Sign In

String Theory Advice About Learning New Things Theoretical Physics Studying Advice Learning New Things Academ

I want to study string theory. Where do I start?

I'm gonna enter at Math course at college.

Promoted by Digital Vidya

Digital marketing course - most advanced curriculum.

Skyrocket your career in 2017 with 8+ certifications, 200+ hours of course and 100% placement support.

Apply now

3 ANSWERS

Domino Valdano, PhD Theoretical Physics

Answered May 8, 2015

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
Open in app 
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 :-)
3.6k Views · 23 Upvotes · Answer requested by 1 person

Promoted by Prepathon

Want to study abroad? Do you have the right guidance?

Leading experts helping students achieve their dreams of studying abroad. Get free mentorship!

Watch more

MORE ANSWERS BELOW. RELATED QUESTIONS

How can one study String Theory as an undergraduate?

9,288 Views

Why did Sheldon want to give up string theory?

1,544 Views

My kids (11 and 8) have started learning chess. Is it a good idea to beat them sometimes to
discourage them?
1,874,034 Views

Was Sheldon Cooper right about string theory?

1,646 Views

What is string theory? How can I gether a clear concept about the string theory?
416,725 Views

How hard is string theory to learn?

110,535 Views

Is anyone interested to start research in string theory?

232 Views

How do I study string theory?

1,513 Views

How far is string theory from being proven and what will it take?
68,850 Views

Is it worth to study String Theory?

2,494 Views

I want to learn video editing, how should I start? Which application is best for beginners? Where
can I find the best tutorials?
15,275 Views

What are strings "made of" in string theory?

50,724 Views

String Theory: What is AdS/CFT?

14,616 Views

Is MIT's "String Theory for undergraduates" a good introduction to string theory?

4,409 Views

I am 22 year old girl, is it too late to learn kathak?

16,101 Views

OTHER ANSWERS

Ashwin Balaji, studied at Suguna PIP school

Answered Apr 23
So if you enter a Math Course then make sure you follow the order provided in these webpages:

Guide to math needed to study physics

Guide to math needed to study physics

Guide to math used in string theory

(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.
272 Views · 3 Upvotes

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.

1.3k Views

RELATED QUESTIONS

What's the best way to learn how to sing?

34,438 Views

I want to learn web design is it good or bad?

1,322 Views

Can one study string theory in a month?

1,851 Views

Is there evidence for string theory?

7,774 Views
What are the 11 dimensions in string theory?
55,513 Views

Why is string theory a mess?

3,697 Views

What kind of background work one needs to learn to study string theory?
704 Views

How and from where should I learn to code? Which language should I start with?
336 Views

Is it true that many physicists are abandoning String Theory?

373,265 Views

Is it a good time to start string theory when I did a course on quantum field theory and on a
standard model?
209 Views

Does String Theory have any equations yet? I chose not to study it as Ed Witten told me there were
none.
5,287 Views

How did string theory begin?

13,807 Views

Is string theory probably wrong?

2,553 Views

Where should I start if I want to start studying law?

2,839 Views

Does string theory make any predictions that can be tested empirically?
45,232 Views

I am 24. Am I too old to start learning to play the piano? Can I start it with a keyboard?
3,247 Views
Should I study string theory or black holes?
1,655 Views

Why is string theory a "theory"? Is there any direct or indirect evidence for it?
7,164 Views

How does string theory work?

885 Views

In string theory, what causes the strings to vibrate?

14,460 Views