Module Information

Module Identifier
PH06520
Module Title
INTRODUCTION TO MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR PHYSICISTS II
Academic Year
2012/2013
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Co-Requisite
PH06020
Mutually Exclusive
Not available to 3 year BSc or 4 year MPhys
Pre-Requisite
GCSE Maths or equivalent

Course Delivery

Delivery Type Delivery length / details
Lecture 40 hours lectures
Seminars / Tutorials 5 hours tutorials
 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Exam 3 Hours   end of semester written examination  80%
Semester Assessment 2 Open Book tests and 4 assignments  20%
Supplementary Exam 3 Hours   written examination  100%

Learning Outcomes

After taking this module students should be able to:

  • Use and apply integration and differentiation with some notion of the relevance of these topics to physics.
  • Solve problems on arithmetic and geometric series and the Binomial theorem.
  • Carry out simple processes using matrices and determinants.

Brief description

This second module on theoretical methods introduces the student to some more of the basic mathematical tools commonly used in the physical sciences, and develops some of the topics used in the first module. Topics covered include differentiation techniques and applications, integration and some of its applications to physics and rate of change problems, sequences, series and matrices. Particular emphasis is placed on the use of matematical techniques to solve physical problems.

Content

Differentiation techniques: Standard derivatives, function of a function, products and quotients, logarithmic differentiation, differentiation of implicit and parametric functions.

Applications of differentiation: Small increments and rate of change problems.

Integration techniques: Indefinite integration, integration as summation, definite integration, standard integrals, integration by substitution and by parts. Use of partial fractions.

Applications of Integration: Area under curves, volumes of revolution.

Sequences and series: Arithmetic and geometric series. Binomial theorem.

Introduction to matrices and determinants.

Transferable skills

The teaching of this module incorporates a large element of self-paced problem solving for both individual and tutorial work. This is essential to consolidate students understanding of the subject matter of the module.

All sessions are compulsory.

Reading List

General Text
Sadler, A. J. (1987.) Understanding pure mathematics /A.J. Sadler, D.W.S. Thorning. Oxford University Press Primo search
Essential Reading
Bostock, L. (1990(1992 print) Core maths for A-level /L. Bostock, S. Chandler. Thornes Primo search
Supplementary Text
Stroud, K. A. (2003.) Advanced engineering mathematics. 4th ed Palgrave Macmillan Primo search

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 3