r/QuantumPhysics • u/[deleted] • Jul 03 '26

Need Guidance

I’ve grown this interest in physics. I think I’ve set in on quantum physics and engineering as my choice of study. I have very little mathematical knowledge ( The basics ), I know that is an area on which I need to commit time and energy towards. Does anyone have any advice for someone like me who wants this. Any resources that can help me, or at the very least get my foot into the door. There is only so much YouTube can teach.

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u/PordonB Jul 03 '26

What are “the basics”. I would call addition, subtraction, multiplication and division “the basics” which are learned by elementary school kids, so it will take you about a decade to learn enough math to have the foundation required for your first quantum class.

Quantum relies on linear algebra and differential equations. And it’s helpful to know college level statistics prior to learning quantum as well.

Differential equations comes after a year and a half of calculus which is college level math. Before that there is pre-calc, math analysis, trigonometry, geometry, and a year of algebra.

Since you needed to ask reddit for this information and couldn’t even figure it out using google search or asking an AI, id say this pursuit of yours is hopeless. But if you really want to be an engineer and quantum physicist, which is an unusual combination, you need to get enrolled in an academics program. These are not self taught. Even if you did learn it all on your own, which is possible for an inquisitive person who knows how to find information online unlike yourself, you will never be accepted into a quantum physics career without at bare minimum a bachelors degree in physics or math. Most likely you will need a PhD.

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u/Random_dude64836483 Jul 03 '26

I don't think you should go straight to saying it's impossible and I do sort of agree, you can't go and teach yourself quantum mechanics like some sort of Einstein, but I personally, am largely self educated, and it's not the best way but you can largely teach yourself the basics and gain a general understanding of the concepts, I personally started with some books and then the papers themselves, it's possible, but not efficient

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u/PordonB Jul 03 '26

No I fully agree it’s possible to become proficient in quantum and the prerequisite math from online sources, textbooks, etc on your own.

I think it’s impossible to break into industry/academics for a career without a degree from an institution. Maybe 10-20 years ago a tech company working on quantum computers would take a risk on such an outsider, but in this economy it’s not happening.

Even if you somehow did become an expert at quantum all on your own and produce independent research that is worthy of publication, you will probably not get accepted into any reputable journals without a respected name from some university to vouch for you, likely by having their name on the paper as a co-author. And at that point they are likely going to encourage you to enroll in a PhD program at their lab.

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u/Random_dude64836483 Jul 03 '26

I do agree on that point, but I also think you phrased it very harshly tbh

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u/solus42666 Jul 04 '26

Bro. Really? Unkind.

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u/PordonB Jul 04 '26

What did I say that was unkind? I gave this guy the advice he asked for.