Physics 201 Math Methods for Physicists
Fall 2002
Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9:30 - 10:20

Course Objectives:
The student will be able to USE the following mathematical tools and concepts in the context of solving problems in the physical sciences: 

• infinite series and power series
• complex numbers
• linear equations and linear algebra (determinants, Cramer's rule, eigenvalues...)
• partial derivatives
• multiple integrals
• vector analysis (gradient, curl, divergence, etc.)
• Fourier series
• differential equations

Put another way, the student should obtain the mathematical tools necessary to succeed in upper level physics courses.

From the Sweet Briar Catalogue
PHYS 201 (3) – Mathematical Methods of Physics
Prerequisites: Math 115; PHYS 112. Co-requisite: PHYS 113. A survey of analytical techniques used in physics, including multivariable and vector calculus, linear algebra, ordinary and partial differential equations, and Fourier series and transforms.

Communication:
Please consult the web page for class announcements, exam hints, homework assignments, and other useful information.  You are responsible for checking the web page for updates.  Not all announcements will be made in class.

Feel free to call or stop by my office regardless of office hours.    I tend to check my voicemail and email frequently, so if I am not around, I will get in touch with you as soon as possible. One of the benefits of going to a small college like Sweet Briar is the opportunity to get personalized attention from your professors, take advantage of this in all your courses.

Text:
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, Mary L. Boas, 2nd edition.
We will cover parts of chapters 1,2,3,4,5,6,7, and 8.  See Tentative Timetable.  


Prerequisite Knowledge:
You are expected to have working knowledge of Calculus and have had a two semester sequence of general physics.  Some of you may have had other math classes, including Calculus III, Linear Algebra, and Differential Equations.  The material we cover will likely depend on the background of the students in the course.

Preparation:
I expect you to come to class prepared and ready to work.  Assume that I may give you a short quiz at any time to help motivate you to be prepared for class.  The most common, and perhaps the deadliest habit is to postpone your assault of the material. You are expected to diligently apply yourself, since it is your for your future that you are working.  The best advice I can give you is come to every class, take good notes, talk with your classmates, and keep up. I know these sound trivial, but they are all too often ignored.  

Attendance:
Attendance, timeliness, and participation are critical to the learning process and an integral part of this course.  Being late to class is disrespectful to your classmates and to your professor.    Missing class will make learning the material difficult, as some of what you get out of this course will come from discussion in class with your peers.  I reserve the right to take points off your grade for lateness or lack of in class activity.

Grades:  

Homework Sets:
Homework will generally be assigned every Friday and will be due the following Friday. HW will generally consist of problems from the text and problems I assign (or from other texts). Just as one would practice a sport to get good at it, one must practice math and physics, the HW is your chance to do this. HW is due at the BEGINNING of class. Late HW will be penalized. HW solutions will be posted on the class web page.  See Assignments  page.

I encourage you to work with your peers on the HW. Conversations with your classmates are an excellent way to learn. However, this does not mean you should copy homework.  One rule to go by when working with classmates: if you don't understand what you are writing down, don't turn it in.  

In addition to getting homework problems correct, it is your job as a physicist to communicate effectively how you solved the problem. This may mean using words to describe what you are doing instead of simply writing down equations. This also means being organized. It is best to do a problem and then transcribe your solution in a neat form to another piece of paper. I reserve the right to take points off your HW (even when fully correct!) for messy solutions.  

Project/Paper:
This paper will be on some topic that you will choose relating to mathematics and a physical science (physics, astronomy, chemistry, engineering, geology etc.). This paper can be several things, depending on your interests.  Your papers MUST have equations and some use of the mathematics we are learning in this course. This project may involve working through a journal paper (for example, American Journal of Physics) or part of a mathematically involved advanced physics text.   Use your imagination and talk with me about your ideas. There will be a short (~1 page) proposal due concerning your paper (see assignments). In this proposal include approximate length of your paper and 3 to 5 resources you will use. Depending on your topic, the length of your paper may vary. If you do not have any ideas for this paper, I can suggest ideas.

Tests, Short Quizzes, and Final:
There will be two tests plus a cumulative final.  We will also have several (my guess is between 4 and 8) quizzes.  These quizzes may be announced or unannounced.  Tests are likely to have an in class and out of class section.

back to Math Methods, Fall 2002
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last updated 8/20/02
(last small update-core goals list 10/07/02)