, I will need to study it on my own? I suppose that's doable, although not preferable.
Do you think its possible to go into physics after the Tripos... If I understand correctly the Tripos does permit a physics specialisation.
Are you saying that if I wish to do extra maths, I will need to study it on my own? I suppose that's doable, although not preferable.
Do you think its possible to go into physics after the Tripos... If I understand correctly the Tripos does permit a physics specialisation.
You can do a double major in maths and physics and PhD level go onto theoretical - maybe have a look at imperial college who do a good maths with physics course
Original post by Joshua Benabou
Hello,
I intend to apply to Cambridge for 2016 entry. My ultimate goal is to become a theoretical physicist, so I will need a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics.
I also love mathematics for its own sake, and I am interested in pure math subjects that might not be taught to the typical Natural Science student. For example, I doubt that real analysis, set theory, or analytic number theory are taught in the Natural Science program at Cambridge, but I really do wish to study these at some point, hopefully in a classroom setting rather than on my own. I wish that I could learn all of the stuff in the Math Tripos in addition to all the physics required to do theoretical physics.
Thus I am unsure whether to take the Natural Sciences option with a specialisation in physics or the Math Tripos and then switch to physics at some point, or the Math With Physics option.
Which option should I take in order to become a theoretical physicist with the same experience in math as someone who did the Math Tripos? If you could describe each option in detail that would also be helpful.
Thanks.
I intend to apply to Cambridge for 2016 entry. My ultimate goal is to become a theoretical physicist, so I will need a strong foundation in both mathematics and physics.
I also love mathematics for its own sake, and I am interested in pure math subjects that might not be taught to the typical Natural Science student. For example, I doubt that real analysis, set theory, or analytic number theory are taught in the Natural Science program at Cambridge, but I really do wish to study these at some point, hopefully in a classroom setting rather than on my own. I wish that I could learn all of the stuff in the Math Tripos in addition to all the physics required to do theoretical physics.
Thus I am unsure whether to take the Natural Sciences option with a specialisation in physics or the Math Tripos and then switch to physics at some point, or the Math With Physics option.
Which option should I take in order to become a theoretical physicist with the same experience in math as someone who did the Math Tripos? If you could describe each option in detail that would also be helpful.
Thanks.
You could do Maths with Physics for the first year, which is all of the physics NatSci offers and 3/4 of the first year maths syllabus. After the first year you can decide to do either Maths or go into NatSci properly (to do Physics).
You actually have quite a lot of freedom whichever you decide. If you stick with maths, then you can choose to study quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics and electromagnetism in your second year, and a load of theoretical physics in your third year (to the point where all of your third your options can be based on theoretical physics).
In NatSci second year, you would typically do the two physics options and maths, but then in your third year there is a specific theoretical physics route that you could take. Or do astrophysics. Or do the mainstream physics option.
The best way to decide is probably to just browse the Cambridge maths and physics websites (you should probably look at the natural sciences pages too to understand the structure).
If you decide it's not for you, there are other universities - Imperial does a theoretical physics degree I think, and Oxford has got good options in its maths degree for theoretical physics in the second and third years. Warwick has an exceptionally flexible system where you can tailor your degree to your interests. However, for a mathmo who wants to do theoretical physics, Cambridge is unparalleled for choice.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Joshua Benabou
Sorry I'm new to this site and I am not familiar with the UK university system. I apologize if I offended you in any way and I did not mean to come across as rude. To be honest I don't see how you interpreted my comments as rude in any way. I am simply asking if it is possible to pursue this scenario at Cambridge, as that's where I've decided to apply (for various reasons).Do note that I don't intend to be a mathematician or even "half a mathematician". I intend to be a theoretical physicist with considerable experience in ceartain pure maths subjects. I also happen to be better at maths than at physics.
Don't let Arieisit stress you. He is not what he seems... [I use ellipsis all the time
]Also, maybe join this thread:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3370493
The Official Cambridge Applicants Thread 2016 Entry MK II
(edited 8 years ago)
One perk of being a Cambridge student is that you are allowed to attend any lecture on any course you like: http://www.cambridgestudents.cam.ac.uk/your-course/undergraduate-study
So that should satisfy you. Although I dare say you will be working quite hard enough on a physics degree without wanting extra maths. But the option is there...
...I hope you didn't interpret my ellipsis as rude
As a matriculated student, you are entitled to attend any lectures (but not classes or practicals) of any degree course.
So that should satisfy you. Although I dare say you will be working quite hard enough on a physics degree without wanting extra maths. But the option is there...
...I hope you didn't interpret my ellipsis as rude
Original post by jneill
Don't let Arieisit stress you. He is not what he seems... [I use ellipsis all the time ]
Also, maybe join this thread:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3370493
The Official Cambridge Applicants Thread 2016 Entry MK II
]Also, maybe join this thread:
http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=3370493
The Official Cambridge Applicants Thread 2016 Entry MK II
What do you even mean by this? I was genuinely trying to help since I've been through that dilemma before.
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Original post by shamika
You could do Maths with Physics for the first year, which is all of the physics NatSci offers and 3/4 of the first year maths syllabus. After the first year you can decide to do either Maths or go into NatSci properly (to do Physics).
You actually have quite a lot of freedom whichever you decide. If you stick with maths, then you can choose to study quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics and electromagnetism in your second year, and a load of theoretical physics in your third year (to the point where all of your third your options can be based on theoretical physics).
In NatSci second year, you would typically do the two physics options and maths, but then in your third year there is a specific theoretical physics route that you could take. Or do astrophysics. Or do the mainstream physics option.
The best way to decide is probably to just browse the Cambridge maths and physics websites (you should probably look at the natural sciences pages too to understand the structure).
If you decide it's not for you, there are other universities - Imperial does a theoretical physics degree I think, and Oxford has got good options in its maths degree for theoretical physics in the second and third years. Warwick has an exceptionally flexible system where you can tailor your degree to your interests. However, for a mathmo who wants to do theoretical physics, Cambridge is unparalleled for choice.
You actually have quite a lot of freedom whichever you decide. If you stick with maths, then you can choose to study quantum mechanics, fluid dynamics and electromagnetism in your second year, and a load of theoretical physics in your third year (to the point where all of your third your options can be based on theoretical physics).
In NatSci second year, you would typically do the two physics options and maths, but then in your third year there is a specific theoretical physics route that you could take. Or do astrophysics. Or do the mainstream physics option.
The best way to decide is probably to just browse the Cambridge maths and physics websites (you should probably look at the natural sciences pages too to understand the structure).
If you decide it's not for you, there are other universities - Imperial does a theoretical physics degree I think, and Oxford has got good options in its maths degree for theoretical physics in the second and third years. Warwick has an exceptionally flexible system where you can tailor your degree to your interests. However, for a mathmo who wants to do theoretical physics, Cambridge is unparalleled for choice.
Am what? There is no option in nat sci where you can do 3/4 of the maths the maths students do. They even study entirely different topics with much easier papers than the maths students. Why are you giving misinformation about the first year?
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Original post by Arieisit
What do you even mean by this? I was genuinely trying to help since I've been through that dilemma before.
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Are you doing NatSci? Maths? Or Mech Eng... ?
[Ellipsibus are great aren't they...]
Original post by Arieisit
Am what? There is no option in nat sci where you can do 3/4 of the maths the maths students do. They even study entirely different topics with much easier papers than the maths students. Why are you giving misinformation about the first year?
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http://maths.cam.ac.uk/undergrad/course/mathswithphysics.pdf
Why bother responding if you didn't read what I wrote? (I didn't say the option was within NatSci!)
(edited 8 years ago)
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