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Methods of Mathematical Physics (MAST30031)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5Dual-Delivery (Parkville)
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About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
- Dates and times
- Further information
- Timetable(opens in new window)
Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 - Dual-Delivery |
---|---|
Fees | Look up fees |
This subject gives an example-oriented overview of various advanced topics that are important for mathematical physics and physics students, as well as being of interest to students of pure and applied mathematics. These topics include:
- Further differential equations: Bessel functions, Legendre polynomials, spherical harmonics and applications such as the Laplace/Schrodinger equation in polar/spherical coordinates;
- Further vector calculus: Differential forms, integration, Stokes’ theorem and applications such as Maxwell’s equations, charge conservation and Dirac monopoles;
- Hilbert spaces: L2 spaces, bounded and unbounded operators, normalisable and non-normalisable eigenfunctions, distributions and applications to quantum theory;
- Group theory: Lie groups and algebras, representations and applications such as quantum spin and particle physics.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students should be able to:
- Communicate the importance of advanced mathematical structures in conceptual and computational approaches to mathematical physics;
- Recognise that special functions naturally arise when solving physically important partial differential equations in curvilinear coordinates;
- Argue how the language of differential forms both simplifies and greatly enhances the scope of multivariable calculus and its applications in physics;
- Analyze topological concepts through the use of examples of physical phenomena;
- Articulate how the eigentheory of Hilbert space operators underlies the modern approach to quantum physics;
- Model symmetries of physical systems using basic examples of groups and Lie algebras.
Generic skills
In addition to skills that are useful in careers in science, engineering, commerce and education, students will develop useful generic skills that include:
- The problem-solving skills of identifying strategies to solve unfamiliar problems;
- The analytic skills of constructing and expressing logical arguments, and of working in abstract, general terms to clarify and improve available solutions;
- The time-management skills of meeting regular deadlines while balancing competing commitments.
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville) |
12.5 |
MAST30029 Partial Differential Equations (prior to 2014)
AND
Note: the following subject/s can also be taken concurrently (at the same time)
Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
---|---|---|---|
MAST30021 | Complex Analysis |
Semester 1 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
Semester 2 (Dual-Delivery - Parkville)
|
12.5 |
Corequisites
None
Non-allowed subjects
None
Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)
The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.
Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Assessment
Description | Timing | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Three written assignments of up to 60 pages due at regular intervals
| During the teaching period | 30% |
Written exam
| During the examination period | 70% |
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Thomas Quella Mode of delivery Dual-Delivery (Parkville) Contact hours 36 one-hour lectures (three per week); 12 one-hour practice classes (one per week) Total time commitment 170 hours Teaching period 25 July 2022 to 23 October 2022 Last self-enrol date 5 August 2022 Census date 31 August 2022 Last date to withdraw without fail 23 September 2022 Assessment period ends 18 November 2022 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
Last updated: 31 January 2024
Further information
- Texts
Prescribed texts
There are no specifically prescribed or recommended texts for this subject.
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics specialisation Major Mathematical Physics Major Applied Mathematics - Available through the Community Access Program
About the Community Access Program (CAP)
This subject is available through the Community Access Program (also called Single Subject Studies) which allows you to enrol in single subjects offered by the University of Melbourne, without the commitment required to complete a whole degree.
Entry requirements including prerequisites may apply. Please refer to the CAP applications page for further information.
- Available to Study Abroad and/or Study Exchange Students
This subject is available to students studying at the University from eligible overseas institutions on exchange and study abroad. Students are required to satisfy any listed requirements, such as pre- and co-requisites, for enrolment in the subject.
Last updated: 31 January 2024