Physics 221
Mathematical Methods of Physics
Primary Text: Mathematical
Methods in the Physical Sciences by Boas
Location &
Time: KPTC 105, MWF 10:30-11:20
Teaching Assistant: Andy Royston
This course will serve as an introduction to the mathematical methods
used in physics. It will
be aimed at sophomore
physics majors who have taken Physics 143 or both Physics 133 and
Math 220.
The aim
of the course will be to develop a strong framework for the future
study of quantum
mechanics, electromagnetism and advanced classical mechanics based
primarily on linear algebra.
Topics to be
covered include: linear algebra, ODEs, PDEs, some tensor analysis and
perhaps
some
complex analysis.
There will be
weekly problem sets (~40%), a mid-term (~25%) and a final examination
(~35%).
Discussion & Office Hours:
There
will be a discussion session led by Andy Royston on Tuesdays 5:30 -
6:20 in KPTC 105.
My office hours are Wednesday's from 5-6 either in my office or in the
theory lounge (next door)
if there are many students. Andy's office hours are Thursdays from
3:00-4:00 and from 5:30-6:30
in KPTC 303.
Additional
Reference Material:
Beyond the course text
book,
there are a number of other texts that might be worth perusing.
Mathematical
Methods for Physicists by Arfken and Weber
Mathematical
Methods of Physics by Mathews and Walker
Problem Sets:
I want you to primarily think about the homework assignments yourself.
There is no better way
to learn the material than to puzzle over it. Preferably talk to the
teaching assistant or me about
difficulties that you encounter.
Assignment 1
Solutions 1
Assignment
2
Solutions 2
Assignment 3
Solutions 3
Assignment 4
Solutions 4
Assignment 5
Solutions 5
Assignment 6
Midterm
Solutions
Solutions
6
Assignment
7 - due
date changed to Dec. 4.
Solutions 7
Final
- Solutions