How to improve Maths skills after a physics degree. A few years ago finished a physics degree and one of the biggest lessons I learned is that I need to spend some extra time on pure Maths. In fact I almost wish I done a maths degree first as that would have made the physics more fun as I kinda felt that the equations being fed to me where not my first language.
So now I'm wanting to go back and really get stronger at Maths and really get to grips with it. What would be my best course of action? I don't have the desire to enrol in any course.
Part of my motivation is to go on and explore some of the more theoretical side of physics being much more comfortable with the maths. Reading some of the questions on this site makes me realise how much I need to improve to enjoy this wonderful subject.
Many thanks for your advice!
 A: I think you should certainly improve proofing skills and I listed some books on the matter: how to be good at proving?
If you look at the MSC (Mathematical Subject Classification), it imposes some sort of organization in a fairly standard scheme for mathematics. See: How many classification of mathematical topics exists?
This will let you see areas in mathematics for consideration.
I would also think you need to figure which topics would be most helpful and the order for learning those for your specialty in Physics. I would recommend looking at graduate physics programs and seeing which courses they require based on the physics specialty. For example, at Harvard: http://www.physics.harvard.edu/academics/grad/requir.html
Lastly, there is also the Open Course Ware and many universities partake by putting lectures and notes online for free. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenCourseWare
You can audit classes and see if anything floats your boat.
Hope that gives you some items for consideration!
Regards -A
