Syllabus for Mathematical Methods for Physicists (2023)
Mathematical Methods for Physicists is a one-semester course, emphasizing more
advanced mathematical techniques for research explorations:
(1) tensor analysis (chap 26)
(2) probability (chap 30)
(3) statistics (chap 31)
(4) group theory (chap 28,29)
It is important to maintain the balance between mathematical rigor and hands-on
applications. While numerical methods are not listed explicitly, it will be
integrated into other modules to facilitate complementary usage of analytic and
numeric techniques.
The tensor analysis is a warmup topics, encouraging in-class discussions and
participation. I will adopt project-based learning to go over the topics:
Probability and Statistics. The students are asked to finish a mini-project on
these two subjects combining both analytic and numerical techniques. Finally, at
the end of the semester, I would go over the most challenging subject: Group
Theory.
Textbook:
Mathematical Methods for physics and engineering (3rd edition)
by Riley, Hobson and Bence
Classes:
13:20-16:20 on Mondays
Physics Building R208
Grade:
Final report is due on June 12 (Mon).
Your grade is mainly determined by the final report on the chosen mini-project,
weighted by in-class participation and performance.