640-356 Theoretical Methods for Physics

Mathematics 620-231 or 620-233; and mathematics 620-232 or 620-234; physics 640-223 or 640-243, and physics 640-225 or 640-245.

This subject will provide students with:

• comprehension of how physics problems are formulated, analysed and solved using a wide range of theoretical methods;

• an ability to apply these methods to a wide range of physical situations; and

• a grounding in relevant theoretical methods for those with an experimental orientation.

This subject provides an introduction to:

• linear systems: time and frequency representation, natural modes of coupled systems, Fourier, Laplace, Mellin and Hankel transform techniques, stability and causality;

• symmetry in physical systems: group theory and physical applications - angular momentum, isospin, crystallography;

• potential theory for electrostatics, magnetostatics and gravitation in two and three dimensions: solution by functions of a complex variable, Bessel and Legendre functions, Green functions, integral equations; and

• waves and diffusion in one, two and three-dimensional continuous and discrete spaces: strings, lattices, drum skins, acoustics and heat conduction.

A 2.5-hour end-of-semester written examination, plus tests and/or assignments, set during the semester, which may account for up to 20% of the final mark.