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. The handout for the course can be found here.
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 Mondays at 4:30 -
5:20 in KPTC 105.
Andy will have office hours from 6-8 pm on Mondays in KPTC 303. I will have office hours
on Tuesday from 3:30-4:30 in my office at RI 270.
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
For additional reading on linear algebra see (I would not be surprised if there are better
texts):
Linear Algebra Done Right by Sheldon Axler
Linear Algebra by Hoffman and Kunze
Linear Algebra by Shilov
Here are some additional notes on matrices and linear transformations.
Additional notes by Andy Royston on the Dirac delta-function and Green's functions can be found here.
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
Midterm Solutions
Assignment 6
Solutions 6
Assignment 7
Solutions 7