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PHY312

Mathematical Methods For Physics Ii

  • Sciences
  • 300 level
  • 3 credit units
  • 187 pages
  • 12 units

This course provides essential mathematical methods for solving physics problems. It explores the relationship between functions and variables, Jacobian applications, and functional dependence. The course covers multiple, line, and improper integrals, offering a comprehensive understanding of mathematical techniques crucial for advanced physics studies. Students will learn to apply these methods to various scientific problems.

About this course

Difficulty
Advanced
Study hours
120 hours
Maths
Advanced
Content
Theoretical, problem solving
Practical work
No
Before you start
  • Calculus I
  • Calculus II
  • Ordinary Differential Equations
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assignments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

PHY312 · UNIT 1 PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS

This examination concludes the assessment for the course. It constitutes 70% of the whole course. You will be informed of the time of the examination. It may or may not coincide with the University Semester Examination.

What you should be able to do

  1. Solve linear second-order partial differential equations.
  2. Apply Fourier series to forced vibration problems.
  3. Utilize Fourier Integral for treating periodic functions.
  4. Apply half-range expansions to problem solutions.
  5. Derive and apply Legendre and Hermite polynomials.
  6. Evaluate Fourier coefficients.
  7. Apply Laplace transformation to solve initial and boundary value problems.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Physicist
  • Applied Mathematician
  • Data Scientist
  • Research Scientist
Where it is applied
  • Telecommunications
  • Aerospace
  • Medical Imaging
  • Financial Modeling
  • Acoustics

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Legendre polynomials and Bessel Functions)

    Unit 1: Legendre Polynomials

    The complex derivations and applications of Legendre polynomials in quantum mechanics require a strong foundation in mathematical physics.

  • Module 2: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Legendre polynomials and Bessel Functions)

    Unit 2: Bessel Functions

    Bessel functions involve intricate recurrence relations and integral representations, demanding advanced calculus skills.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 54 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Partial Differential Equations with Applications in Physics
    • Unit 1: Partial Differential Equations · 4 hours

      Study the definition of partial differential equations.. Understand linear second-order partial differential equations.. Solve exercises on identifying the order and linearity of PDEs..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Partial Differential Equations with Applications in Physics
    • Unit 2: Fourier Series · 4 hours

      Learn about Fourier series and their properties.. Evaluate Fourier coefficients for different functions.. Solve problems involving Fourier series expansions..

  3. Week 3Module 2: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Legendre polynomials and Bessel Functions)
    • Unit 1: Legendre Polynomials · 4 hours

      Study Legendre polynomials and their properties.. Solve Legendre's equation.. Practice using the generating function and Rodrigue's formula..

  4. Week 4Module 2: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Legendre polynomials and Bessel Functions)
    • Unit 2: Bessel Functions · 4 hours

      Learn about Bessel functions and their properties.. Solve Bessel's differential equation.. Practice using recurrence relations and generating functions..

  5. Week 5Module 3: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Hermite Polynomials and Laguerre Polynomials)
    • Unit 1: Hermite Polynomials · 4 hours

      Study Hermite polynomials and their properties.. Solve Hermite's differential equation.. Practice using the generating function and Rodrigues' formula..

  6. Week 6Module 3: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Hermite Polynomials and Laguerre Polynomials)
    • Unit 2: Laguerre Polynomials · 4 hours

      Study Laguerre polynomials and their properties.. Solve Laguerre's differential equation.. Practice using the generating function and Rodrigues' formula..

  7. Week 7Module 1: Partial Differential Equations with Applications in Physics
    • Unit 1: Partial Differential Equations · 4 hours

      Review partial differential equations and their applications.. Practice solving wave equations and heat conduction equations..

  8. Week 8Module 1: Partial Differential Equations with Applications in Physics
    • Unit 2: Fourier Series · 4 hours

      Review Fourier series and their applications.. Practice evaluating Fourier coefficients and solving forced vibration problems..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Legendre polynomials and Bessel Functions)
    • Unit 1: Legendre Polynomials · 4 hours

      Review Legendre polynomials and their applications.. Practice solving problems related to angular momentum in quantum mechanics..

  10. Week 10Module 2: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Legendre polynomials and Bessel Functions)
    • Unit 2: Bessel Functions · 4 hours

      Review Bessel functions and their applications.. Practice using recurrence relations and solving problems involving Bessel functions..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Hermite Polynomials and Laguerre Polynomials)
    • Unit 1: Hermite Polynomials · 4 hours

      Review Hermite polynomials and their applications.. Practice solving problems related to the harmonic oscillator in quantum mechanics..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Application of Fourier to PDEs (Hermite Polynomials and Laguerre Polynomials)
    • Unit 2: Laguerre Polynomials · 4 hours

      Review Laguerre polynomials and their applications.. Practice solving problems related to the hydrogen atom in quantum mechanics..

  13. Week 13Comprehensive Revision
    • Final Revision · 6 hours

      Comprehensive review of all modules and units.. Focus on key concepts and problem-solving techniques.. Prepare for final examinations..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Focus on understanding the underlying principles of each mathematical method.
  • Practice solving a variety of problems from each unit to reinforce your understanding.
  • Create concept maps linking different mathematical methods and their applications.
  • Review all examples provided in the study units and attempt similar problems.
  • Allocate specific time slots for revision and problem-solving each week.
  • Prioritize understanding the applications of each method to real-world physics problems.
  • Practice past examination questions to familiarize yourself with the exam format and difficulty level.

Questions students ask about this course

What is PHY312 about?

This course provides essential mathematical methods for solving physics problems. It explores the relationship between functions and variables, Jacobian applications, and functional dependence. The course covers multiple, line, and improper integrals, offering a comprehensive understanding of mathematical techniques crucial for advanced physics studies. Students will learn to apply these methods to various scientific problems.

How many units does PHY312 have?

PHY312, Mathematical Methods For Physics Ii, has 12 units across 3 modules, over 187 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is PHY312?

PHY312 carries 3 credit units, at 300 level in Sciences.

Is PHY312 hard?

PHY312 is rated advanced level, with advanced mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and problem solving work.

How long does PHY312 take to study?

About 120 hours of study, spread across its 12 units.

How is PHY312 assessed?

PHY312 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assignments and final examination.

What do I need before starting PHY312?

Calculus I Calculus II Ordinary Differential Equations

What can I do with PHY312?

Physicist, Applied Mathematician, Data Scientist and Research Scientist.

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