AEP 4210: Mathematical Physics I Fall, 2016

MTWR 12:20-1:10
PHS 120

Instructor:

TA:

Tom Stiadle
tas16@cornell.edu
cell 315-406-6672

Office Hours: M 1:30-2pm

T 1:30-4pm
R 1:30-2:30pm
or by appointment
Clark 230

Phillip Dang
pd382@cornell.edu

Office Hours: TBD

Text: Kusse and Westwig. Mathematical physics: Applied mathematics for scientists and engineers,
1st or 2nd ed.

Prerequisite: MATH 2930. MATH 2940 recommended.

Content: The course introduces many mathematical techniques useful for understanding concepts and
solving problems that arise in physics and engineering. We will cover a lot of ground in only one
semester. Thus there isn't a single "theme" that encompasses the entire class (other than the broad term
"mathematical physics"). However, the textbook is very well organized, so there's usually continuity
between topics. The material roughly breaks into these categories: review and extension of vector
calculus, complex analysis, and Fourier series, Fourier transforms, & Laplace transforms. By the end
of the course students will be familiar with the concepts and methods in Chapters 1-9 of the text, will
use the ideas to describe various physical phenomena, and will solve problems with the techniques.
Chapter 1: Vectors, matrices, and summation notationReview of basic vector and matrix operations,
expressed in convenient shorthand notation that will be used throughout the course.
Chapter 2: FieldsReview of scalar and vector fields, derivatives, integrals, and versions of the
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
Chapter 3: Curvilinear coordinatesDifferent coordinates are useful for different applications, but we
need to develop the correct formulations of derivatives and integrals for such geometry.
Chapter 4: TensorsHigher rank versions of vectors. Just as a vector has physical meaning,
independent of a particular basis, so a 2-tensor, which in a given basis may be represented by a matrix,
has physical meaning that doesn't depend on any specific basis. Tensors occur in mechanics, E & M,
engineering, relativity, and more.
Chapter 5: Dirac -functionsThese objects, which aren't true "functions," can represent densities for
point masses. But interestingly it's useful to explore their formal properties as though they are
functions. This turns out to be helpful for modeling other phenomena as well and so -functions
become important in their own right.
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Chapter 6: Complex variablesOne can view complex numbers as almost like real numbers because
we can add, subtract, multiply, and divide. On the other hand we can think of a complex number as a
2D vector. Multiplying a real number just changes scale, but complex multiplication also causes
rotation. These features make calculus with complex variables richer than ordinary "real" calculus. As
a result, we get deeper understanding of ordinary calculus and can compute real integrals better. More
importantly, complex analysis leads to its own applications in the rest of the course.
Chapter 7: Fourier seriesExpressing periodic signals in terms of sines and cosines or complex
exponentials so as, for example, to analyze the frequencies.
Chapter 8: Fourier transformsFourier "series" (actually integrals) for non-periodic functions. These
are good for analyzing signals to determine whether or not they are periodic. At first glance this may
seem silly, but in fact it's not always obvious. A Fourier transform makes it obvious and recovers the
corresponding Fourier series.
Chapter 9: Laplace transformsThese are modified & generalized versions of Fourier transforms.
They apply to a wider range of functions and thus have more applications.

Requirements: Homework, prelims, and the final will be assigned and contribute to your final grade.
While class attendance is not graded, lectures complement and enhance the material in the text.

Homework: There are written homework assignments usually consisting of problems from the text as
well as exercises developed by the instructor. In an advanced course such as this, homework problems
often require more thought than those in introductory classes. So you would be well advised to study
every day. Working in groups is encouraged, but it is important to acknowledge, in writing, with
whom you've worked and on which problems. Moreover, you need to write your own solutions to
each problem so as to demonstrate your understanding of the material and so that you benefit from the
process. Homework is due in class on Wednesdays.

Exams: There will be two evening prelims scheduled for October 4 and November 17, from 7:30 to
9pm. The final exam is scheduled for ?????, December ?????, from ???? to ????? pm.

Grades: The rough grading scheme is Homework 30%, Prelims 40%, Final 30%. There is some
room for flexibility, however.

Academic Integrity: "A Cornell student's submission of work for academic credit indicates that the
work is the student's own. All outside assistance should be acknowledged, and the student's academic
position truthfully reported at all times. In addition, Cornell students have a right to expect academic
integrity from each of their peers." [from the Cornell Code of Academic Integrity]
You may work on homework problems with others in the class. However, you must state with whom
you worked and on which exercises. Similarly, while you may consult other sources to help you learn
the material, you must write your own solutions and acknowledge such sources on your submitted
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papers. Exams, on the other hand, are to be done completely independently by each student; no
electronic devices or other aids are permitted.

Anxiety: If you are experiencing undue personal or academic stress at any time during the semester or
need to talk with someone about a personal problem or situation, I encourage you to seek support as
soon as possible. I am available to talk with you about stresses related to your work in my class.
Additionally, I can assist you in reaching out to any one of a wide range of campus resources,
including:
Your colleges Academic Advising or Student Services Office
Cornell Learning Strategies Center at 255-6310, http://lsc.sas.cornell.edu
Gannett Health Services at 255-5155, www.gannett.cornell.edu
Lets Talk Drop-In Consultation and Support www.gannett.cornell.edu/LetsTalk
Peer Support provided by Empathy Assistance and Referral Service at 255-EARS

Disabilities: Students with either an ongoing or short-term disability are encouraged to contact
Student Disability Services (SDS) for a confidential discussion of their need for academic
accommodations. SDS is located in 420 CCC building; phone number is 254-4545.

Holidays: The University attempts to avoid scheduling exams on religious holidays. If you have such
an obligation that overlaps an exam or class meeting, however, please let me know so that we can
make reasonable accommodations.

Philosophy: This is a mathematical physics course in which the School of Applied and Engineering
Physics hopes to expose you to a variety of really useful math. Thus, while we'd like you to know how
to compute, for instance, curl V with respect to a random coordinate system (or at least know how to
look it up and use it), we're also happy that you have a good sense of what curl V means. This helps in
at least two ways: in many situations you'll be able to calculate with simplified formulas, and you'll
know how to apply curl V to physical situations and to interpret it.