What type of math is needed to understand the universe? : science: "Okay. To get any meaningful experience out of studying physics, you must know calculus. You need to understand multivariable calculus along with vector calculus. Next, you should have a look at some matrix algebra, including systems of equations and eigen-stuff. Physics is all about expansions in terms of eigenfunctions. Next, get to know about tensors and higher-rank forms. Study classical field theory; after you've mastered this, you should quantize it to explore physics at the quantum level. Quantum field theory is the key to understanding theoretical physics under the umbrella of the Standard Model. At the most basic level, the laws of physics (particles and their interactions) are governed by what's known as group theory. In fact, the Standard Model is an instance of the SU(3) x SU(2) x U(1) group. I'm no expert in the most detailed technicalities, but string theory is also heavily laden with group theoretical structures.
Other topics you'll need to know: Green's functions and differential equations, and about 7 years worth of non-fundamental physics.
It takes a long time to get to know about this field. If you're genuinely interested in understanding, you should explore the physics degree options at a university. Popular science books will only get you...well, nowhere."
