Physics 515-F08: Mathematical Physics I


Instructor: R.W. Gothe - Phone: 777-9025 - Office: PSC 704d - Email: gothe@sc.edu

What? When? Where?
Lecture MWF 9:05-9:55 am PSC 115
Office Hours MWF 10:00- 10:30 am PSC 704d

Textbooks

Mathematical Methods for Physicists (Mandatory), Arfken and Weber, Academic Press, ISBN: 0-12-059825-6, 5th Edition (2001) or 6th Edition (2005).

Homework

8 to 10 homework assignments will be given on Mondays (with extra problems for graduate students). The deadline for submission is the following Monday. For homeworks, changes and updates goto Homework. Relevance: 100 points and 20% of your course score.

Reading Assignments and Quizzes

The chapters covered in class should be read prior to the lecture. 2 to 6 short quizzes will be given at any time. They are intended to help keep your reading up to date. Each quiz comprises questions of the recent lectures and the reading assignment. For reading assignments, changes and updates goto Homework. Your average quiz grade and your participation in class will count towards 20% of your course score.

Test

Two tests will be given on Mondays. The tests will comprise conceptual and problem solving questions. Relevance: Each 100 points and 25% of your course score.
Dates: 9/22, Monday; 10/24, Friday.

Presentation

Oral presentations of your reading assignments during the lectures (two for graduate and one for undergraduate students). Relevance: 10% of your course score.

Final Exam

The final exam is comprehensive and will include all material covered during the semester. All students must take the final exam. Relevance: 100 points and 25% of your course score.
Dates: 9:00 am, 12/13, Saturday.

Grading Formula

Course Score = 0.2*H+0.2*RQ+0.25*(T1+T2)/2+0.1*P+0.25*F

Lecture attendance is mandatory. Unexcused absence is not allowed. They will automatically reduce your course score.


R.W. Gothe, Email: gothe@sc.edu
or visit me in my office PSC 704d.