PVB200 Computational and Mathematical 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: | PVB200 |
|---|---|
| Prerequisite(s): | MXB100 or MZB125 |
| Antirequisite(s): | MXB105 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Math C 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 2 2024, Gardens Point, Internal
| Unit code: | PVB200 |
|---|---|
| Credit points: | 12 |
| Pre-requisite: | MXB100 or MZB125 |
| Assumed Knowledge: | Math C is assumed knowledge |
| Anti-requisite: | MXB105 |
| Coordinator: | Aijun Du | aijun.du@qut.edu.au |
Overview
This is a foundational physics unit designing to provide strong mathematical knowledge and skills required by a physicist and demonstrate the application of computational methods to solve problems in physics. It builds on prior maths study in Maths C or equivalent and teaches tactics in MATLAB programming, numerical methods and the implementation. The strong computational skills are important attributes of any physicist, whether working in research or industry, experimental or theoretical. This is an introductory unit and the knowledge and skills developed in this unit are relevant to physics, chemistry or some engineering majors. PVB302 Classical and Quantum Physics needs the mathematical knowledge and computational skills from this unit to understand the complex quantum world.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:
- Recognise, construct and solve mathematical and computational problems, in both abstract and real world contexts.
- Create mathematical programs to predict motion of objects in two and three dimensions.
- Demonstrate your problem solving skills by applying your new mathematical tools to real world problems in physics.
- Demonstrate competency in elementary mathematical communication
Content
1. Differentiation and approximations. Taylor and Maclaurin series. Techniques of integration. Functions of several variables, limits, partial derivatives, gradient. Double and triple integrals.
2.Vector calculus: vector and scalar fields, conservative fields, line integrals, surfaces and surface integrals, oriented surfaces and flux integrals, gradient, divergence and curl.
3. Various classes of differential equations will be discussed and appropriate solution methods described. Differential equations that may be classified as 1st order linear or non-linear, and 2nd order linear with constant coefficient. Applications to physics problems.
4.Fourier Series and complex functions
5.Computational problem solving with high level programming languages: variables, arrays, functions, plotting and visualising data, conditional statements, loops, mathematical operators, reading/writing data.
Learning Approaches
Lectures: Approximately 2 hours per week
Tutorials/Workshops: 3 hr/wk
The lectures will guide you through the unit and describe and illustrate the key concepts using real examples, practical demonstrations and visual aids.
Tutorials/workshops will operate in computer laboratories and will be closely linked to the lecture material, enabling you to apply the theory that you have learned in lectures.
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 and practical reports according to criteria
Instant feedback on calculation based problem solving exercises(online) with in class discussion of difficult problems or questions
Peer and teacher feedback in workshops and practicals
Individual or group consultation on request.
Assessment
Overview
The assessment in this unit will allow you to demonstrate your understanding and application of the topics covered. It includes an individual workbook (for collaborative lab work), an in-class demonstration and a final exam.
Unit Grading Scheme
7- point scale
Assessment Tasks
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
You will complete a series of problem solving tasks based on the mathematical component of the unit.
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
Assessment: Examination (written)
Final exam
Assessment: Problem Solving Task
Computational problem solving
You will complete a report based on the computational problem solving exercises and Modelling/simulation tasks initiated during practicals
This is an assignment for the purposes of an extension.
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
George B. Arfken and Hans J. Weber. Mathematical methods for physicists. Academic Press Inc., San Diego, CA
P. DeVries & J. Hasbun, A First Course in Computational Physics, Jones and Bartlett Publishers
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.