How to Become a Pure Mathematician (Or Statistician)
8 months ago
- #study-guide
- #beginner
- #mathematics
- Becoming a good theoretical physicist or mathematician requires extensive practice and study, similar to mastering the piano.
- The article provides a beginner's guide to studying pure mathematics, aimed at those unsure where to start.
- Assumes high school mathematics knowledge (basic trigonometry, Euclidean geometry, etc.).
- Suggests approximately one year per stage of study for full-time students, with part-time students needing more time.
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding each stage before moving to the next.
- Highlights that not all professors are effective teachers, especially in higher-level courses.
- Recommends scouting multiple books to find ones that suit individual learning styles.
- Acknowledges that solving problems can take significant time, sometimes weeks.
- Book selection criteria include being well-written or cheap, with no bias towards publisher, nationality, or religion.
- Notes that being a good mathematician doesn't necessarily mean being a good author or educator.
- Encourages students to ask themselves why they are studying mathematics.
- Mentions additional resources like MIT's open courseware, the Archimedeans, and Wikibooks.
- Author's background includes extensive study in pure mathematics and statistics at UNSW, Sydney.
- Includes a disclaimer about not being responsible for external links.
- Provides contact information for comments or suggestions.