NORTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND TECHNICAL
STATE UNIVERSITY
Course Syllabus
Course Information
Course Number/Section
Course Title
Term
Days & Times
PHYS 405
Mathematical Physics
Spring 2015
2-3:15 PM
Marteena 310
Professor Contact Information
Professor
Solomon Bililign
Office Phone
336-285-2328
Other Phone
336-285-3259 (Lab)
Email Adresse
Bililign@ncat.edu
Office Location
Marteena 306/Gibbs 302
Office Hours
W 2-5 PM
Other Information
You can make appointments if you cannot make it during the
office hours
Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions
Math 231
Course Description
This is a course in the applications of mathematics to solutions of physical problems. It
covers selected topics in vector analysis, differential equations, special functions,
calculus of variations, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, and matrices, complex variables,
linear algebra. Prerequisite: MATH 231.
NOTE: The course will cover some mathematical techniques commonly used in physics.
This is not a course in pure mathematics, but rather on the application of mathematics to
problems of interest in the physical sciences. Knowledge of physics at the level of Phys
241-Phys 242 is required.
At the conclusion of the course a student must be able to apply basic mathematical concepts
in solving problems in junior and senior electrodynamics, classical mechanics and quantum
mechanics and other upper level physics courses.
Objective 1: Effectively use information technology to find, interpret, evaluate, and use
information discerningly.
Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to use information technology tools to conduct
literature survey, and do research
2
Objective 3: Effectively employs critical thinking skills in written and oral communication.
Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to employ critical thinking in solving problems
which are very complicated and mathematically challenging
Objective 4: Effectively relate ideas and concepts, as well as modes of inquiry, across disciplines
Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to relate ideas and concepts from physics to
chemistry, atmospheric sciences, geosciences and materials science and engineering
Objective 5 : Use analytical thinking skills to evaluate information critically.
Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to use analytical thinking skills to evaluate the
content of the course as it applies to real life problems.
Objective 6: Apply multiple modes of inquiry, including quantitative and qualitative analysis, to
formulate, describe, evaluate, and solve problems
Outcome: Students will demonstrate the ability to apply multiple modes of inquiry, including
quantitative analysis, to formulate, describe, evaluate, and solve problems.
Objective 7: Apply scientific reasoning skills to model natural, physical, social, and aesthetic
phenomena using multiple modes of inquiry:
Outcome: Students will develop skills to use the different mathematical techniques to solve
problems in physical sciences- physics, chemistry engineering and geosciences.
Required Textbooks and Materials
Required Texts
Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
Mary L. Boas, Third Edition
Suggested course reference books
Schaum's Outlines series on Matrix Algebra, Vector Analysis, Linear Algebra, Complex
Variables, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations
Assignments & Academic Calendar
Topics, Reading and problems to work on Assignments
Lecture
Date
Topic
1
1/13/15
2
1/15/15
3
1/20/15
4
1/22/15
5
1/27/15
6
1/29/15
2/3/15
Course Syllabus
Complex Variables: Complex plane,
Complex Algebra
Complex Variables: Elementary functions
of complex numbers, powers, roots,
exponential and trigonometric functions
Complex Variables: Logarithms,
hyperbolic functions, Applications in
mechanics, circuits, optics,
Vector Analysis: Vector dot, cross and
triple products with applications in
mechanics, electrodynamics
Vector Analysis: Differentiation of vectors,
fields and directional derivative: Gradient;
Curl and divergence of a vector:
Applications in electrodynamics and
mechanics
Exam 1- Complex Variables
Vector Analysis: Line integrals with
Book section
(BOAS)
Chapter 2, section 1-5
Chapter2, section
8,9,10,11
Chapter 2, sections
12-16
Chapter 3 section 4,
Chapter 6 sections
1,2,3
Chapter 6,sections
4,5,6,7
Chapter 6, section 8
Page 2
3
7
2/5/15
8
2/10/15
9
2/17/15
10
2/19/15
11
2/24/15
12
2/26/15
3/10/15
13
3/12/15
14
3/17/15
15
3/19/15
16
3/24/15
17
3/26/15
18
3/31/15
4/2/15
19
4/7/15
20
4/9/15
21
4/14/15
22
4/16/15
23
4/21/15
24
4/23/15
Course Syllabus
applications in mechanics and
electrodynamics
Vector Analysis: Divergence and the
divergence theorem with applications in
electrodynamics
Vector Analysis: Curl and stokes theorem,
conservative fields- applications in
Mechanics and electrodynamics
Linear Algebra: Matrices, Determinants,
Cramer’s Rules; matrix operations
Linear Algebra: Linear Operators, Linear
dependence and linear independenceapplications in quantum mechanics
Linear Algebra: Special matrices, Linear
Vector Spaces- Applications in quantum
mechanics
Exam 2- Vector Analysis
Linear Algebra: Eigen values and Eigen
Vectors, Diagonalization
Linear Algebra: Applications of matrix
diagonalization in mechanics (moment of
inertia, coupled vibrations, quantum
mechanics
ODE: Separable equations, Linear First
order equations,
ODE: second order linear equations with
constant coefficients equal to zero
ODE: second order linear differential
equations with constant coefficients and
equal to non-zero
ODE: Applications in mechanics, quantum
mechanics, circuits, electrodynamics
Exam 3- Linear Algebra and ODE
Partial Differentiation: Total differentials
Partial Differentiation: Approximation
using differentials, chain rule or
differentiating a function,
Partial Differentiation: Change of
variables Applications in mechanics,
quantum mechanics, statistical physics and
thermodynamics
PDE: Laplace and Poisson equationsapplications: Heat transfer, Electric
potentials in Cartesian coordinates
PDE: Diffusion or heat flow equation,
Schrodinger equation
Probability and Statistics: Sample space,
probability theorems,
Probability and Statistics: Methods of
Chapter 6, section 10
Chapter 6, section 11
Chapter 3, sections 13,6
Chapter 3, sections
7,8
Chapter 3, section 9,
10
Chapter 3 section 11
and 12
Chapter 3, section 12
Chapter 8, sections 13
Chapter 8, section 5
Chapter 8, section 6
Chapter 4, section 13
Chapter 4, sections 4
and 5
Chapter 4 section 11
Chapter 13, section 1
and 2
Chapter 13, section 3
Chapter 15, sections13
Chapter 15, sections 4
Page 3
4
25
4/28/15
26
4/30/15
counting, Random variables,
Probability and Statistics: Distributions,
Binominal, Normal and Gaussians, Poisson
Probability and Statistics: Error Analysis
Final Exam: Comprehensive
and 5
Chapter 15, sections
6,7,8 and 9
Chapter 15, section 10
Grading Policy
Homework: Assigned homework problems for each day are listed and collected at the next
class following the assignment. You are urged to try to solve the problems
before we solve them in class. Homework carries a major weight in the
evaluation. Solutions will be provided after the homework is collected. No
homework is accepted after the solutions are distributed. Last day to submit
home works is 5PM of the Friday of the week they are assigned.
