PH16520 - THEORETICAL AND NUMERICAL PHYSICS

Module Identifier	PH16520
Module Title	THEORETICAL AND NUMERICAL PHYSICS
Academic Year	2002/2003
Co-ordinator	Dr James A Whiteway
Semester	Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)
Other staff	Dr Philip Cadman, Dr Xing Li
Pre-Requisite	Normal entry requirements for Honours Physics degree
Co-Requisite	Part 1 core modules
Mutually Exclusive	PH16010
Course delivery	Lecture	36 lectures
	Other	4 Example Classes
Assessment	Semester Exam	3 Hours End of semester examination	70%
	Semester Assessment	Course Work: Example Sheets 1,2,3,4,7,9,11,12,13,14,17 and 19 Deadlines are given in the Year 1 Example Sheet schedule distributed by the Department	30%

Learning outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

Understand the utility of elementary vectors, complex numbers, trigonometry, calculus and differential equations for analysis in Physics.
Apply the mathematical problem solving techniques developed to treat a range of simple physical systems.
Answer straight forward numerical and calculus related problems in Physics.

Brief description

Mathematical problem solving is a fundamental skill in Physics that is also highly valued in the work place. This module is aimed at enabling students to apply basic calculus to solve physical problems. Provision will be through lectures, weekly example sheets and problem solving seminars based on the applications of calculus, vector analysis, complex numbers and differential equations.

Content

Basic Calculus:

Review of the basic rules and applications of differentiation, partial differentiation, integration and infinite series.

Complex Numbers:

An introduction to real and imaginary numbers, complex numbers and their operations, graphical representation of complex numbers and functions of complex variables. These include Euler's formula, trigonometric, hyperbolic and logarithmic functions, powers and roots of a complex number - de Moivre's theorem and Phasors.

Vector Analysis:

Scalar and vector quantities. Vector notation and unit vectors. Vector addition, scalar and vector products, rates and changes of vectors.

Differential Equations:

Solving the first and second order differential equations that are commonly encountered in Physics. For example, equations that describe such a process as oscillatory motion, radioactive decay and heat transport.

Reading Lists

Books
** Recommended Text
K.A.Stroud. Engineering Mathematics. MacMillan
** Supplementary Text
M.L. Boas. Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences. Wiley