Methods of Mathematical Physics
Fall, Winter and Spring quarters
Faculty: EJ Zita physics, mathematics, astronomy
Fields of Study: astronomy, mathematics, philosophy of science and physics
Fall: CRN (Credit) Level 10144 (16) So - Sr
Winter: Enrollment Accepting New Students CRN (Credit) Level 20103 (16) So - Sr; 20424 (1-16) Signature Required Admission will be based upon a background equivalent to fall quarter material and completion of the final exam during Fall week 10. Contact faculty by email or in 2272 Lab II during the Academic Fair, December 1, 2010. New students should expect to complete some catch-up work during the December break.
Spring: Enrollment Accepting New Students CRN (Credit) Level 30110 (16) So - Sr; 30536 (1-16) So - Sr Signature Required Contact faculty by email or in 2272 Lab II during the Academic Fair, March 2, 2011. New students should expect to complete some catch-up work during the spring break.
Credits: 16(F); 16(W); 16(S)
Class Standing: Sophomore - Senior
Offered During: Day
Academic Website: http://blogs.evergreen.edu/mmp1011
Prerequisites: A full year of college level calculus and calculus-based physics. Willingness to work in teams and online. Students interested in advanced mathematics but lacking the necessary background in physics should contact the professor for advice at zita@evergreen.edu.
Description
A close examination of the complex and varied world around us reveals a high degree of underlying order. Our goal as scientists is to understand and explain this order. Mathematics is the language created (or discovered) to describe the order observed in physics. The goal of this advanced program is to introduce the mathematical language we use to describe and create physical models of our natural world, and to better understand both. To that end, we will study a number of key physical theories and systematically develop the mathematical tools that we need to understand them.
We plan to begin, in fall quarter, with a review of series, complex numbers and linear equations, including matrixes, concentrating on their applications to physics, such as rotations, circuits and the simultaneous solution of linear equations. We will continue with ordinary and partial differential equations, with applications to classical mechanics, including oscillators, waves, Laplace's equation, Poisson's equation, and other fundamental examples in physics. Students will plan research projects in teams.
In winter, we plan to connect differentiation with integration via vector analysis (applications in electromagnetism), Fourier Series (applications to waves, e.g. acoustic oscillations on the Sun and at the Big Bang), and variational calculus. We will go deeper into areas begun in fall. For example, we would like to take vector analysis deeper into tensor analysis, with applications such as general relativity. Students will carry out their research projects in teams.
In spring, students may continue with a full-time study of electromagnetism and vector calculus, or may continue independent contract work on their research projects in teams. Students might also have the option to begin a study of thermodynamics and statistical mechanics. Students will be encouraged to present their research at a regional professional physics meeting.
Our program work will consist of lectures, tutorials, group workshops, student presentations, computer labs, seminars on the philosophy and history of physics and mathematics, essays and responses to essays. Teamwork within an integrated learning community will be emphasized, 1) for best learning practices, and 2) to model work within mature scientific communities.
Maximum Enrollment: 25
Required Fees: Fall $330.00 for overnight field trip and magazine subscription.
Special Expenses: Expensive textbooks - must be in hand before the date of first use on the syllabus. Each student must have his or her own copy in class.
Internship Possibilities: Spring: with faculty approval.
May be offered again in: 2012-13
Preparatory for studies or careers in: chemistry, education, engineering, history, mathematics, philosophy, and physics.
Campus Location: Olympia
Online Learning: Hybrid Online Learning 25 - 49% Delivered Online
Books: www.tescbookstore.com