PHYS 303

I. Course Title: Mathematical Methods in Physics

II. Course Number: PHYS 303

III. Credit Hours: 3 credits

IV. Prerequisites: PHYS 221/222; MATH 172

V. Course Description: 

Expanding on the skills already learned in previous mathematics courses, students will learn specific physics-related math skills through direct application to relevant physical situations.  The course will provide a preview to those specific applications and provide students the specific mathematical skills necessary to succeed in the upper-level required physics courses.   

VI. Detailed Description of Content of the Course:

This course will focus on mathematical techniques and their direct correspondence to physics-specific problems. The goal of this course is to provide introduction, practice, and preparation for mathematical methods that will be used in intermediate and advanced physics courses.

VI. Detailed Description of Conduct of Course:

Students will complete pre-lecture exercises which they will maintain in a personal workbook.  A random selection of students will have this work checked before lecture begins as part of the overall grade.  In class activities will focus on applications of the current material to problems students will encounter in the intermediate and advanced physics courses.  Weekly homework will be collected.  There will be multiple midterm exams as well as a comprehensive final exam.

VII. Goals and Objectives of the Course:

The goal of this class is to increase students’ ability to use appropriate mathematical techniques to physics problems.  After completing this course, students will be able to:

1. Solve ordinary differential equations;
2. Understand how to use complex number methods in physics problems, and 
3. Use vector calculus as it applies to physics.

VIII. Assessment Measures:

Grades will be based on a combination of pre-lecture preparation, homework, and exams.  

Review and Approval

August 2020