Mathematical tools of physics

Duration

30h Th, 30h Pr

Number of credits

Lecturer

Peter Schlagheck

Language(s) of instruction

French language

Organisation and examination

Teaching in the second semester

Units courses prerequisite and corequisite

Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program

Learning unit contents

This course completes the mathematical education of physics students. It particularly focuses on complex analysis, on the solution of differential equations, as well as on the mathematical complements of quantum mechanics.
Topics of the course in detail: - complex analysis and the residue theorem - Fourier and Laplace transforms - ordinary differential equations - Hilbert space and orthogonal polynomials - Sturm-Liouville equation and spectral theory

Learning outcomes of the learning unit

Prinicpal objectives of the course: - to complete the instruction on mathematical tools used by physicists - to train the students on the practical solution of mathematical problems in physics - to develop the mathematical notions that form the basis of quantum mechanics

Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Mathematical analysis
Linear algebra

Planned learning activities and teaching methods

Regular homework (once per week) with exercises in relation to the course will have to be submitted. The exercises will be corrected, graded, and discussed in the TP classes. The students will be invited there to present their solutions on the blackboard.

Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning)

The course will be given face-to-face "ex cathedra" on the blackboard.

Recommended or required readings

Recommended literature: - W. Appel: "Mathématique pour la physique et les physiciens" (H&K Editions, 2002) - G.B. Arfken & H.J. Weber: "Mathematical Methods for Physicists" (Academic Press, 1995) - R. Courant & D; Hilbert: "Methods of Mathematical Physics / volume I" (Interscience Publishers, 1953) - M.R. Spiegel: "Complex Variables" (Schaum, 1964)

Assessment methods and criteria

Evaluation will be done by - a written exam (3 hours, 90% of the total grade) and - the homework exercises (10% of the total grade).

Work placement(s)

Organizational remarks

Contacts

Peter Schlagheck Département de Physique Université de Liège IPNAS, building B15, office 0/125 Sart Tilman 4000 Liège Phone: 04 366 9043 Email: Peter.Schlagheck@ulg.ac.be http://www.pqs.ulg.ac.be

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