Undergraduate Course: MP2A: Vectors, Tensors and Fields (PHYS08032)
Course Outline
School |
School of Physics and Astronomy |
College |
College of Science and Engineering |
Course type |
Standard |
Availability |
Available to all students |
Credit level (Normal year taken) |
SCQF Level 08 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Credits |
10 |
Home subject area |
Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy) |
Other subject area |
None |
Course website |
None |
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Course description |
Provides an introduction to Mathematical Physics and training in the associated concepts and calculational skills. Essential mathematical techniques are developed and deployed to construct physical theories and derive solutions to physical problems, thus integrating Mathematics and Physics. The content includes vectors and bases; tensors, eigenvectors and physical applications; scalar and vector fields; vector calculus and applications; potential theory. |
Course Delivery Information
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Delivery period: 2010/11 Semester 2, Available to all students (SV1)
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WebCT enabled: No |
Quota: 0 |
Location |
Activity |
Description |
Weeks |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
No Classes have been defined for this Course |
First Class |
First class information not currently available |
Additional information |
Workshops two hours per week. |
Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes
1)understand vector spaces,linear independence,dimensionality,basis vectors, vector products and their physical significance
2)fluency in suffix notation,summation convention,Kronecker delta,Levi-Civita symbols
3)state transformation properties of scalars, vectors & tensors under change of basis
4)define Cartesian tensors of arbitrary rank; and give physical examples, such as the projection tensor
5)compute inertia tensor of systems of point masses,solid bodies
6)understand eigenvalues,eigenvectors;compute principal moments of inertia & axes
7)diagonalise symmetric 2nd-rank tensors;understand degeneracy & relation to symmetry
8)understand vector & scalar fields,level surfaces,flow lines
9)define gradient,directional derivative,div,curl,Laplacian
10)derive and use vector operator identities
11)define and compute line,surface and volume integrals; state and use the divergence and Stokes' theorems
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Assessment Information
Degree Examination, 85%
Coursework, 15% |
Please see Visiting Student Prospectus website for Visiting Student Assessment information |
Special Arrangements
Not entered |
Contacts
Course organiser |
Dr Brian Pendleton
Tel: (0131 6)50 5241
Email: b.pendleton@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary |
Mrs Linda Grieve
Tel: (0131 6)50 5254
Email: linda.grieve@ed.ac.uk |
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copyright 2010 The University of Edinburgh -
1 September 2010 6:34 am
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