Physics 325: Introduction to Mathematical Physics

Department of Physics and Astronomy

Sonoma State University

Fall 2007

Class: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9- 9:50 am, D308

Instructor: Dr. Hongtao Shi

Phone: 664-2013

Email: hongtao.shi@sonoma.edu

Office: Darwin 300J

Office Hours: Monday 10-11 am, Thursday 4-5 pm, or by appointment

Learning Objectives

Course Description and Goals: The goals of this course are for you to become more adept at applying mathematical tools to physics problems and get prepared for other upper division courses. We will cover the topics as outlined below. You are solely responsible for learning and applying mathematical symbolic processing software, such as Mathematica and Mathcad to the homework problems. Both are available in many on-campus computer labs or you can buy it online.

Prerequisites: Physics 214: Introduction to Physics II and Mathematics 261 Calculus IV

Required Textbook: Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering, 3rd ed., by K.F. Riley, M.P. Hobson, & S.J. Bence, Published by Cambridge, ISBN: 0-521-67971-0.

Homework and Exam Schedule

Course Outline:

Chapters

Sections to be covered
1. Preliminary Algebra
1.1-1.5, 1.7
2. Preliminary Calculus
2.1, 2.2
3. Complex Numbers
3.1-3.4, 3.7
5. Partial Differentiation
5.1-5.7, 5.9
14. Differential Equations I
14.1, 14.2
7. Vector Algebra
7.1-7.9
10. Vector Calculus
10.1-10.3, 10.6, 10.7, 10.9
6. Multiple Integrals
6.1, 6.2, 6.3
11. Line, Surface, and Volume Integrals
11.1, 11.3-11.5
12. Fourier Series
12.1-12.7
4. Series and Limits
4.1, 4.2, 4.4-4.6
16. Differential Equations II
16
Others
If time permits

Grading Policy:

Homework, Quizzes and Exams 30% Final Exam, Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 8 - 9:50 am
  20% Midterm Exam 1, Week of October 1
  20% Midterm Exam 2, Week of November 12
  15% Homework Assignments
  15% Quizzes
   
Course Grade Percent
A 90-100
B 80-89
C 70-79
D 60-69
F Below 60

Final Exam: Wednesday, December 12, 2007, 8:00 - 9:50 am.

References and Tools:

  1.  Mathematical Methods for Students of Physics and Related Fields by Sadri Hassani (Springer, 2000);
  2. Essential Mathematical Methods for Physicists by George Arfken and Hans Weber (Academic Press, 2003);
  3. A Physicist's Guide to Mathematica by Patrick Tam (Academic Press, 1997);
  4. Mastering Mathematica: Programming Methods and Applications by John W. Gray (Academic Press, 1998);

Notes:
1. Attendance is not mandatory. But my experience tells me that your grades will suffer if you often miss the classes.

2. Reading and homework will be assigned every week from the book, due the following week.

3. There is no tolerance for late homework submission without medical or tragic reason, as solutions will usually be posted the day after due date.

4. The lowest homework grade will be dropped when I compute your term grade.

5. You are encouraged to work in a study group in doing the homework, discussing the problems, but I expect each of you to write up your own solutions handed in for grading.

6. All quizzes, exams are closed book/notes and must be taken at the assigned time. You can bring one index card to the class with equations and formulas. No makeup will be given without a legitimate reason such as medical emergency. So arrange accordingly. Be aware the makeup exam/quiz may be entirely different from the original one.

7. I reserve the right to raise your grade if exceptional effort and class participation are observed through the semester.

Disability: If you have a disability and need special consideration, please contact the Office of Disabled Student Services ( DSS ). Located in Salazar Hall, Room 1049, Phone 664-2677.

Important University policies, such as add/drop classes, cheating and plagiarism, grade appeal procedures, etc., can be found here.

Email me if you have questions or comments.

Last updated: 12/07/2007