Can a mathematician be a theoretical physicist?

Yes. There are many good books in physics which are geared towards mathematicians, although these usually assume very good command over mathematics. Another piece of advice – if you want to become a professional theoretical physicist, you’ll need a great deal of depth of thought in certain areas of physics.

Can mathematicians work in physics?

A tale of two disciplines. Math and physics are two closely connected fields. For mathematicians, physics can be a source of inspiration, with theoretical concepts such as general relativity and quantum theory providing an impetus for mathematicians to develop new tools.

Is theoretical physics the same as mathematical physics?

Mathematical physics refers to the development of mathematical methods for application to problems in physics. Theoretical physics is a branch of physics that employs mathematical models and abstractions of physical objects and systems to rationalize, explain and predict natural phenomena.

Should a mathematician study physics?

A proper appreciation of pure mathematics requires some knowledge of applied mathematics and theoretical physics. Some of my professors have told me that modern Mathematics require some knowledge about Quantum Mechanics and theoretical Physics.

Are there any good books on mathematics for a theoretical physicist?

Yes. There are many good books in physics which are geared towards mathematicians, although these usually assume very good command over mathematics. Another piece of advice – if you want to become a professional theoretical physicist, you’ll need a great deal of depth of thought in certain areas of physics.

Do I need to know physics to understand modern mathematics?

I’m starting to read The Princeton Companion to Mathematics, at the beginning it says: A proper appreciation of pure mathematics requires some knowledge of applied mathematics and theoretical physics. Some of my professors have told me that modern Mathematics require some knowledge about Quantum Mechanics and theoretical Physics.

Is being a theoretical physicist the worst job in the US?

After the recent news that being a mathematician is the best job in the US, next month’s Popular Science magazine has come out with a list of the worst jobs, not overall, but in the sciences. “Theoretical Physicist” makes the list, right in between “Monkey-Sex Observer” and “Vermin Handler”.

Is there such thing as a pure mathematician without a PhD?

In my world, there is no such thing as a pure mathematician without some equivalent of a PhD in mathematics, and the same goes for theoretical physics. Usually, “equivalent of” could be dropped, but there are some geniuses who can conduct PhD level research in mathematics as youngsters.