Course Objectives: The course covers methods of mathematical physics, with emphasis on linear systems of algebraic, differential, and partial differential equations. Blackboard, overhead, and laptop are used in lectures, for better visualization of analysis and examples. Tutorials and assignments include analytical problems of different levels. Computer demonstrations of equations of mathematical physics are accessed via links to web-enabled interactive software. The course is continued in the next semester with Mathematical Physics II (Math3D03).
Topics: advanced linear algebra, ordinary differential equations, special functions, partial differential equations, and Fourier series and transforms.
Instructor:
Dr. Dmitry Pelinovsky, HH-422, ext.23424,
e-mail: dmpeli@math.mcmaster.ca
Teaching Assistants:
Dmitri Agueev, e-mail: agueevd@mcmaster.ca
Mehmet Ali Akinlar, e-mail: akinlama@mcmaster.ca
Hours:
Lectures: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday (13:30-14:20);
Tutorials: Wednesday (9:30-10:20), Friday (11:30-12:20)
Office hours: Monday, Thursday (14:30-15:30), or by appointment
Main textbook:
"Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering"
by K.F. Riley, M.P. Hobson, and S.J. Bence (Cambridge University Press, 2002)
Optional textbooks:
"Mathematical Methods for Physicists"
by G.B. Arfken and H.J. Weber (Academic Press, 2001)
"Mathematical Physics"
by B. Kusse and E. Westwig (John Wiley & Sons, 1998)
"Mathematical Methods of Physics"
by J. Mathews and R.L. Walker (Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1970)
Assignments: Six home assignments will be handed out in class on Monday every second week, starting the week of September 8, 2003. The assignments are due at 14:20 on Wednesday in the following week. Only five best assignments are counted towards the final mark. The texts for assignments and solutions will be posted on the course webpage.
Class Test: There will be two class tests on Thursdays: October 9 and November 13. Only the McMaster standard calculator Casio fx-991 is allowed on the tests.
Final Exam: The course is completed by a three-hour final examination. The date and location of the final exam will be announced by the registrar's office in mid-term.
Marking scheme:
Final exam (3 hrs) - 30%
Two class tests (50 min) - 30%
Five homework assignments - 40%
Senate Policy Statement: The course is regulated under the following documents: Statement on Academic Ethics and Senate Resolutions on Academic Dishonesty. Any student who infringes one of these resolutions will be treated according to the published policy. In particular, academic dishonesty includes (1) plagiarism, e.g. the submission of work that is not one's own, (2) improper collaboration in group work on home assignments, (3) copying or using unauthorized aids tests and examinations. It is your responsibility to understand what constitutes academic dishonesty, refering to Academic Integrity Policy.