Introductory Mathematical Physics

Fall 2005

Instructor - Dr. Paulo Acioli

Course Description

PHYS-308 Introductory Mathematical Physics, 3 cr.

Vector and tensor analysis, matrices, and matrix algebra, ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients; Fourier series, introduction to complex variables. Prereq.: PHYS-207 (or PHYS-202) and MATH-202.

Textbook

Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, 3rd Edition, by Mary L. Boas, Wiley.

Other Useful References:

• Mathematical Physics, by Eugene Butkov, Pearson .
• Mathematical Methods of Physics, by J. Mathews and R. L. Walker, Pearson .
• Mathematical Methods for Physisists, 5th Ed., by G. B. Arfken and H. J. Weber, Harcourt Academic Press.

Lectures

SEC 31, MW at 5:40 PM - 6:55 PM, in FA-255.

Problem Sets

Weekly problem sets are assigned here. Problem Sets should be handed in the Monday of the following week. Problem set assignments and solutions (if available) can be found here.

Exams

This course has two one-hour midterm exams and a two-hour final. The exams are largely based on material from lectures and problems similar to those found in the weekly assignments. Exam policies can be found here.

Grading

The final grade will be based on:
Two midterms (1/5) + (1/5) + Problems (2/5) + Final (1/5)

Any student who achieves a percentile score of above 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% is guaranteed to receive an A, B, C, or D respectively. These percentile scores may be adjusted downwards based on a class curve and other considerations.

Office Hours

Posted here and by appointment in room 217C SCI.

Academic Integrity

The NEIU policy on academic integrity can be found here.