You can work collaboratively and discuss homework with your peers;
however the material you turn in should be your own work. I will file a
report of Academic Integrity Violations for any student who turns in
homework that is copied from another source or cheats in any other
manner. The student will get a zero for the homework.
Quizzes:
Daily or once a week, you will have a quiz based on the material to be covered.
This quiz could be at the beginning of the class or towards the end. You are
expected to read the section for the class before coming to class.
Exams:
There will be three exams and a final. The exams schedules are announced in the
outline
Grading:
Home works + quizzes
Three Exams 10% each
Final Exam
50%
30%
20%
Grade Scale
Course Policies
Make-up exams
Course Syllabus
Page 4
5
Make up exams are given only with valid excuses
Extra Credit
Attendance of all departmental seminars is a requirement and students will earn extra credit.
Late Work
No late work is accepted
Class Attendance
A student is not allowed to miss a class without reasonable excuse and justification.
Classroom Citizenship
Civility and good conduct is expected. Coming on time and turning off all cell phones, and
waiting until the class ends are expected of each student.
Enrollment in the class means that you agree to abide by the expectations of North Carolina A&T
State University about academic integrity. For specific information refer to your Student
Handbook. Also, refer to the most current Undergraduate Bulletin for the academic dishonesty
policy. The North Carolina A&T State University’s Academic Honor Code will be enforced.
Your responsibilities in the area of honor include, but are not limited to, avoidance of cheating,
plagiarism and improper or illegal use of technology. Your presentations, assignments, and
quizzes are expected to be your own work. Any questions about these should be directed to the
professor. It is permissible to request assistance from a librarian when doing database research as
long as the selection and organization of the research for the presentation is in your own work.
Technical Support
If you experience any problems with your A&T account you may call Aggie Tech Support
(formerly Help Desk) at 336.334.7195.
Field Trip Policies / Off-Campus Instruction and Course Activities
Student Affairs website http://www.ncat.edu/~staffair/;
Student Handbook: http://www.ncat.edu/~deanofst/Handbook.htm;
Student Travel Procedures and Student Travel Activity Waiver
http://businessfinance.ncat.edu/policies%20and%20procedures%20index.htm
Off-campus, out-of-state, and foreign instruction and activities are subject to state law and
University policies and procedures regarding travel and risk-related activities. Information
regarding these rules and regulations may be found at the website address: Student Travel
Procedures and Student Travel Activity Waiver
http://businessfinance.ncat.edu/policies%20and%20procedures%20index.htm.
Additional information is available from the office of Student Affairs, please check the website at
http://www.ncat.edu/~staffair/.
Below is a description of any travel and/or risk-related activity associated with this course.
Other Policies (e.g., copyright guidelines, confidentiality, etc.)
Student Handbook: http://www.ncat.edu/~deanofst/Handbook.htm
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
http://www.ncat.edu/~registra/ferpa_info/index.htm
Student Conduct & Discipline
Course Syllabus
Page 5
6
North Carolina A&T State University has rules and regulations that govern student conduct and
discipline meant to ensure the orderly and efficient conduct of the educational enterprise. It is the
responsibility of each student to be knowledgeable about these rules and regulations. Please
consult the undergraduate
http://www.ncat.edu/~acdaffrs/Bulletin_2008-2010/2008-2010_Undergraduate_Bulletin.pdf
and graduate bulletins: 2008-2010 Graduate Catalog.doc
http://www.ncat.edu/~gradsch/cstudents.html and student handbook
http://www.ncat.edu/~deanofst/Handbook.htm for detailed information about specific policies
such as academic dishonesty, cell phones, change of grade, disability services, disruptive
behavior, general class attendance, grade appeal, incomplete grades, make up work, student
grievance procedures, withdrawal, etc.
Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act
North Carolina A&T State University is committed to complying with the Americans
with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 by
providing equal access to the programs, services and benefits to qualified students with
disabilities. All reasonable efforts will be made to accommodate the needs of students
with documented disabilities. If you have a disability that requires an accommodation
during the semester, please REGISTER with the Office of Veterans and Disability
Service (OVDSS) located on campus in Murphy Hall (334-7765). Make sure that you
notify OVDSS of any disability accommodation requests prior to the start of classes or
within the first two weeks of classes.
These descriptions and timelines are subject to change at the discretion of the Professor.
01.27.09 – Submitted to Faculty Senate by LEW
Course Syllabus
Page 6