A degree in physics is a journey to understand the laws of the universe. The language of those laws is mathematics, and the demands are immense.

Your high school math is just the starting point. You must have flawless mastery of Algebra, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

The first year of a physics degree is dominated by Calculus. You will live and breathe derivatives and integrals.

You'll quickly move on to Multivariable Calculus, as the world has more than one dimension.

Then comes the two true pillars of a physics degree: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations.

Linear Algebra is the language of quantum mechanics. All states are vectors, all observables are operators (matrices).

Differential Equations are the language of classical mechanics, electromagnetism, and almost every other field. They describe how systems change over time.

You will also need a strong foundation in complex variables, probability, and possibly more abstract math like group theory.

A physicist is, in many ways, an applied mathematician.

The mathematical demands are steep, but the reward is the ability to read the universe's own instruction manual.