[avoG]

I am a first year chemistry student and i am hoping to do a minor in mathematics. I will be taking Calculus(1,2,3) and linear algebra(1,2,3). So i am wondering if i should take abstract algebra(1,2) vs Ordinary differential equations(1,2)?

[Arkcon]

Calculus, and then Multivariable Calculus (is that what 3 is in your school) are the most important.  My gut feeling is that Differential Equations is more important for the most advanced physics and chemical problems, but my gut could be completely wrong.

[curiouscat]

Calculus, and then Multivariable Calculus (is that what 3 is in your school) are the most important.  My gut feeling is that Differential Equations is more important for the most advanced physics and chemical problems, but my gut could be completely wrong.

As a Chemical Engineer Differential Equations are invaluable. Also for reaction kinetics.

Abstract / Linear Algebra is suitable for Quantum Chemistry (for one).

[avoG]

Calculus 3 is multivariable calculus. I am doing a concentration in nanotechnology( honours in chemistry with a concentration in nanotechnology minor in math) i don't know if that makes a difference but i am getting the feeling that differential equations is the way to go. Any more input would be appreciated.

[Jorriss]

I am a first year chemistry student and i am hoping to do a minor in mathematics. I will be taking Calculus(1,2,3) and linear algebra(1,2,3). So i am wondering if i should take abstract algebra(1,2) vs Ordinary differential equations(1,2)?

In general, abstract algebra is not useful for chemistry.

If you want to do physical chemistry, you'll want through vector calculus, linear algebra and differential equations. If your school offers a mathematical methods for physicists or engineers course, that would be a great option. If you want more courses for your minor, PDEs, probability theory and numerical analysis are super useful. Complex analysis has its uses but an entire semester of it may be over kill.

[TheUnfocusedOne]

I wouldn't that that an abstract algebra class would be unhelpful, since you do deal with complex functions in quantum. I do agree that there are classes to focus on first.

That said, linear algebra is very helpful for understanding and visualizing, atleast at some level, the eigenfunctions problems of quantum. Calc III will give you the tools you'll need for the differential approach to quantum. Diffies will only enhance your mathematical toolset, and a course in PDEs is even better if your school offers it.

Personally I'd love to take a functional analysis course.

More math is never a bad thing in my experience, so if there's a field of math you really enjoy I'd suggest taking courses in it. Math is pretty interrelated, and it's been my experiences that subjects covered in most intro course can be applicable to a wide range of subjects. I know I took a proof based geometry course before going back to school, and it really gave me a whole knew perspective on math.

[Jorriss]

I wouldn't that that an abstract algebra class would be unhelpful, since you do deal with complex functions in quantum. I do agree that there are classes to focus on first.


Personally I'd love to take a functional analysis course.

Algebra would not be useful because complex valued functions show up in quantum. The fact that wave functions are complex does not make complex analysis useful. It's useful because it helps to solve integrals (mostly). Algebra is pretty much for pure mathematicians and HEP. The useful aspects of algebra have been abstracted and are taught in inorganic, spectroscopy or even an applied physics course.

Functional analysis is neat.

[avoG]

I have decided to take the ordinary differential equations 1 and a mathematical methods for physics classes as my final two. Thanks for your help i appreciate it!