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PHY1116 Mathematics for Physicists2007-2008Code: PHY1116Title: Mathematics for Physicists Instructors: Dr A. Usher CATS credits: 20 ECTS credits: 10 Availability: Physics programmes only Level: 1 Pre-requisites: Mathematical Skills (PHY1115) or Grade B in A-level Mathematics Co-requisites: N/A Background Assumed: N/A Duration: Semesters I and II Directed Study Time: 66 hours of lectures and work sessions Private Study Time: 55 hours Assessment Tasks Time: 79 hours Observation report: 2004/05 ASP (MEP) AimsThis module aims to introduce students to some of the mathematical techniques that are most frequently used in physics, and to give students experience in their use and application. The module may be taken at either Stage 1 or Stage 2, depending upon the extent of the student's existing knowledge. The module is offered in Semester I so that second year students will have had opportunity to develop all the mathematical skills required for core physics modules that occur in the second semester of the second year. Emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical techniques rather than their rigorous proof. Intended Learning OutcomesStudents should be able to: Module Specific Skills
Discipline Specific Skills
Personal and Key Skills
Learning and Teaching MethodsEach week there will be two lectures and a problems class in which homework will be reviewed. Students will also attempt simple exercises during the lectures. e-learning resources. AssignmentsTen graded homeworks. Ungraded exercises support each lecture. AssessmentCoursework comprising ten pieces of graded homework, two 45 minute Continuous Assessment tests in weeks 10 and 21, and a three-hour examination at the end of the year. The weighting for the final assessment is: coursework 30%, tests 30%, examination 40%. Penalties for Late Submission of Work: Coursework submitted after the corresponding problems class will receive a mark of zero. Syllabus Plan and Content
Core Text(2003), Advanced Engineering Mathematics (4th edition), Paulgrave, ISBN 1-4039-0312-3 (UL: 510.2462 STR)Supplementary Text(s)(2001), Mathematical methods for physicists (5th edition), Academic Press, ISBN 0-120-59826-4 (UL: 510 ARF)(1971), Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists, Schaum Outline Series, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-070-60216-6 (UL: 510 SPI) (2001), Engineering Mathematics (5th edition), Paulgrave, ISBN 0-333-91939-4 (UL: 510.2462 STR) Formative MechanismsStudents are able to monitor their own learning by attempting the exercise sheets distributed in the lectures. Solutions are available in the School Office Reception and on the Web. Homework assignments are graded and given back to students in the problems class at which points of difficulty may be discussed with the lecturers and postgraduate demonstrators. Continuous Assessment tests allow students to gauge their level of progress: the graded test scripts are shown to the students at a problems class. Evaluation MechanismsThe module will be evaluated using information gathered via the student representation mechanisms, the staff peer appraisal scheme, and measures of student attainment based on summative assessment. |