Unit name | Methods of Theoretical Physics 3 |
---|---|
Unit code | PHYS30015 |
Credit points | 10 |
Level of study | H/6 |
Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
Unit director | Professor. Popescu |
Open unit status | Not open |
Pre-requisites |
Level I/5 Mathematical Physics PHYS23020. |
Co-requisites |
None |
School/department | School of Physics |
Faculty | Faculty of Science |
This course introduces major mathematical methods of theoretical physics. The unit begins with briefly reviewing and expancing 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 for the important partial differential equations of physics, so providing the foundations for advanced mathematical and theoretical physics topics in later years.
This unit is taken as an optional third year physics unit. It is similar to the second year unit PHYS20006 Methods of Theoretical Physics 2, but with some material and exam assessment specific to third year physics students.
Students will be able to
The unit will be taught through a combination of
Formative: problem sheets for self-study throughout course; 3 x 2-hour problems classes.
Summative: 2-hour written exam (100%).
M R Dennis et al, Mathematical Handbook for Bristol Theoretical Physics
M L Boas, Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences
G B Arfken, H J Weber, F E Harris, Mathematical Methods for Physicists