3090 - Methods in theoretical physics (Fall 2014)
This class will be a smorgasbord of different mathematical tools and concepts that are essential for the study of advanced topics in physics.
Course description in pdf.
Syllabus: Topics to be covered (may) include vector spaces and eigenvalue problems; complex variables and complex analysis; Fourier series and Fourier transforms; Laplace transforms; Green's functions; differential equations and special functions; and group theory.
Course text: Mathematics for Physicists by Susan Lea. I strongly recommend buying this excellent text. We will be following it fairly closely.
Grading and tests: There will be weekly homework assignments, two midterm tests, and a final exam. Your final grade will be based as follows: your homework grade counts 30%, each midterm counts 20%, and your final exam counts 30%.
As extra motivation to master the course material for the final exam, the grade of your lowest midterm will be replaced by your final exam grade if your final exam grade is higher.
Homework problems are the most essential part of this class. Assignments will be due on Fridays either in class or turned into my office (or under my door) before noon. No extensions will be given unless there is an emergency or other extreme circumstance. Late homework will be penalized 10% per day late.
Expectations: I expect that all homework you turn in will be entirely your own work. You may discuss homework problems with your peers, but you must write your own solutions independently.
Homework assignments (due Fridays):
problem set #1 - due Sept 19.
problem set #2 - due Sept 26.
problem set #3 - due Oct 10.
problem set #4 - due Oct 17.
problem set #5 - due Oct 24.
problem set #6 - due Tues Nov 4.
problem set #7 - due Nov 21.
problem set #8 - due Nov 28.
problem set #9 - due Dec 5.
Midterms: The first midterm was on Wednesday Oct 1st.
The second midterm was on Friday Nov 7th.
Final: The final is on Saturday, December 13th, 2:00-5:00 pm. The location is Accolade East (ACE), room 007.
Office hours: Thursdays 3-4pm or by appointment. My office is in Petrie room 217.
Course notes:
Week 1 - Vector spaces and rotation matrices
Week 2 - Eigenvalues and coupled harmonic oscillators
Week 3/4 - Complex numbers
Week 5 - Derivatives and integrals of complex functions
Week 6 - Poles and residues
Week 7/8 - Laurent expansion and real integrals
Review problems for Midterm 2
Week 9/10 - Fourier series
Week 11 - Laplace transform
Week 12/13 - Fourier transform
Final exam review session
|