PHYS 205 - Mathematical Methods of Physics

A one-semester introduction to the mathematical methods of physics, with an emphasis on applications and how these methods are used to approach various problems. The course will cover topics such as ordinary differential equations, complex numbers and Euler’s equation, linear systems, Fourier series, Fourier transforms, computational techniques, series expansions, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems, vector differentiation, divergence and curl, integration methods and multi-dimensional integrals. These topics will be brought to bear on physical problems such as the damped and driven oscillator, coupled oscillators, electric dipoles, beat frequencies, electromagnetic waves and electrostatic boundary-value problems.

Credits: 1.00
When Offered: Fall semester only

Corequisite: None
Prerequisites:

MATH 163

and

PHYS 201

and

PHYS 232

, all with a grade of C- or better
Major/Minor Restrictions: None
Class Restriction: None
Area of Inquiry: Natural Sciences & Mathematics
Liberal Arts Practices: Quantitative and Algorithmic Reasoning
Core Component: None
Formerly: PHYS 202, 203 & 204

Click here for Course Offerings by term