Fast Track: A Physics Roadmap
This guide presents a structured curriculum for a comprehensive, part-time study of physics over four years. It is designed to take you from foundational mathematics through the pillars of classical and modern physics, including mechanics, quantum theory, relativity, and cosmology. Thanks to MIT OpenCourseWare for the resources used here, and for providing free access to these lectures and materials.
Year 1: The Language of Physics (Mathematical Foundations)
Before delving into physics, a solid mathematical foundation is essential. This year is dedicated to mastering the tools of calculus and linear algebra.
Semester 1
18.01 Single Variable Calculus
(Essential Prerequisite)
The study of change, covering limits, derivatives, and integrals. The cornerstone of classical mechanics.
18.06SC Linear Algebra
(Essential Prerequisite)
The study of vector spaces and linear mappings. Crucial for understanding quantum mechanics and relativity.
Semester 2
18.02SC Multivariable Calculus
(Essential Prerequisite)
Extends calculus to multiple dimensions, essential for describing fields in electricity and magnetism and gravity.
18.03 Differential Equations
(Essential Prerequisite)
The study of equations involving functions and their derivatives. Used to model almost every physical system.
Year 2: The Classical World
With mathematics in hand, you will now explore the pillars of classical physics, from the motion of planets to the behavior of heat and light.
Semester 1
8.01SC Physics I: Classical Mechanics
(Essential Course)
The foundation of physics, covering Newtonian mechanics, work, energy, and momentum. View Course
Book Recommendation: The Mechanical Universe by Steven C. Frautschi.
5.60 Thermodynamics & Kinetics
(Essential Course)
Explores the laws of energy, heat, work, and entropy that govern physical systems. View Course
Semester 2
8.02 Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism
(Essential Course)
An introduction to electric and magnetic fields, circuits, and Maxwell’s equations. View Course
Book Recommendation: Electricity and Magnetism by Edward M. Purcell.
8.20 Introduction to Special Relativity
(Essential Course)
A journey into Einstein’s revolutionary theory of spacetime, time dilation, and E=mc². View Course
Book Recommendation: Spacetime Physics by Taylor & Wheeler.
Year 3: Entering the Modern Era
This year transitions from the classical to the modern, covering waves and the strange and wonderful world of quantum mechanics.
Semester 1
8.03SC Physics III: Vibrations and Waves
(Essential Course)
Explores the physics of oscillations and waves, a precursor to understanding quantum fields and light. View Course
Book Recommendation: Vibrations and Waves by A. P. French.
8.04 Quantum Physics I
(Essential Course)
Your first step into the quantum realm, introducing wave-particle duality and the Schrödinger equation. View Course
Book Recommendation: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by A. C. Phillips.
Semester 2
8.05 Quantum Physics II
(Essential Course)
Builds on the foundations of QP I, delving into the formal structure of quantum mechanics and the hydrogen atom. View Course
Book Recommendation: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David J. Griffiths.
8.044 Statistical Physics I
(Essential Course)
Connects the microscopic behavior of atoms to the macroscopic laws of thermodynamics. View Course
Book Recommendation: Thermal Physics by Kittel and Kroemer.
Year 4: The Frontier of Knowledge
The final year tackles advanced topics that define our current understanding of the universe, from the subatomic to the cosmic scale.
Semester 1
8.06 Quantum Physics III
(Essential Course)
Advanced topics in quantum mechanics, including perturbation theory, scattering, and identical particles. View Course
Book Recommendation: Principles of Quantum Mechanics by D. J. Griffiths.
8.962 General Relativity
(Advanced Course)
Einstein’s theory of gravity as the curvature of spacetime. This course explores black holes, gravitational waves, and cosmology. View Course
Semester 2
8.701 Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics
(Advanced Course)
An introduction to the fundamental constituents of matter and their interactions, as described by the Standard Model. View Course
8.286 The Early Universe
(Advanced Course)
A capstone course applying general relativity and particle physics to understand the Big Bang and the evolution of our universe. View Course
Further Study
Experimental Physics
Theory is nothing without experiment. This “Junior Lab” course provides insight into the experimental basis of modern physics.