Nanyang Technological University

Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Academic Year 2022/23 Semester 2

Course Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Cheong Siew Ann
Course Code MH2801
Course Title Complex Methods for the Sciences
Pre-requisites (MH1801 & MH2800) or (MH1101 & MH1200) or (MH1802 & MH1803 &
MH1200) or (MH1802 & MH1803 & MH2802) or (CY1601 & CY1602)
Mutually Exclusive MH3101
No of AUs 3 AU
Contact Hours Lecture: 26 hours; Tutorial: 12 hours
(2 hr – lecture; 1 hr – tutorial)
Proposal Date 15 January 2023

Course Aims

This course introduces the use of mathematical techniques based on complex numbers and their
applications in physics and the other sciences. The techniques include contour integration, Fourier
transforms, and Green’s functions, and the applications include the solution of definite integrals and
differential equations, and the modelling and analysis of oscillators and waves.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILO)

Upon the successful completion of this course, you (as a student) would be able to:

Complex Algebra:
1. Manipulate algebraic expressions involving complex numbers to calculate the real part,
imaginary part, magnitude, argument, and related quantities.
2. Use Euler’s formula to translate between complex exponentials, trigonometric functions,
and hyperbolic functions, and to solve integrals containing combinations of such functions.
3. Use the complex plane to visualise complex numbers and simple operations acting on them.
4. Formulate the branch functions for a multi-valued operation based on roots and/or the
complex logarithm, including identifying branch points and selecting branch cuts.
5. Plot the contour, or complex plane trajectory, of a complex function of a real variable.
6. Use complex numbers to solve harmonic oscillator and wave problems.

Complex Calculus:
7. Identify the domains of analyticity for common complex functions such as reciprocals.
8. Use the Cauchy-Riemann equations to determine if a given complex function is analytic, or
to reconstruct an analytic function from its real or imaginary part, and related tasks.
9. Determine the simple poles and residues of a complex function.
10. Evaluate contour integrals via parameterisation and via Cauchy’s integral theorem.
11. Solve definite integrals via contour integration, the calculus of residues, and Jordan’s
lemma.

Fourier Transforms and Green’s Functions:

12. Calculate the Fourier series coefficients of a periodic function of a real variable.
13. Calculate the Fourier transform of a square-integrable function of a real variable.
14. Deduce the features of a function from its Fourier spectrum, and vice versa.
15. Use Fourier transforms to solve linear differential equations.
16. Derive the Green’s function for a driven oscillator or wave problem, and use it to obtain the
solution for an arbitrary driving source.

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Course Contents

Review of Real Functions

• Exponential, logarithm, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions
• Power operations
• Definition of real derivatives and integrals
• Basic integration techniques (integration by parts and change of variables)
• The Gaussian integral

Complex Algebra
• Definition of complex numbers; basic complex algebraic manipulations; magnitude and
argument of a complex number
• Complex exponential and trigonometric functions
• Euler’s formula and its uses (e.g. for solving definite integrals)
• The complex plane and trajectories in the complex plane (contours)

Complex Oscillators and Waves

• Formulation and solution of the complex damped harmonic oscillator equation
• Interpretation of complex frequencies
• Under-damped, critically-damped, and over-damped motion

Complex Derivatives
• Definition of complex differentiability; the domain of analyticity of a complex function
• Derivation of the Cauchy-Riemann Equations and their applications

Branch Cuts and Branch Points

• Root and logarithms as multiple-valued operations
• Branch points of root and logarithm operations
• Branch cuts and the formulation of branch functions

Contour Integrals
• Evaluation of contour integral via parameterisation
• Cauchy’s Integral Theorem
• The calculus of residues and Jordan’s lemma
• Cauchy’s principal value integrals

Fourier Transforms
• The Fourier series and its properties
• The Fourier Transform and Inverse Fourier Transform
• Interpretation of Fourier spectra

Green’s Functions
• Formulation and application of the Green’s function for a damped driven harmonic oscillator
• Formulation and application of the Green’s function for waves in empty space
• Causality and the Green’s function in space and time

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Assessment (includes both continuous and summative assessment)

Component Course LO Related Weighting Team / Assessment

Tested Programme LO or Individual Rubrics
Graduate
Attributes
1. Final All Competence 60% Individual Point-based
Examination (Written) marking (not rubric-
based)

2. CA1: All Competence 20% Individual Point-based

Homeworks (Written) marking (not rubric-
based)

3. CA2: 1-11 Competence 20% Individual Point-based

Midterm (Written) marking (not rubric-
Test based)

Total 100%

Formative feedback
You will receive formative feedback through discussion within tutorial lessons and via written feedback
on graded assignments and the midterm. Solutions will be provided for assignments and the midterm.

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Nanyang Technological University
Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Learning and Teaching approach

Approach How does this approach support students in achieving the learning
outcomes?

Lectures The lectures build up the central concepts of the course, and provide
concrete examples for calculations of the type and difficulty students
are expected to be able to do.

