Duke Physics Course PHY 230
Physics 230 - Mathematical Methods in Physics
Instructor
Richard G. Palmer, Professor of Physics
Content
Mainly complex analysis, Fourier transforms, and ordinary differential
equations. Includes integration techniques, gamma functions,
elliptic integrals, infinite series, asymptotic series, analytic
functions, contour integration, residue calculus, saddle point
techniques, Fourier series and transforms, delta functions, Laplace
transforms, exact and series solutions of ODEs, Wronskians, orthogonal
functions, and probability distributions.
Audience and Prerequisites
Physics majors and graduate students. Requires
Math 111 or consent
of instructor.
Textbooks and Other Readings
Mathematical Methods for Physicists, by Arfken (3rd Ed.).
Mathematica, Wolfram.
Examinations
Two two-hour tests and a final take-home exam.
Other Graded Material
Regular homework assignments, some involving use of Mathematica.
Grade Calculation
Tests 15% each, final 25%, homework 45%.
Other Information
Involves considerable use of Mathematica.
Further Information About PHY 230
Prepared for Fall 1995