MODULE TITLE

Mathematics for Physicists

 

CREDIT VALUE

15

MODULE CODE

PHY1026

MODULE CONVENER

Dr A. Usher

 

 

DURATION

TERM

1

2

3

Number Students Taking Module (anticipated)

149

WEEKS

T2:01-11

 

DESCRIPTION – summary of the module content (100 words)

This module introduces students to some of the mathematical techniques that are most frequently used in physics. Emphasis is placed on the use of mathematical techniques rather than their rigorous proof.

MODULE AIMS – intentions of the module

This module aims to consolidate students' skills in foundation topics in mathematics and to give students experience in their use and application.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

 On successful completion of this module you should be able to:

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. calculate and manipulate partial and total derivatives of functions of more than one variable;
  2. evaluate single, double and triple integrals using commonly occurring coordinate systems;
  3. apply differential operators to vector functions;
  4. apply Stokes's and Gauss's theorems;
  5. solve simple first-order differential equations and second-order differential equations with constant coefficients;
  6. calculate Fourier series and use them to solve simple problems;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

  1. tackle, with facility, mathematically formed problems and their solution;

Personal and Key Transferable / Employment Skills and Knowledge:

  1. manage their time effectively in order to meet fortnightly deadlines for the completion of homework and develop appropriate coping strategies;
  2. work co-operatively and use one another as a learning resource.

SYLLABUS PLAN – summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  1. Multi-Variable Calculus
    1. Green's Theorem in the plane
    2. Surface integrals and their application to finding surface areas
    3. Evaluation of multiple integrals in different coordinate systems and using parameterisation
  2. The Dirac delta-function
  3. Vector Calculus
    1. The grad operator and its interpretation as a slope
    2. The divergence operator and its physical interpretation
    3. The divergence theorem
    4. The curl operator and its physical interpretation
    5. Stokes's theorem
  4. Fourier series, Fourier transforms including the convolution theorem
  5. Solution of linear ordinary differential equations
    1. First-order separable, homogeneous, exact and integrating-factor types
    2. Linear second-order equations with constant coefficients; damped harmonic motion

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING

 

LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities  

36 hours

Guided independent study  

114 hours

Placement/study abroad

0 hours

 

DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

 Category 

 Hours of study time 

 Description 

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

22 hours

22×1-hour lectures

Guided independent study

15 hours

5×3-hour self-study packages

Guided independent study

30 hours

5×6-hour problems sets

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

11 hours

Problems class support

Scheduled Learning & Teaching activities

3 hours

Tutorial support

Guided independent study

69 hours

Reading, private study and revision

 

ASSESSMENT

 

 FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade

Form of Assessment

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

ILOs assessed

Feedback method

Exercises set by tutor

3×1-hour sets (typical)

1-9

Discussion in tutorials

Guided self-study

5×6-hour packages

1-9

Discussion in tutorials

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)

Coursework

10%

Written exams

90%

Practical exams

0%

 

DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT

Form of Assessment

 

% of credit

Size of the assessment e.g. duration/length

 ILOs assessed 

Feedback method

5 × Problems Sets

10%

6 hours per set

1-9

Marked in problems class, then discussed in tutorials

Mid-term Test 1

15%

30 minutes

1-9

Marked, then discussed in tutorials

Mid-term Test 2

15%

30 minutes

1-9

Marked, then discussed in tutorials

Final Examination

60%

120 minutes

1-9

Mark via MyExeter, collective feedback via ELE and solutions.

 DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment

 Form of re-assessment 

ILOs re-assessed

Time scale for re-assessment

Whole module

Written examination (100%)

1-9

August/September assessment period

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES  

See Physics Assessment Conventions.

 

RESOURCES

 

 INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES -  The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener.

Core text:

Supplementary texts:

ELE:

CREDIT VALUE

15

ECTS VALUE

7.5

PRE-REQUISITE MODULES

Mathematics Skills (PHY1025)

CO-REQUISITE MODULES

none

NQF LEVEL (FHEQ)

4

AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING

NO

ORIGIN DATE

01-Oct-10

LAST REVISION DATE

04-Jan-18

KEY WORDS SEARCH

Physics; Derrivatives; Differential equations; Functions; Integrals; Linear algebra; Operators; Theorems.

Module Descriptor Template Revised October 2011