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String Theory Advice About Learning New Things Theoretical Physics Studying Advice Learning New Things Academ
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For someone just starting college, the most important subjects to start with would be vector
calculus, complex analysis, differential geometry, and linear algebra. All of these are essential for
having any chance of understanding basic string theory, so they should be mastered before moving
on to more advanced topics. Topology and group theory are also very important for string theory,
although I do think it's possible to have only a vague understanding of these subjects and still learn
some basic string theory. Algebraic topology, algebraic geometry, and even category theory are
often used in advanced string theory, but not necessary for grasping the basics.
The most immediate prerequisite for string theory is quantum field theory, since nearly all of the
concepts in string theory are things that grew out of quantum field theory and are based on
quantum field theory. You should probably have at least a year of quantum field theory under your
belt before attempting to learn string theory, although I think some very bright people may be able
to attempt it with only a semester or so (this certainly would not have been possible for myself).
Unfortunately quantum field theory itself has a lot of other physics prerequisites that need to be
met before one can start learning it. And general relativity is the other big physics prereq for
beginning string theory.
The prerequisites for quantum field theory are having a solid understanding of quantum
mechanics, classical mechanics, and electromagnetism. Statistical mechanics is also a really good
idea, although less essential than the other 3. Note: by classical mechanics, I mean an
understanding of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, calculus of variations, Euler-Lagrange
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equations, etc... not just what's covered in an introductory physics class on Newtonian physics.
For general relativity, fortunately the prerequisites overlap a lot with quantum field theory: mostly
electromagnetism and classical mechanics. But general relativity is where differential geometry
becomes very important. (Differential geometry is also important for quantum field theory, but
perhaps not as much as linear algebra and group theory--some of it can be picked up along the way.)
So basically, it's a long road. But start taking lots of math classes, as well as physics classes. And
eventually (probably not until graduate school) you will have all of the required tools in order to
start learning string theory. If you are the kind of person who would enjoy string theory, then you'll
almost certainly find each of these subjects interesting in their own right and worth studying for
their own sake. It's a long road, so if any of it starts to seem boring or tedious, remember you can
always decide at any time it's not the road for you and jump track to something else. Or, you may
find that the further you get, it becomes more clear it's exactly the road for you! Either way, buckle
up and enjoy the ride :-)
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OTHER ANSWERS
(all the three are different levels) and start Leonhard Susskind’s lectures which is available as a
playlist in You tube (total 136 lectures i guess and each lecture approx. 2 hours so 272 hours only :D).
Google for prerequisites for each topic before starting and make sure you have thorough knowledge
in those areas then start. Because each of Susskind’s lectures has tons of info to be processed and
worked out. So at the end of day you will finish up learning String Theory.
Note: certain math topics are recommended to learn by learning physics for example learning
Differential manifolds separately and then GR will waste hell lot of time but if you learn differential
manifolds with GR you save a lot of time and energy.
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Martin Os, Blogger, Passionate Dreamer, Curious Researcher, Atheist, I'm thirsty
for knowledge.
Answered May 11, 2015
Be sure to understand topology, geometry, and high-level mathematics. You will also want to study
quantum mechanics and modern physics in general.
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