Module Details

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title MATHEMATICS FOR PHYSICISTS IV
Code PHYS208
Coordinator Professor M Klein
Physics
Max.Klein@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2020-21 Level 5 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Aims

To reinforce students' prior knowledge of mathematical techniques; to introduce new mathematical techniques for physics modules; to enhance students' problem-solving abilities through structured application of these techniques in physics.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) To have the knowledge of a range of advanced mathematical techniques necessary for physics and astrophysics programmes.

(LO2) To be able to apply these mathematical techniques in a range of physics and astrophysics programmes.

(S1) Numeracy/computational skills.

(S2) Problem solving.


Syllabus

 

Vector spaces: axioms and basic definitions; scalar product, norm, orthogonal expansions, and metrics Basic elements of Group Theory .

Special relativity: Four Vectors and Lorentz transformations; connection between Electrodynamics and Special Relativity; Kinematics Ordinary Differential equations: recapitulation of basic solving strategies, introduction into techniques for numerical solution (- may be shortened or dismissed this year to reduce the load)

Partial differential equations: characteristics; separation of variables Advanced statistical methods: Basics of data analysis and probability distributions; parameter estimation with Maximum Likelihood and Least Squares.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

Teaching Method 1 - Lecture
Description:
Teaching Method 2 - Seminar
Description:
Teaching Method 3 - Other
Description:

The module will be delivered remotely in 2021. Asynchronous learning materials (notes/videos/exercises etc) will be made available to students through the VLE. The module will have regular synchronous sessions in active learning mode.
We are planning no changes to module content compared to previous years, and expect students to spend a similar amount of time-on-task compared to previous years. These changes will mainly constitute a rebalancing of hours from scheduled directed learning hours to unscheduled directed learning hours as students will have some flexibility as to when they access asynchronous materials.


Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 24

24

      3

51
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 99
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
time-controlled online examination  2 hours on task    60       
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Homework One set of homework problems Standard UoL penalty applies for late submission. This is not an anonymous assessment. Assessment Schedule (When) :2      40       

Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.