PHYS-216 / 4 credits

Teacher(s): Graves Jonathan, Brunner Stephan

Language: English


Summary

This course complements the Analysis and Linear Algebra courses by providing further mathematical background and practice required for 3rd year physics courses, in particular electrodynamics and quantum mechanics.

Content

Learning Prerequisites

Required courses

Analyse I, II and III. Linear algebra I and II Physics I, II, and III.

Recommended courses

Computational Physics I.

Important concepts to start the course

  • Linear algebra: Vector spaces, inner product spaces, linear operators, eigenvalue problems, matrix diagonalisation.
  • Analysis: basic theory of ODEs, vector calculus. Complex algebra and towards the end of the course, complex analysis.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the student must be able to:

  • Apply the methods presented in the course for solving (differential) equations met in various fields of physics.

Teaching methods

Ex cathedra lecture and assisted exercises in the classroom

Assessment methods

written exam

Resources

Bibliography

The main reference for the course is the book by Arfken:

G. B. Arfken, H. J. Weber, and F. E. Harris
"Mathematical Methods for Physicists, A Comprehensive Guide"
 7th edition, Academic Press 2013.
Hard copies and electronic version available through EPFL library.

Ressources en bibliothèque

Moodle Link

In the programs

  • Semester: Spring
  • Exam form: Written (summer session)
  • Subject examined: Mathematical methods for physicists
  • Lecture: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks
  • Exercises: 2 Hour(s) per week x 14 weeks

Reference week

 MoTuWeThFr
8-9     
9-10     
10-11     
11-12     
12-13     
13-14     
14-15     
15-16CO3    
16-17    
17-18CE1106
CE1105
    
18-19    
19-20     
20-21     
21-22     

Monday, 15h - 17h: Lecture CO3

Monday, 17h - 19h: Exercise, TP CE1106
CE1105