Physics Book Reviews

Mathematical Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms is the book for those of us who are familiar with  or perhaps experts in applying machine learning algorithms; thus, this is recommended as an advanced second study of statistical learning techniques. This text serves as an excellent (and somewhat rare) account of the underlying mathematics of machine learning that one would not normally come across in its day to day use. This text includes detailed theoretical descriptions of advanced machine learning techniques such as reinforcement learning and online learning. Hence, this book provides an excellent introduction to theoretical aspects of machine learning for those who are willing to learn and appreciate the mathematical complexity of the underlying algorithms and statistics.  Mathematical Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms  by Tony Zhang  ISBN:   9781009093057 Price: £ 44.99

From Modes to Keys in  Early Modern Music Theory successfully and masterfully explores the origins of the major and minor harmonic system that is currently used in music. In particular, its focus is the transition between the use of modes in the renaissance to the standard major and minor key system used from the baroque period to the current day. Surprisingly, this transition was incredibly complex, with factors (both short and long term) coming from a wide range of sources.  The text first begins with a thought provoking introduction to the origin of modal music from antiquity to the Middle Ages. The discussion is supported with excellent references to primary theoretical musical sources; numerous tables to illustrate the difference between various modal constructions, as well as keen musical examples (with scores) which helps solidify and contextualism the arguments given.  We then proceed in the later chapters to develop the story which leads us to the foundations of ...

 Within the UK, musical education has a seeming decline in importance, accessibility, and funding within the educational sector. To those who appreciate and understand the importance and transformative power that music can have in somebody's life, this is extremely distressing. If one is lucky enough to have any resemblance to a musical education, it is often constrained to the exploration of a smaller range of musical instruments and techniques.  In particular, an exploration of organ music, its cultural significance as well as how to write for the instrument is often left to the wayside. This is often symptomatic of the lack of access to the instrument itself, meaning only a privileged few can have a chance to work with and truly gain a working understanding of the mechanisms of this extraordinary instrument. There are many musical examples scattered throughout the text, which helps reinforce the composition techniques and standards needed for the organ.  This accessibl...

 Non-perturbative aspects of Quantum Field Theory have seen a particular revitalization within the wider field of theoretical and mathematical physics. From gravity, quantum cosmology, and dark matter to beyond-standard model physics (studying objects such as QCD axions) and even condensed matter physics. Across all of these different and exciting subfields, the mathematical maturity and level needed to understand these concepts remains almost identical in nature. In particular, an understanding of instantons and solitons and their often topological nature is tantamount to research in these fields.  Even more so, (particularly from strides made in the amplitudes and celestial holograph communities) twistor theory has become increasingly important as a tool (rather than an interesting aspect of mathematical physics in its own right) to be applied to a variety of calculations. The broader appeal of non-perturbative aspects of Quantum Field Theory has sparked a difficulty in intr...

 As an undergraduate, finding the ideal text for your course of study is often an odyssey in itself. Often, the recommended course lists set by the course leader can be either far too verbose in nature or do not contain the relevant details needed (as is often the case in STEM topics). In addition, the costs of such texts are a great burden on one's finances, especially if you are required to purchase multiple texts per lecture course.  The 3-set Chemistry value pack (understandably aimed at chemists) is a great remedy to the problems outlined above. Firstly, the texts (of which there are 3) are friendly, and approachable with many interesting diagrams and illustrations littered throughout the text. Secondly, the texts are exhaustive and complete, meaning there will be no need to purchase additional texts outside of this set. The set is composed of 3 renowned individual texts on inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, which are available for purchase at a combined reduced ...

 As a child, I was captivated by the numerous shelves filled with pop-up books lining my local library.  They are truly a source of wonder for small children,  giving life to the illustrations that line each page. One aspect that may have escaped an eager pop-up book reader (regardless of age) is the precise mathematical nature of these creative and artistic endeavors.  Pop Up Geometry serves as a beautiful insight and a reevaluation of one's formative years spent reading such books. The book begins gently exploring, and introducing the basic mathematical principles needed to fully digest the material (linear algebra and geometry), before discussing in rich and pedological detail the various folds, shapes, and algorithms that underlying pop-up pictures. Perhaps the greatest strength of this text is its extensive list of well-drawn and instructive figures (and supplementary animations) throughout. Not only do they aid in cementing the mathematical ideas discussed in t...