Undergraduate Course: Mathematics for Physics 2 (PHYS08036)
Course Outline
| School | School of Physics and Astronomy |
College | College of Science and Engineering |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 8 (Year 1 Undergraduate) |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | This course is designed for pre-honours physics students, primarily to further develop their mathematical and problem-solving skills in the context of linear algebra and differential equations, with an emphasis on physics applications. The aim is to equip students with a range of concepts, tools and techniques, and to help them apply these in solving physics problems. This is achieved primarily via guided problem-solving workshops and tutorials, supported by lectures.
|
| Course description |
The focus of this course is on linear algebra, differential equations, and the application of these topics to physics problems, primarily in the context of classical mechanics and electromagnetism. A more detailed syllabus is as follows:
1. Vector Algebra (addition, subtraction, scalar and cross product)
2. Simultaneous Linear Equations
3. Matrix Algebra and Determinants
4. Coordinate Systems (planar polar, spherical, normal/tangential)
5. Differentiating and Integrating Vectors
6. First Order Ordinary Differential Equations
7. Applications on simple Statics and Dynamics problems
8. Second Order Ordinary Differential Equations
9. Harmonic Oscillator
10. Stable and Unstable Equilibrium
|
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2025/26, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: 372 |
| Course Start |
Semester 2 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Lecture Hours 22,
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 44,
Feedback/Feedforward Hours 3,
Formative Assessment Hours 12,
Summative Assessment Hours 5,
Revision Session Hours 6,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
104 )
|
| 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 |
Minutes |
|
| Main Exam Diet S2 (April/May) | Mathematics for Physics 2 | 180 | | | Resit Exam Diet (August) | Mathematics for Physics 2 | 180 | |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course it is intended that student will
- Demonstrate understanding and work with differential equations: linear first order, ordinary second order, simultaneous linear DE, the harmonic oscillator, stable and unstable equilibrium.
- Demonstrate understanding and work with vectors and matrices: basic vector and matrix algebra, determinants, inverses, statics, friction, systems of forces, moments, resolving forces into components, Coulomb electrostatics.
- Demonstrate understanding and work with time dependent vectors: velocity and acceleration, Newtonian dynamics, pulleys and springs, energy conservation, work, angular momentum, torque.
- Demonstrate understanding and work with curvilinear motion: tangents, cartesian and polar coordinates, dynamics in polar co-ordinates, circular motion, projectiles.
|
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
Not entered |
| Keywords | MfP2 |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Mr Ciprian Pruteanu
Tel:
Email: cip.pruteanu@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Ms Lucy Davis-Jenkins
Tel:
Email: ldavisj@ed.ac.uk |
|
|
University Homepage