Homework The homework comprises textbook-style practice questions, and are

discussed during the tutorials.

Reading and References

1. Y. D. Chong, Complex Methods for the Sciences (online notes)

Course Policies and Student Responsibilities

Absence Due to Medical or Other Reasons

If you are sick and unable to attend your class / Mid-terms, you have to:
1. Send an email to the instructor regarding the absence and request for a replacement class and
make-up mid-terms.
2. Submit the original Medical Certificate* or official letter of excuse to administrator.
3. Attend the assigned replacement class (subject to availability) and make-up mid-terms.

* The medical certificate mentioned above should be issued in Singapore by a medical practitioner
registered with the Singapore Medical Association.

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Nanyang Technological University
Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Academic Integrity

Good academic work depends on honesty and ethical behaviour. The quality of your work as a student
relies on adhering to the principles of academic integrity and to the NTU Honour Code, a set of values
shared by the whole university community. Truth, Trust and Justice are at the core of NTU’s shared values.

As a student, it is important that you recognize your responsibilities in understanding and applying the
principles of academic integrity in all the work you do at NTU. Not knowing what is involved in maintaining
academic integrity does not excuse academic dishonesty. You need to actively equip yourself with
strategies to avoid all forms of academic dishonesty, including plagiarism, academic fraud, collusion and
cheating. If you are uncertain of the definitions of any of these terms, you should go to the academic
integrity website for more information. Consult your instructor(s) if you need any clarification about the
requirements of academic integrity in the course.

Course Instructors

Instructor Office Location Phone Email

Assoc. Prof. Cheong SPMS-PAP-04-03 +65 6513 8084 [email protected]
Siew Ann

Planned Weekly Schedule

Week Topic Course LO Readings/ Activities
1 Review of complex numbers; Cartesian and 1-3 Homework 1
polar representations, Euler formula;
trigonometric, hyper-trigonometric functions,
and their inverses
2 Visualization of complex numbers on Argand 4 Homework 2
diagram; visualizing functions of a single
complex variable; multi-valuedness, Riemann
surfaces
3 Branch points and branch cuts; review 4-8 Homework 2,
differentiating function of a single real Homework 3
variable; differentiating function of a single
complex variable; Cauchy-Riemann relations
4 Contour integrals, open and closed; Cauchy 5-11 Homework 3,
integral theorem; Cauchy integral formula Homework 4
5 Laurent series; classification of singularities; 9-10 Homework 4
residue theorem; Cauchy principal value
6 Applications of contour integration to 11 Homework 4
evaluate real integrals; Jordan lemma
7 Periodic functions; real Fourier series; 12 Homework 5
complex Fourier series
8 Aperiodic functions; Fourier transforms; 13 Midterm Test,
inverse Fourier transforms; evaluating inverse Homework 6
Fourier transforms using contour integration
9 Dirac delta function; convolution 14 Homework 6
10 Applications of Fourier series to solve 15 Homework 7

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Nanyang Technological University
Division of Physics and Applied Physics

differential equations
11 Applications of Fourier transforms to solve 15 Homework 7
differential equations
12 Green functions 16 Homework 8
13 Application of Green functions to solve 16 Homework 8
differential equations

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

Graduate Attributes

What we want our graduates from Physics and Applied Physics to be able to do:

Upon the successful completion of the PHY, APHY, PHME, PHMP and PHMS programs,
graduates should be able to:

demonstrate a rigorous understanding of the core theories

and principles of physics involving (but not limited to) areas
such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism, thermal
physics and quantum mechanics
1
[PHMS only] demonstrate a rigorous understanding of the
core theories and principles of mathematical sciences
involving (but not limited to) areas such as analysis, algebra
and statistical analysis

read and understand undergraduate level physics content

2
independently;

make educated guesses / estimations of physical quantities in

3
general;
Competency
apply fundamental physics knowledge, logical reasoning,
4 mathematical and computational skills to analyse, model and
solve problems;

develop theoretical descriptions of physical phenomena with

5 an understanding of the underlying assumptions and
limitations;

critically evaluate and distinguish sources of scientific/non-

6 scientific information and to recommend appropriate decisions
and choices when needed;

demonstrate the ability to design and conduct experiments in

7 a Physics laboratory, to make measurements, analyse and
interpret data to draw valid conclusions.

propose valid approaches to tackle open-ended problems in

1
unexplored domains;
Creativity
offer valid alternative perspectives/approaches to a given
2
situation or problem.

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Division of Physics and Applied Physics

describe physical phenomena with scientifically sound

1
principles;

communicate (in writing and speaking) scientific and non-

Communication 2 scientific ideas effectively to professional scientists and to the
general public;

communicate effectively with team members when working in

3
a group.

uphold absolute integrity when conducting scientific

1
experiments, reporting and using the scientific results;

readily pick up new skills, particularly technology related

Character 2
ones, to tackle new problems;

contribute as a valued team member when working in a

3
group.

put together the skills and knowledge into their work in an

Civic Mindedness 1 effective, responsible and ethical manner for the benefits of
society.