eCosmology

Is quantum mechanics the hardest science to major in?

All the math that is required to understand quantum mechanics completely seems impossible. Quantum mechanics is VERY interesting to me, and I was wondering if it as hard as it seems. I am pretty good at math. At my school, I'm taking math courses that my friends will be taking in two years.

Public Comments

1. I have no idea
2. If you don't understand the math, you won't be able to do it.
3. i would say organic chemistry is the hardest to major in
4. I wouldn't say the hardest. I have a degree in Electrical Engineering, one in Computer Science, one in Physics and I am just competing my Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering. Of all the classes I have taken I would have to say that quantum mechanics, astrophysics, and communication systems (in Electrical) are the hardest that I have taken. I say communication systems because the digital signal processing, random variables, and noise issues can become very complicated. But like anything, you can make it as difficult as you want depending on how in depth you take it.
5. As Ben said, I don't think it's possible to say this. Once you get into the math heavy majors you can generally start dividing people into categories. Those who are good at arithmetic: These people will usually be good at computer science and digital signal processing. They will usually be bad at anything involving forming a physical concept, so they tend to not like anything that involves physical visualization, and will also usually struggle with upper division math courses because it gets very conceptual. Those who are good at conceptual visualization: These people usually will be good at lower division physics with dynamics and electricity and magnetism, and semi-conductor theory, and possible complex analysis and certain aspects of control systems. They tend to struggle in courses which they cannot relate to a working model. Those who are good at theory: These people really don't know how what they are doing relates to the real world, but they can visualize abstractions and pound out proofs like there's no tomorrow. These people make good mathematicians. If you want to be a good cosmologist or quantum physicist you need to be good at all three of these things, more so the last two than the first. You will need to be able to work with pure mathematical theory and then visualize what it means in the real world. A lot of people do not posses this gift because it requires good communication between the two hemispheres of the brain and most of us are right or left brain dominant. Why don't you take a few courses you will need to take to follow this path and see how it goes?