PHYS 515: Mathematical Physics I
INSTRUCTOR:
Yuriy V. Pershin
COURSE INFORMATION
Fall 2016
Office: PSC 503
Phone: (803) 777-5073
Email: pershin@physics.sc.edu
OFFICE HOURS: TH 1PM to 3PM or by appointment
CLASS MEETINGS: T TH 10:05AM to 11:20AM
(PSC 203)
TEXTBOOK:
Recommended textbook: “Mathematical Methods for Physicists” by Arfken and Weber.
COURSE WEB PAGE:
boson.physics.sc.edu/~pershin/courses.htm
Check this page frequently for announcements, homeworks, assignments, etc.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
The purpose of the course is to introduce students to methods of mathematical physics and to
develop required mathematical skills to solve problems in quantum mechanics,
electrodynamics and other fields of theoretical physics.
Upon completion of the course, the student should be able to understand basic theory of:
•
Vector and tensor analysis
•
Linear algebra
•
Functions of complex variables
•
Fourier Series
Successful students should be able to:
•
Apply methods of functions of complex variables for calculations of integrals
•
Expand functions in Taylor’s Series
•
Work with vectors
•
Expand functions in Fourier Series
•
Work with tensors
REQUIREMENTS
•
Homework. Homework assignments will be typically given once per week. You will
generally have one week to work on the homework. 50% penalty if returned within 4 days
after the due date, no points afterwards.
•
Reading assignments and quizes. The chapters covered in the class should be read prior to
the lecture. To allow you to demonstrate your understanding of the material and class
preparation, there will be short quizzes on an occasional basis. These quizzes may or may
not be announced in advance.
•
Exams. Two mid-term exams will be given accordingly to the schedule.
•
Final exam. The final exam is comprehensive and will include all material covered during
the semester. All students must take the final exam.
•
Attendance. Lecture attendance is mandatory. The University attendance policy specifies
that students may miss up to 3 class meetings (10% of class time) without penalty. The 4th
unexcused absence will result in a grade penalty of one letter grade. The 5th unexcused
absence will result in a deduction of 2 letter grades.
•
Project assignments (for graduate students only).
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COURSE SCHEDULE
The following is a rough schedule of the major topics to be covered, and the rough amount of time
to be devoted to each:
•
Matrices and Determinants (2 weeks)
•
Vector analysis (2 weeks)
•
Tensor analysis (3 weeks)
•
1st midterm exam
•
Functions of Complex Variables (3 weeks)
•
Taylor’s and Laurent expansions (1 week)
•
2nd midterm exam
•
Fourier Series (2 weeks)
Exam dates and times will be announced in class. The final exam will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8
at 9:00 a.m.
GRADING
Your overall score will be a sum of all grades you have accumulated during the course,
weighted as follows:
Quizes: 10%
Homework problems: 30%
Exams #1, #2, each: 15%
Final Examination: 30%
You will be provided with a list of basic constants during each examination if needed. You
may use a non-programmable calculator. You cannot use notes, textbook or any other
materials. Exams will be based on the material discussed in the class, homeworks, quizzes,
and textbook.
GRADING SCALE:
The final grade will be based on the following scale:
Percent
89-100
85-88
76-84
72-75
Grade
4.0 (A)
3.5 (B+)
3.0 (B)
2.5 (C+)
Percent
63-71
50-62
<50
Grade
2.0 (C)
1.0 (D)
0 (F)
ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY:
All work you submit must be your own and must comply with the rules stated on this
sheet. Please refer to Carolina Community for further information concerning the Code of
Student Academic Responsibility. Cell phones, PDA’s and graphic calculators are not
allowed in class.
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