Methods of Mathematical Physics (MAST30031)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
Overview
| Availability | Semester 2 |
|---|---|
| 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: 19 March 2025
Eligibility and requirements
Prerequisites
One of
| Code | Name | Teaching period | Credit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAST20030 | Differential Equations | Semester 2 (On Campus - 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 2 (On Campus - Parkville)
Semester 1 (On Campus - 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: 19 March 2025
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: 19 March 2025
Dates & times
- Semester 2
Coordinator Thomas Quella Mode of delivery On Campus (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 22 July 2024 to 20 October 2024 Last self-enrol date 2 August 2024 Census date 2 September 2024 Last date to withdraw without fail 20 September 2024 Assessment period ends 15 November 2024 Semester 2 contact information
Time commitment details
170 hours
What do these dates mean
Visit this webpage to find out about these key dates, including how they impact on:
- Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
- And for Commonwealth Supported students, your:
- Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.
Last updated: 19 March 2025
Further information
- Texts
- Related Handbook entries
This subject contributes to the following:
Type Name Major Applied Mathematics Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics Major Mathematical Physics Informal specialisation Science Discipline subjects - new generation B-SCI Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics Informal specialisation Applied Mathematics specialisation - 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.
Please note Single Subject Studies via Community Access Program is not available to student visa holders or applicants
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
Last updated: 19 March 2025