I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?
- the attitudes of people in each field?
- level of effort/time required?

I would appreciate the advice of anyone in a similar situation.

tom

tom wrote:

I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?
- the attitudes of people in each field?
- level of effort/time required?

I would appreciate the advice of anyone in a similar situation.

tom

Following my retirement I earned my master's degree in mathematics (number
theory) at age 57 and my doctorate at age 62. Everyone has been most
friendly and helpful. This was a full time retirement project for me and I
continue to go to the university a couple of days a week to attend seminars
and pursue my research interests. I count it as one of the most rewarding
experiences of my life.

The main attitudes I met were friendly curiosity and some good humoured envy
that I didn't have to go job hunting, apply for grants, teach, publish etc
etc unless I wanted to.

The effort required was considerable and I don't think I could have done it
on a part time basis while holding down a full time job.

Of course, many people are better organized (and less lazy ) than I am.

Best Regards,
Jack Fearnley


Best Regards

"tom" wrote in message
om...
I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

I don't see why it would. You had to study a lot of math to get a degree in
physics so you must be capable. The only question is whether you have the
concentration to do so and are willing to devote the time. I assume by this
post that you are willing to devote the time?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?

What are your goals? What do you like/enjoy. What do you think you'd be good
at? What parts have you been good at in the past?

I was in a grad program but had to stop due to family illness. I may return
soon depending on whether something pops up in the mean time. But things are
a bit different for me since my goals have changed and things are a bit in
flux as of now.

Pete

In article ,
(tom) wrote:

I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Most definitely. As Hardy noted in A Mathematician's Apology, math is a
young man's game.

That doesn't mean age is an impediment to your learning. But as far as
whether age will be perceived as such, of course it will.

Only when your dead is it too late to learn

"tj Frazir" wrote in message
...
Only when your dead is it too late to learn

You are proof positive that you don't have to be dead to stop
learning.

I returned to Physics graduate school in my mid/late 30's. There were
other non traditional age students in my classes. At least from my
experience, the professors are more interested in what you can do and
your motivation than your age. The time required to do well will be
substantial. Most graduate programs offer a generous stipend, health
benefits, and tuition remission in exchange for 10-15 hours of work
per week

Consider being an experimentalist rather than a theorist. You might
find your IT experience would be a major help.

My experience has been very positive.

Good Luck.

(tom) wrote in message . com...
I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?
- the attitudes of people in each field?
- level of effort/time required?

I would appreciate the advice of anyone in a similar situation.

tom

tom wrote:
I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?
- the attitudes of people in each field?
- level of effort/time required?

I would appreciate the advice of anyone in a similar situation.

I did my physics study after 30.
The effort required was substantial.
While I considered my previous experience as EE and such to be
very enlighting, learning took longer as all the memorized
associations had to be gone through, compared to the young ones
which could put the new knowledge into empty space.
Whatever questions I had, they were unable to understand it,
which says a lot. The professors had answers though.

I also decided between math and physics at one stage.
Luckily both studies were identical for the first 2, 3
semesters or so. I had some mental difficulties profing
stuff that were clear to me, some beyond the convergence of
series of series. Physics, at least the experimental part
of it doesn't look at it that narrowly. theoretical physics
requires you to be at home in all these proofs.
You're even expected to overstretch a definition and estimate
what changes.

Rene
--
Ing.Buero R.Tschaggelar - http://www.ibrtses.com
& commercial newsgroups - http://www.talkto.net

(tom) wrote in message . com...
I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?
- the attitudes of people in each field?
- level of effort/time required?

I would appreciate the advice of anyone in a similar situation.

I see no reason why you couldn't do this. I asssume you are
interested in advanced degree programs rather than simply taking a
course or two every now and then. I would recommend making yourself
familiar with the program and faculty at whatever university you are
considering. Maybe even attend some talks or seminars before you
commit yourself. That way you may find faculty members who would be
the most supportive. Be sure to discuss your ultimate goals with your
teachers.

Hi,

There's an old saying to the effect that "everyone is an experiment of one",
which I think applies here. I don't think you can make a blanket
generalization like Hardy's. While there are a lot of examples of people who
are often used as examples of people "burnt-out" early (such as Hardy,
Einstein, Newton), there are equally as many popular counter-examples of
those that didn't (the two biggest being Erdos and Euler, the two most
prolific mathematicians).

I went back to get my PhD in applied math at the advanced age of (gasp!) 40
at a Big Ten U. I didn't give a ****e what other people thought or didn't
think about me. I did it because I wanted to. I felt that when you stop
wanting to learn and challenge yourself, you die. I didn't regret it,
despite the graduate chairman's repeated reminders that I was _much_ older
than the other students and closer to his age. My own expreience has been
that what "returing" students may (or may not) lack in the areas of
memorization, etc., they make up for in maturity, discipline, and
"stick-to-it-ness." I know that I understood the relevance of problems
discussed because I had some experience and background,and that helped
motivate me and understand why I was doing what I was doing, and what it was
good for.

My biggest problem was that because I was not a math major as an undergrad,
I needed to do about 2 years _before_ grad school taking real analysis, set
theory, and abstract algebra. I think a lot of people in science don't
really know what math is and how much pure math you have to know before you
can do any _real_ work, even in applied math.

So, think twice about math, and consider what you're background is. If you
haven't had a course in real analysis (at the level of Rudin, his undergrad
text - he's written a couple), abstract algebra (at the level of Hungerford,
again his undergrad text), and a basic "proofs" course (at the level of St
Eggen), you probably aren't prepared, and will have to take some courses
beforehand. Some of the previous posters advice about talking to people at
places in which you're interested in applying, is good also. You can discuss
your concerns with them, get good feedback from them, and they will, in
turn, probably be favorably, impressed that you are doing your homework in
choosing a grad school.

God luck and Best Wishes!

"tom" wrote in message
om...
I have a degree in physics but a career in information technology. I
have always had a desire to study physics or applied mathematics to
the graduate (Master's) level. I wouldn't expect this to increase my
income. My desire stems from a natural curiosity; I enjoy these
fields.

I'm in my mid-fifties. Will my age be (perceived as) an impediment to
either undergraduate or graduate studies?

Any suggestions as to
- how one chooses between/among programs in applied mathematics and
physics?
- the attitudes of people in each field?
- level of effort/time required?

I would appreciate the advice of anyone in a similar situation.

tom