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PX3020: MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN PHYSICS (2022-2023)

Last modified: 31 Jul 2023 11:19


Course Overview

This course introduces key mathematical methods required in more advanced physics courses. The mathematical methods introduced in this course will be key to understand courses such as Electricity and Magnetism, Quantum Mechanics and Statistical Physics. The importance of the mathematical and computational methods discussed in this course goes beyond being useful for other physics courses, as they will provide you with key analytical tools to approach a large variety of problems, also relevant for your career after University.

Course Details

Study Type Undergraduate Level 3
Session First Sub Session Credit Points 15 credits (7.5 ECTS credits)
Campus Aberdeen Sustained Study No
Co-ordinators
  • Dr Charles Wang

What courses & programmes must have been taken before this course?

  • Either MA1006 Algebra (Passed) or BSc Physical Sciences
  • Either Programme Level 3 or Programme Level 4
  • Either MA1508 Calculus II (Passed) or BSc Physical Sciences
  • Any Undergraduate Programme (Studied)

What other courses must be taken with this course?

None.

What courses cannot be taken with this course?

Are there a limited number of places available?

No

Course Description

This part of the course enables the students to learn and understand essential mathematical methods and tools in theoretical and applied physics and related scientific subjects. Some mathematical ideas and theorems being covered may appear rather abstract and surprising in the first place but can prove to be key to understanding the depth and generality of physical principles that underpin modern physics, information science, and complex phenomena etc. The main topics covered in each teaching week in this part of the course are: Paths, Fields, Line Integrals, Multiple Integrals, Green and Divergence Theorems in 2-Dimensions, Green and Divergence Theorems in 3-Dimensions, Ordinary Differential Equations, Fourier Transform, and Partial Differential Equations.


Contact Teaching Time

Information on contact teaching time is available from the course guide.

Teaching Breakdown

More Information about Week Numbers


Details, including assessments, may be subject to change until 31 August 2023 for 1st half-session courses and 22 December 2023 for 2nd half-session courses.

Summative Assessments

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyDevelop mathematical skills in one, two, and three dimensional integrations and establish their basic applications in fundamental and applied areas in physical sciences
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of fields and their mathematical descriptions
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the properties of differential equations at the ordinary and partial levels and their applications
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of lines and paths and their mathematical descriptions.

Class Test

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 20
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Written feedback via MyAberdeen

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyDevelop mathematical skills in one, two, and three dimensional integrations and establish their basic applications in fundamental and applied areas in physical sciences
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of fields and their mathematical descriptions
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the properties of differential equations at the ordinary and partial levels and their applications
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of lines and paths and their mathematical descriptions.

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 60
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

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Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralApplyUnderstand the constructions of Fourier Transform and their basic applications in physics, data science, and signal analysis
ProceduralApplyDevelop mathematical skills in one, two, and three dimensional integrations and establish their basic applications in fundamental and applied areas in physical sciences
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the properties of differential equations at the ordinary and partial levels and their applications
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of lines and paths and their mathematical descriptions.
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of fields and their mathematical descriptions

Formative Assessment

There are no assessments for this course.

Resit Assessments

Exam

Assessment Type Summative Weighting 100
Assessment Weeks Feedback Weeks

Look up Week Numbers

Feedback

Written feedback via MyAberdeen

Learning Outcomes
Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
Sorry, we don't have this information available just now. Please check the course guide on MyAberdeen or with the Course Coordinator

Course Learning Outcomes

Knowledge LevelThinking SkillOutcome
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of lines and paths and their mathematical descriptions.
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the physical nature of fields and their mathematical descriptions
ProceduralUnderstandUnderstand the properties of differential equations at the ordinary and partial levels and their applications
ProceduralApplyDevelop mathematical skills in one, two, and three dimensional integrations and establish their basic applications in fundamental and applied areas in physical sciences
ProceduralApplyUnderstand the constructions of Fourier Transform and their basic applications in physics, data science, and signal analysis

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