Unit information: Methods of Theoretical Physics 2 in 2022/23

Unit name	Methods of Theoretical Physics 2
Unit code	PHYS20006
Credit points	10
Level of study	I/5
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Reynolds
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	Level I/5 Mathematical Physics PHYS23020.
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None.
Units you may not take alongside this one	None.
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Unit Information

This course introduces major mathematical methods of theoretical physics. The unit begins with briefly reviewing and expanding the material from previous maths for physics courses. The main content is the theory of complex functions of a complex variable, their differentiation and integration, including Cauchy's residue theorem and its applications for real integrals. The course describes the important theory of complex functions of complex variables, and then applies them to Green functions and propagators, so providing the foundations for advanced mathematical and theoretical physics topics in later years.

This unit is similar to the third year unit PHYS30015 Methods of Theoretical Physics 3, but with some material and some exam assessment specific to second year Theoretical Physics students.

Your learning on this unit

Students will be able to

• Determine whether a given function of a complex variable is analytic, and calculate and manipulate the Cauchy-Riemann equations
• Perform complex contour integrals and construct Taylor and Laurent series for complex functions
• Locate poles and perform integrals using Cauchy's theorem of residues
• Construct Green functions for simple ODEs, including identifying correct choice of integration contour
• Recognise and manipulate Green functions for the major PDEs of mathematical physics.

How you will learn

The unit will be taught through a combination of

• asynchronous online materials, including narrated presentations and worked examples
• synchronous group problems classes, workshops, tutorials and/or office hours
• asynchronous directed individual formative exercises and other exercises
• guided, structured reading

How you will be assessed

Formative: problem sheets for self-study throughout course; 3 x 2-hour problems classes.

Summative: 2-hour written timed examination(100%).

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS20006).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.