PH420/520-2C (Fall, 2017) Course Information
Course Description:
Through this course students will learn mathematical methods necessary
in physics core courses such as classical mechanics, electromagnetism,
and quantum mechanics. The mathematical methods covered in this course
include complex analysis, linear algebra, vector calculus, series
expansions, ordinary differential equations including special
functions, and partial differential equations. Students successfully
completing this course will develop sufficient mathematical skills
necessary to complete the physics core courses.
In addition to basic mathematical skills, various mathematical
tools such as Maple are intensively used in this
course.
Learning Objectives:
- Differential and integral calculus
- Series expansions including Taylor, Fourier, and Laurent
expansions.
- Complex variables, functions of complex variables, residue
theorem and contour integrals
- Matrices, linear algebra, and eigenvalue problems
- Vector calculus
- Ordinary differential equations, special functions
- Partial differential equations
- Calculus of Variation
| Day and Time: |
Tue. & Thu. 11:00APM-12:15PM |
| Room: |
PH 394 (Del Square) |
| Instructor: |
Dr. Ryoichi Kawai |
| email: |
kawai@uab.edu |
| phone: |
(205) 934-3931 |
| skype*: |
userid = ryoichikawai
* You must send your skype user ID to
the instructor by email in advance or your call will be blocked. |
| Office Hour: |
Wed. 12:30-1:30pm
|
| Course Website: |
https://kawai.phy.uab.edu/courses/2017-Fall/ph420 |
Course Schedule
Score Card (password required)
Past Exams
2014,
2015,
2016,
2017
|
| Suggested Textbook |
|
 |
Mathematical
Methods in Physical Sciences Mary L. Boas
Wiley; 3 edition (2006)
ISBN-13: 978-0-471-19826-0 |
|
Messages from the Instructor
- [09/08] Solution to CH03 and CH04 homework problems is posted.
- [08/27] Dr. Kawai is out of country for two weeks from 9/10 to 9/23. Drs. Chen and Harrison will teach chapter 5-7.
- [08/20] Class will meet on Aug. 29 (Tue.) in CH394. See you soon.
Mathematica
The use of Mathetmatica is required in this course. Mathematica 10 is installed on all computers in the classroom. However,
it is highly desirable for you to have your own Mathematica on your personal computer.
It is free for UAB students. The following web page will explain how to get your own copy of Mathematica:
https://www.uab.edu/it/home/component/k2/item/551-mathematica
Homework
Several homework problems will be given every week. Homework must be
turned in electronically by email. Allowed formats are Mathematica Notebook(preferred),
Maple Worksheet, LaTeX source, Acorbat PDF. Hand written documents
must be scanned in high resolution (300 DPI or higher) with sufficient contrast and saved in PDF.
Exams
Three midterm exams and a final comprehensive exam will be given.
Students must take all four exams. Make-up exam is allowed only when
reasonable excuse is presented.
Grading
Exams and assignments carry the following maximum possible points.
Midterm exams (15 pts. each), Final exam (30 pts.), Homework and other
assignments (25 pts.). The total maximum possible points is 100. Letter
grades are determined by the rule given in the table. |
| Grade |
Total Score |
| A |
85 or above |
| B |
75 or above |
| C |
60 or above |
| D* |
50 or above |
| F |
Otherwise |
* Not for PH520 students. |
|
Office Hour