Catalog description

This course covers mathematical aspects of the theoretical formulation of classical and modern physics.

3 credit hours

Where and when

Resources

Textbook

Software

The University of Mississippi has a site licence for Wolfram Mathematica (currently version 13), which is a symbolic computation engine and scientific computing environment. The licence permits students, staff, and faculty to install one copy of the software on any of their personal computers. We will make significant use of Mathematica in Phys 651 (and Phys 652)—from the very first assignment—so I encourage you to intall it as soon as possible. Please follows these steps:

1. Login to my.olemiss.edu.
2. Search for “Research Software” and click on “Mathematica.”
3. Note the site licence number L3xxx-xxx at the top of the “Mathematica Download Page.”
4. Open the instructions for your operating system (Mac, Windows, or Linux).
5. Click on the Wolfram Portal link and create a user. Be sure to register with your university email (webid@go.olemiss.edu).
6. Check your email account for an email from Wolfram with an email validation link. Look in your spam folder if you don’t see it.
7. Then navigate to the Wolfram Activation Key Request Form.
8. Fill out that form and wait on a reponse email.
9. Follow the link in the email to download Mathematica.
10. Run Mathematica and input the licence key.

Grading scheme

The course grade will be based on the cumulative points earned from weekly assignments, two in-class tests, and a final exam, weighted as follows.

The numerical score (out of 100) will be converted to a letter grade with a corresponding grade point value, following the UM +/– grading system adopted in Fall 2011. The conversion is carried out by matching to the ranges shown in the table below.

Class attendance — Regular attendance is strongly encouraged. Some material presented in lecture may not appear in the textbook.

Assignments — The course puts great emphasis on students’ developing technical mastery in a variety of important mathematical and computational techniques. Students will be regularly asked to attempt problems, both inside and outside of class hours, alone or in groups. Problems assigned as graded homework will be due in class on the designated due date. Late assignments will be penalized at the rate of 20% per day.

In-class tests — The tentative test dates are listed in this syllabus. Any changes to the dates will be announced in class and by email; students will be given at least one week’s notice. No make-up test will be given except in cases of verified emergencies.

Topics likely to be covered

The two-course sequence of Phys 651 and 652 will review topics in linear algebra, vector calculus, Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace transforms, complex variables, differential equations, integral equations, special functions, group theory, and probability and statistics. The core of Phys 651 comprises chapters 1-6 of Cahill’s book.

Learning objectives

Phys 651 focusses on the development of students’ mathematical reasoning and their mastery of specific mathematical and computational skills and tools. By the end of the course, students should

• be able to think in a sophisticated way about how to express physics problems in precise mathematical language;

• be familiar with the concepts, notation, and typical application of vectors, matrices, tensors, various special functions, and integral and differential operators, as they appear in the physics context;

• be able to set up and solve sets of linear equations and eigenvalue problems;

• know how to identify and apply the key theorems of vector calculus, viz., the gradient theorem for line integrals, Green’s theorem, Stokes’ theorem, and the divergence theorem;

• understand the motivating philosophy behind transformation techniques (for signal analysis, normal modes, quantum eigenstates) and have developed an intuition for the position-momentum and time-frequency correspondence;

• show technical proficiency with the application of Cauchy’s theorem to contour integration, especially as it relates to Green’s function methods;

• have developed mastery of several standard methods for solving ordinary and partial differential equations;

• be able to do some rudimentary scientific programming with Mathematica.

Schedule

Attendance verification

The university requires that all students have a verified attendance at least once during the first two weeks of the semester for each course. Students whose attendance is not verified will be dropped from the course and any financial aid will be adjusted accordingly. Please see http://olemiss.edu/gotoclass for more information.

Academic integrity and honesty

Students are expected to adhere to the University of Mississippi Creed and the Standards of Honesty as described in Policy Code ACA.AR.600.001 and the M Book.

Students are reminded that cheating in any form will not be tolerated. Performance on all tests and assignments shall represent the individual work of the student. Those who violate the Standards of Honesty will be reported and subject to the appropriate sanction, which may include expulsion from the University.

Nondiscrimination policy

The University complies with all applicable laws regarding affirmative action and equal opportunity in all its activities and programs and does not discriminate against anyone protected by law because of age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, handicap, or status as a veteran or disabled veteran.

Policies and procedures for students with disabilities

It is University policy to provide, on a flexible and individual basis, reasonable accommodations to students who have disabilities that may affect their ability to participate in course activities or meet course requirements. Students with disabilities should contact the Office of Student Disability Services (662-915-7128 or sds@olemiss.edu) to discuss their individual needs.

Examinations and last week of class

Regulations governing all examinations — A student’s failure to appear for an examination without an acceptable excuse, inability to present valid identification, absence from the room during the course of an examination without the consent of the examiner, or attempting any portion of an examination without submitting his or her answers shall result in failure of the examination. Tardiness beyond 15 minutes forfeits a student’s right to an examination.

Final examinations — A final examination, to be given at the time posted in the examination schedule, is required in each undergraduate course, unless the appropriate chair and dean have approved an exception. A student who has three or four final examinations in one day may arrange with the course instructor to take the noon or 7:30 p.m. examination at another time. In order to give a final examination at any time other than that shown in the posted examination schedule, an instructor must have prior approval of the department chair and dean.

Last week of class — The following guidelines exist to allow sufficient time for students and instructors to prepare for final examinations. These guidelines apply to the week preceding final examinations for undergraduate courses held during Fall and Spring semesters.

• During the period of Wednesday through Friday of the last week of class, instructors are not to give exams, tests, or quizzes that contribute more than 10% of the final grade for a class.

• Exceptions to the above statement are automatically made for lab-based courses, technical writing courses, seminar courses that assign a term paper, and senior design courses that assign a multi-faceted project in lieu of a final exam. Major projects of the above types, which contribute more than 10% of the final grade and which are due during this Last Week period, should be assigned in the syllabus at the beginning of the semester and any substantial change in the assignment should be made known to students before the drop deadline.

Student support services

The University Counseling Center is a professional facility offered by the University of Mississippi to assist students, faculty, and staff with many types of life stressors that interrupt day-to-day functioning, including the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. It offers individual counseling, couples counseling, group counseling, stress management, crisis intervention, assessments and referrals, outreach programs, consultations, and substance abuse services. There is no fee for currently enrolled University students, and anything that students say to a counselor is held in strict confidence. Contact the Counseling Center for information about mental health issues at https://counseling.olemiss.edu, counslg@olemiss.edu, 320 Lester Hall, and https://www.facebook.com/universitycounselingcenterolemiss/. Schedule an appointment or get information about appointments by calling the UCC at 662-915-3784.

Updated contact information

The University must have accurate contact information, including cell phone numbers, to facilitate student communications and contact tracing. Students should check and update their University contact information at https://olemiss.edu/mystudentprofile