Phys301 — Introduction to Mathematical Physics
Purpose of this course
To develop a set of mathematical problem-solving tools which you can apply to physical systems. The emphasis is on practical approaches, rather than formal rigor. The only way to become comfortable with the tools is through practice, and as such the homework is a vital part of the class.
Books
- REQUIRED: Mary L. Boas Mathematical Methods in the Physical
Sciences.
Currently in third edition, older editions are just as good.
- Riley, Hobson & Bense Mathematical Methods for Physics
and Engineering
is also a very nice book, but is many more pages.
Topics
- Infinite series
- Complex numbers
- Linear algebra and matrices
- Fourier series and transforms
- Ordinary and partial differential equations
- Functions of a complex variable
Grading
Problem Sets: 20%, Midterm Exam: 25%, Final Exam: 45%.
Lecture Notes
Problem Sets
| 1. |
Infinite series |
[pdf]
|
due Feb. 7 |
| 2. |
Complex numbers |
[pdf]
|
due Feb. 14 |
| 3. |
Matrices 1 |
[pdf]
|
due Feb. 21 |
| 4. |
Matrices 2 |
[pdf]
|
due Feb. 28 |
| 5. |
Linear algebra |
[pdf]
|
due Mar. 20 |
| 6. |
Fourier series |
[pdf]
|
due Mar. 27 |
| 7. |
Fourier transforms |
[pdf]
|
due Apr. 3 |
| 8. |
ODE 1 |
[pdf]
|
due Apr. 10 |
| 9. |
ODE 2 |
[pdf]
|
due Apr. 17 |
| 10. |
PDE |
[pdf]
|
due May. 1 |
[mathematica]
|
|
