Undergraduate Course: Linear Algebra and Several Variable Calculus (PHYS08042)
Course Outline
| School | School of Physics and Astronomy |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 10 |
ECTS Credits | 5 |
| Summary | This course is designed for pre-honours physics students continuing from PH1. It covers linear algebra and multivariate calculus, which are used to describe concepts in physics. The course consists of lectures to present new material, and workshops to develop understanding, familiarity and fluency. |
| Course description |
- Vectors. Basic vector algebra. (1)
- Dot and cross products. Triple products. (3)
- Linear independence. Expansion in a basis. Change of basis. (1)
- Matrices. Matrix algebra. Orthogonal transformations. (3)
- Determinant, rank and inverse. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Matrix diagonalisation(4)
- Complex vectors. Hermitian and unitary matrices. (2)
- Taylor expansions. Maxima, minima and saddle points (1)
- Partial derivatives. Chain rule. Change of variables. Spherical and cylindrical polar coordinates. (3)
- Multivariate integration. (2)
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Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2020/21, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Semester 1 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
100
(
Lecture Hours 20,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 20,
Summative Assessment Hours 2,
Revision Session Hours 2,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 2,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
54 )
|
| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
80 %,
Coursework
20 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
20% Coursework
80% Examination |
| Feedback |
Not entered |
| Exam Information |
| Exam Diet |
Paper Name |
Hours & Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S1 (December) | | 1:45 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | | 1:45 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Show fluency and confidence in linear algebra and several variable calculus, as they apply to physical problems
- Present a solution to a physics problem in a clear and logical written form
- Assess whether a solution to a given problem is physically reasonable
- Locate and use additional sources of information (to include discussion with peers and use of computer algebra packages where appropriate) to facilitate independent problem-solving
- Take responsibility for learning by attending lectures and workshops, and completing coursework
|
Reading List
Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering
AUTHORS: K.F. Riley, M.P. Hobson & S.J. Bence
ISBN: 9780521679718 |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | LASVC |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Philip Clark
Tel: (0131 6)50 5231
Email: P.Clark@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Grace Wilson
Tel: (0131 6)50 5310
Email: Grace.Wilson@ed.ac.uk |
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