PHYS 3260

Mathematical Physics
Spring 2020

Professor Nikolaos Kidonakis
Office: SC 437
Phone: (470) 578-6607
email: nkidonak@kennesaw.edu
Web: http://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/nkidonak

Lectures: TTH 9:30-10:45am, Academic Bldg 250

Office hours: After the lectures

Textbook: Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering, third
edition, by Riley, Hobson, Bence

Catalog course description
PHYS 3260: Mathematical Physics 3-0-3
Prerequisite: Grade of "C" or better in MATH 2202, and PHYS 2212
This course students will review mathematical techniques that are
often used in upper-level physics courses. Students will learn to
apply linear algebra, differential equations, vector calculus, Fourier
series, Fourier transforms, Bessel functions, Legendre polynomials,
and complex analysis to solve problems in physics.

Course content
PHYS 3260 is a course on mathematical methods in physics.
The course will cover partial derivatives, matrices, eigenvalues and
eigenvectors, vector calculus, Fourier series, Fourier and Laplace
transforms, the Dirac delta function, differential equations, special
functions, quantum operators, calculus of variations, and complex
analysis.

Learning outcomes
1. Use partial derivatives to solve physics problems.
2. Apply eigenvalues and eigenvectors to various physics topics.
3. Apply Fourier and Laplace transforms to selected physics problems.
4. Analyze and apply quantum operators to problems in quantum
mechanics.
5. Use complex integration to solve a variety of problems.

Grading

Homework 15%
Tests 60% (3 tests, 20% each)
Final Exam 25%

Grades: A >90%; B 80%-90%; C 70%-80%; D 60%-70%; F <60%

Withdrawal
Last day to withdraw without academic penalty is February 26.

Tentative Schedule

Jan 7-9
Partial derivatives
Chapter 5: Sects. 5.1-5.8, 5.11
Homework: Chapter 5: Problems 5.1, 5.3, 5.6, 5.10, 5.11, 5.25

Jan 14-16
Matrices and vector spaces
Chapter 7: Sects. 7.6
Chapter 8: Sects. 8.1-8.12
Homework: Chapter 7: Problem 7.8
Chapter 8: Problems 8.2(b), 8.4, 8.7(a,b), 8.10

Jan 21-23
Eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Chapter 8: Sects. 8.13-8.16
Homework: Chapter 8: Problems 8.15, 8.16, 8.21

Jan 28-30
Test 1; Vector calculus 
Test 1 is on Tuesday, Jan 28
Chapter 10: Sects. 10.1-10.2, 10.7-10.9
Homework: Chapter 10: Problems 10.13, 10.15, 10.19

Feb 4-6
Fourier series
Chapter 12: Sects.12.1-12.7
Homework: Chapter 12: Problems 12.5, 12.9, 12.18, 12.21

Feb 11-13
Fourier and Laplace transforms; Dirac delta function
Chapter 13: Sects. 13.1-13.3
Homework: Chapter 13: Problems 13.1, 13.3, 13.16, 13.21, 13.22(a), 13.23(a,b)

Feb 18-20
Test 2; Differential equations
Test 2 is on Tuesday, Feb 18
Chapter 14: Sects 14.1-14.3
Homework: Chapter 14: Problems 14.1, 14.2, 14.3(a,b), 14.8, 14.21

Feb 25-27
Legendre and Bessel functions; spherical harmonics
Chapter 18: Sects. 18.1-18.6
Homework: Chapter 18: Problems 18.1, 18.2, 18.4, 18.6, 18.10

March 3-5
Laguerre and Hermite polynomials; Gamma and hypergeometric functions
Chapter 18: Sects. 18.7-18.12
Homework: Chapter 18: Problems 18.5, 18.7(b), 18.8, 18.11(a,b), 18.12, 18.14, 18.20

March 10-12
Quantum operators
Chapter 19: Sects. 19.1-19.2
Homework: Chapter 19: Problems 19.1, 19.3, 19.4, 19.7

March 19-online instruction begins
Partial differential equations
Chapter 20: Sects. 20.1-20.4
Chapter 21: Sects. 21.1
Homework: Chapter 20: Problems 20.3(a), 20.4(a), 20.7, 20.10(a)
Chapter 21: Problem 21.4

March 24-26
Test 3 take-home; Complex variables
Chapter 24: Sects. 24.1-24.7
Homework: Chapter 24: Problems 24.1, 24.3(a), 24.5(a,b), 24.6(a,c)

March 31- April 2
Spring break; no classes

April 7-9
Complex integration
Chapter 24: Sects. 24.8-24.13
Homework: Chapter 24: Problems 24.10, 24.15, 24.21

April 14-16
Calculus of variations
Chapter 22: Sects. 22.1-22.5
Homework: Chapter 22: Problems 22.4, 22.5, 22.6, 22.15

April 21-23
Dirac equation and spinors; Gauge theory
Homework: Problems in course handout 

Final Exam take-home Thursday, April 30, 10:30am-12:30pm

Exams Policy
Please note that any mobile device that transmits a signal is not permitted to be used in an exam. All mobile devices should be deactivated during exams. Final exam make-up is only for documented and excused emergencies or for scheduling conflicts with other final exams.

Academic Integrity
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. The Student Code of Conduct addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University records or academic work, malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established procedures of the University.

Attendance & Participation
Students are expected to attend all lectures, take all tests and exams, and complete all homework assignments.

Other Policies
See the Student Handbook for other policies.

Inclement Weather
For the official status of the university check the KSU website http://www.kennesaw.edu