Undergraduate Course: MP2A: Vectors, Tensors and Fields (PHYS08032)
This course will be closed from 31 July 2011
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 8 (Year 2 Undergraduate) |
Credits | 10 |
| Home subject area | Undergraduate (School of Physics and Astronomy) |
Other subject area | None |
| Course website |
None |
Taught in Gaelic? | No |
| 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. |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| Displayed in Visiting Students Prospectus? | Yes |
Course Delivery Information
| Not being delivered |
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% |
Special Arrangements
| None |
Additional Information
| Academic description |
Not entered |
| Syllabus |
Not entered |
| Transferable skills |
Not entered |
| Reading list |
Not entered |
| Study Abroad |
Not entered |
| Study Pattern |
Not entered |
| Keywords | MP2A |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Brian Pendleton
Tel: (0131 6)50 5241
Email: |
Course secretary | Miss Leanne O'Donnell
Tel: (0131 6)50 7218
Email: |
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