Credit: 3 semester hours.
Pre-requisites:
PHY-2048C and PHY-2049C or PHY-2053C and PHY-2054C.
Co-requisites: None.
The aim of the course is to introduce undergraduate students to
the mathematics used in physics. Inspired by reading the textbook
we will mainly work on class assignments that foster your understanding
of the mathematics and train you in applying the methods taught. This
will provide ample of opportunities for questions and discussions. For
this it is essential that you come prepared, i.e., do your reading
assignments. When it appears suitable classwork will be interrupted
by formal lectures. Occasionally, we will use the algebraic program
MAPLE. At the end of the course students should be able to perform
mathematical calculations that are relevant for undergraduate physics.
For classwork and exams you need to bring paper, pencil and a
calculator. Classwork will be done and turned in by groups of 3 to 4
students and you are free to talk within the group, to other groups
and to the instructor. The compositions of the groups are given by the
instructor and will be set at the beginning of the class (students are
identified by numbers given to you at our first meeting). Exams are
individual work.
Your number: Class Roster.
Composition of
GROUPS.
Tentative Course Outline:
| Vectors and Vector Analysis |
| Curved Coordinate Systems and Vector Analysis |
| Linear Algebra |
| Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors. |
| Cosmography of the surface of a 4D sphere. |
Lecture notes (L), Home (H) and Class (C) Work:
Turn in your homework at the beginning of class on the due date.
Exams
Midterm 1 (2/18)
Solutions: Mid1S.pdf .
Midterm 2 (3/18)
Solutions: Mid2S.pdf .
Final (Thursday May 2)
Solutions: To come.
Textbook:
H.J. Weber and G.B. Arfken,
Any edition will do (search the web for inexpensive used copies in
good condition). Do not confuse the book with other book by Weber and
Arfken with similar titles, which are for graduate students and unsuitable
for this course!
Evaluation of Performance:
The course grade will be
based on classwork, homework, midterms and the final exam. Missing class
unexcused results in zero points on the classwork of that day. There will
be one about homework set per week. Discussions of the homework problems
among students are encouraged - but each student must turn in his/her own
solutions and should be able to explain his or her solution to the rest
of the class. If not mentioned otherwise, each classwork or homework
listed above counts 10 points.
Assessment and Grades:
| Home and class work | 72% |
| Midterms | 14% |
| Final Exam | 14% |
| A>90%, A->85%, B+>80%, B>70%, B->65%, C+>60%, C>50%, C->45%, D>25%, F the rest. |
The Statements of
the following file are Part of this Syllabus:
Required Syllabus Statements (pdf).
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