P325
Introduction to Mathematical Physics

Physics 325
Professor Lynn Cominsky
Fall 2002

Course Outline and Policy

Mathematical Physics is your opportunity to learn the math that you really need to know, for either graduate school in Physics or upper division theory courses here at SSU. This course will be oriented towards problem solving and should give you a chance to improve both your mathematics and your physics, as example problems will be taken from Quantum Mechanics, Mechanics and E&M. A more detailed outline is given below.

REQUIRED TEXT: Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences by Mary Boas

Other books that you may find useful include:
Mathematical Methods for Physicists by Arfken
Mathematical Methods of Physics by Mathews and Walker

COURSE POLICIES

1) Physics 314 and Math 261 are prerequisites for this course. I will be giving a short (not graded) quiz during the first class to determine the knowledge level of the typical student population, and I will use the results of this quiz to ensure that these requirements have been met.

2) I am a firm believer in homework problems as the most effective route to learning Physics (or related subjects). Therefore, the homework for this course will be assigned weekly, for a total of 10 problem sets and a numerical project.

3) Homework assignments will be distributed each Monday during class. Completed homework will usually be due on the second Wednesday following by 4:30 PM (at the end of the problem session.) No late homework will be accepted.

4) Problem sessions (to help you complete your homework) will be held in Darwin 329, on Wednesdays from 330-430 PM and in a location to be determined on Tuesdays from 6-7 PM. If you are having trouble with your homework or if you would like to discuss some of your work with me, this is your best chance! Due to lack of space, private office hours are by appointment only.

5) Solutions to the homework assignments will be available on the following Monday, when I will return the graded homework.

6) Grades: The grade for this course will be based on: 40% homework, 15% each of two mid-term quizzes, 15% on final quiz and 15% for in class participation on the in-class problems. Homework assignments 1-10 will be worth 3% each, and the numerical homework project will be worth 10%.

7) Material - the course will cover sections of chapters 1 - 8, and 10 of the required text. I will be distributing a handout about numerical methods.

8) The format of this class may be different than other physics classes that you have had in the past. I will not be lecturing continuously, rather it will be your responsibility to read the book and ask questions as well as solving problems in class in small groups. The success of this format depends on the effort that you put into problem solving. The in class problems should help to clarify the important material, but if you do not participate, I will not know what you find confusing. These problems will not be graded, but your efforts in solving them will be the basis of the 15% of the grade given for in-class participation.

I hope that this course will be as useful for you, as it was for me when I was in college!

I can be reached in Darwin 329A (inside of 329), at 664-2655, through the Department office (664-2119) or (the best way) via e-mail to: lynnc@charmian.sonoma.edu

P325 Schedule:

Dates in bold italics are when homework assignments are due. The numerical project is due Dec. 11 and counts as 10% of the total grade. Also note that I will be out of town on September 11 for a GLAST Science Working Group meeting, and again on Dec. 2 and 4 participating in a NASA policy review. A guest lecturer will conduct the classes on these days.

Homework:

How to reach me:
I can be reached in Darwin 329A (inside of 329), at 664-2655, or most easily through e-mail: lynnc@charmian.sonoma.edu
During the Fall semester 2002, I will be on campus mostly on M, Tu, W and some Fridays.
Office hours will be on Wednesday at 3:30 - 4:30 PM, and also Tuesdays from 6:00-7:00 PM, before class.