| Unit name | Mathematical Physics 202 |
|---|---|
| Unit code | PHYS23020 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Professor. Leinhardt |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
PHYS10009 or related mathematical units |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
PHYS20040 From Classical to Modern Physics |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
Maths units |
| School/department | School of Physics |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science |
Why is this unit important?
Mathematics remains the language by which we describe and explore the physical world, and underpins all of our scientific predictions and discoveries. As a core element of the physics degree, it is used continuously throughout your studies and this unit will continue the development of your mathematical skill in exploring and understanding real-world problems, as well as using the maths as a fundamental tool within quantum physics.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
We will advance the topics from your first year of study and extending your understanding of calculus into solutions of multivariate problems over surfaces, volumes, and in vector space. We will cover the principles of linear algebra and its application in greatly simplifying problems in physics, and we will cover the principles of Fourier analysis, including series and transforms – a key tool in the hands of a physical scientist in data acquisition and analysis.
An overview of content
You will continue your mathematical learning to underpin your physics understanding. As in your first year of study, the concepts will be introduced in a physics context to help recognise their utility. You will learn fundamental mathematical tools including:
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will strengthen your understanding of the inherent links between the physical and mathematical worlds, learning more advanced mathematical tools to more efficiently solve problems in physics. You will be able to act alongside physicists in your fluency in understanding physical problems through mathematical descriptions.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this unit, you will be able to:
The unit is organised through our on-line learning environment (OLE). This is where you will find information about the unit, lecture notes, recordings of lectures and live sessions, and other learning resources.
Teaching activities will be delivered face-to-face (barring intervention from exceptional events), and it is an expectation that you engage with these activities. Learning activities will be split across in-class activities (lectures, problems classes) and those around your own private study (for example, textbook references etc.).
The unit will consist of around 30 hours of content delivery with 10 hours of problems support. Along with this time there is an expectation of personal study in line with the University statement on student workloads.
Some sessions may require preparation beforehand (e.g. reading a textbook chapter or journal article or similar); where these materials are provided, you should aim to spend around one hour of preparation time for one hour of face-to-face teaching. This will allow you to make the most of class discussions and activities.
Problem classes will have emphasis on problem-based learning, where you will be able to discuss the problems with others in a group.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
You will also have regular problems classes, allowing you to ask questions of the facilitator to help you quantify your own understanding and that of others, and to gain verbal feedback on your problem solving skills.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
You will complete two pieces of assessed coursework, one covering each component of the unit. Each coursework will contribute 10% of the unit mark for a total contribution of 20%. (ILOs 1-5)
You will sit an examination in the Winter assessment period covering all learning objectives, which will contribute the remaining 80% of the unit mark.
Assessment breakdown
When assessment does not go to plan
Supplementary or re-sit assessment will consist of a combination of online tests (20% of the unit mark) and a written examination (80% of the unit mark).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
Assessments required for credit
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHYS23020).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
