PVB202 Mathematical Methods in Physics
To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.
| Unit code: | PVB202 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | ((PVB101 or EGB113) and (MXB100 or MZB125)) or (PVB103 and admission to ST20) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Maths C or MAB120 or equivalent is assumed knowledge. |
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Timetable | Details in HiQ, if available |
| Availabilities |
|
| CSP student contribution | $1,118 |
| Domestic tuition unit fee | $4,680 |
| International unit fee | $5,244 |
Unit Outline: Semester 1 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB202 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | ((PVB101 or EGB113) and (MXB100 or MZB125)) or (PVB103 and admission to ST20) |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Maths C or MAB120 or equivalent is assumed knowledge. |
| Coordinator: | Dongchen Qi | dongchen.qi@qut.edu.au |
Overview
Strong mathematical skills are important attributes of any physicist, whether working in research or industry, experimental or theoretical. This unit is designed to provide the key mathematical methods to solve physical problems. It builds on MXB100 and first year.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Competently communicate mathematical concepts for physical applications, both orally and in written form.
- Recognise, interpret and solve physics problems using linear systems, vectors and differential equations.
- Apply critical thinking to reduce complex problems to smaller elements and mathematical models.
- Appropriately apply mathematical techniques to solve physics problems of increasing complexity.
Content
Topics include:
Vectors, algebra of vectors, geometric interpretation. Linear combinations, span, basis. Dot and cross products of vectors, angles and orthogonality. Transformation of coordinates, vectors and matrix approach in physics. Determinants and inverse matrices. Linear systems, substitution, elimination. Mechanics of a system of particles, rigid bodies, inertia momentum. Change of basis, orthogonal and orthonormal bases. Eigenvalues, eigenvectors, diagonalisation. Linear oscillators and systems of linear oscillators. Transformation of coordinates in rotating and accelerating frames. Constraints, D'Alambert principle and introduction to Lagrange's equations.
Where appropriate relevant mathematical software will be introduced to support and illustrate concepts covered in the content of this unit.
The theory will be applied to find solutions to physics problems.
Learning Approaches
You are expected to undertake lectures in which the mathematical and related physical principles and concepts will be introduced and the associated skills will be demonstrated and discussed. Lecture recordings will be made available online each week as well as the online workshop content.
Lectures: approximately 2hrs per week
Workshops/tutorials (online) : 2hrs per week.
Feedback on Learning and Assessment
You will be given feedback on your progress throughout the unit through the following mechanisms:
Written comments on problem solving tasks
Immediate feedback on quizzes with progressive posting of quiz results via Canvas and in class discussion of difficult problems or questions
Peer and tutor feedback in workshops
Informal interview on request as required
Assessment
Overview
Assessment items submitted after the due date without an approved extension will not be marked and will receive a grade of 1 or 0%. If special circumstances prevent you from meeting the assessment due date, you can apply for an extension http://www.student.qut.edu.au/studying/assessment/extension. If you don't have an approved extension you should submit the work you have done by the due date and it will be marked against the assessment criteria. QUT's assessment submission requirements reflect the expectations of professional practice where you will need to meet deadlines.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task (Math)
Problems solving tasks will assess your understanding and application of the mathematical principles introduced during the lectures.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Problem Solving Task (Physics)
Problems solving tasks will assess your understanding and application of the physics principles introduced during the Physics Workshops.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination (written)
Short and long answer written examination.
In the event that campus access is restricted at the time of the central examination period, an alternative which may be a Timed Online Assessment will be offered. Individual students who can demonstrate circumstances that prevent their attendance on campus will be provided with an alternative assessment approach.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.
Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.
You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.
Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.
Resources
The following are prescribed textbooks that cover the material in this unit:
Resource Materials
Prescribed text(s)
Elementary Linear Algebra, Applications Version, 12th Edition, Anton, Rorres & Kaul (Wiley)
Risk Assessment Statement
Attention will be drawn to relevant workplace health and safety issues in lectures and practicals. Laboratory safety rules will be published on the first year physics laboratory website. There are no other out of the ordinary risks associated with this unit.