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Physics 466 is a course designed to introduce students to mathematical methods used in physics, taught by instructor Alexia Schulz and TA Zhixian Yu. The course includes problem-solving sessions, two midterms, a final exam, and quizzes, with a focus on various mathematical topics such as vector analysis, complex variables, and differential equations. Homework and class participation are essential, and the course is required for graduate degrees in physics and astronomy.

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16 views

syllabus

Physics 466 is a course designed to introduce students to mathematical methods used in physics, taught by instructor Alexia Schulz and TA Zhixian Yu. The course includes problem-solving sessions, two midterms, a final exam, and quizzes, with a focus on various mathematical topics such as vector analysis, complex variables, and differential equations. Homework and class participation are essential, and the course is required for graduate degrees in physics and astronomy.

Uploaded by

Abby
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Physics 466: METHODS OF THEORETICAL PHYSICS

Instructor: Alexia Schulz


(e-mail – [email protected], mobile: 505-920-7090)
TA: Zhixian Yu
(e-mail – [email protected])

Class Meets: Monday 11-12:30, Friday 11-12:30, Problem session Monday 12:30-1:30, All in classroom 5

Text: Mathematical Methods for Physicists. Arfken, Weber and Harris, Edition 7

Class Web Page: http://public.lanl.gov/aschulz/mathmeth.html

Class Calendar: Linked off the web page, this google calendar will have key info such as exam dates,
homework due dates, lecture dates, review sessions, &c.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to mathematical concepts and methods used by physicists
in scientific research. Becoming facile at the application of the methods introduced in the course can only be
accomplished through solving problems; a passive understanding of the underlying concepts will not be
sufficient when the need for these methods arises in future work. For this reason, completing the homework
and participating in the problem sessions will be required. The use of computational tools such as
Mathematica or Python will be allowed under some circumstances because these elements play an important
role in most modern physics research. However, many of the underlying concepts are difficult to comprehend
without spending at least some time manually computing the solutions to problems using analytic methods,
therefore I urge you to use computational tools mainly as a way of checking your work. This course is
required for all graduate degrees in physics and astronomy, and is strongly recommended for undergraduates
with plans to pursue careers in physics or astronomy.

I have selected the textbook Arfken, Weber and Harris partly because it is an incredibly complete reference
that I anticipate you will consult often if you go on in physics. It is generally clear and fairly concise, but
obviously it contains far more material than we could possible cover in a semester. I propose the following
topics, divided into three sections:

1) Vector analysis and coordinate systems, determinants and matrices, vector spaces, eigenvalue
problems, an introduction to differential forms
2) Infinite series, complex variables and complex analysis
3) Differential equations, Green’s functions, Fourier transforms and special functions

We may or may not have time to cover all of these topics, and we may choose to explore further topics if time
allows. As much as possible, I will adjust the pace of the class to accommodate the students’ level of
preparation.

There will be two midterm exams, and a final exam. Each of these may potentially include a take-home
component. The in class portion will be non-collaborative and the use of computational tools will not be
allowed. If there is a take-home portion, it will be collaborative and open resource. There will also be short
quizzes, given at the start of some classes. You will get credit if you take the quiz and there are no make up
quizzes. Quizzes are a tool I use to assess which concepts are giving you difficulties. The breakdown of the
final grade will be as follows: Midterm 1 – 25%, Midterm 2 – 25%, Final (comprehensive but with an emphasis
on the third section of the class) – 25%, Homework – 20%, Quizzes – 5%. The exact dates of the midterms
and the finals will be determined during the course.

Homework assignments and suggested reading will be posted in the notes on our class google calendar,
which you can find on our web page. This calendar will be updated as the pace of the course is adjusted, so
please check back each week as the assignments may shift slightly.

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