University of Zimbabwe
Department of Physics/ Mathematics
MATHEMATICAL METHODS FOR PHYSICS/
METEOROLOGY/ FORENSIC PHYSICS 2
Purpose of the course
1. This course is designed to cover Linear Algebra and Analysis for undergraduate Science and
Engineering students with some background of Mathematical Methods for Physics, Meteorol-
ogy and Forensic Physics 1.
2. This course, with its foundation from Part 1; aims at providing an extensive introduction to
Numerical Analysis techniques. A portion is dedicated to the areas including Fourier series,
Laplace transforms and Probability and Statistics.
3. Just as in the pre-requisite course, concepts are defined carefully and results stated precisely,
putting focus to real time applications of basic theories.
AIMS
• The aim of this course is to introduce gently the rigor of mathematical methods used in
Physics, Meteorology and Forensic Physics and provide a good background for applied math-
ematics to enable the student to use real time applications which solve real time problems.
• The student is expected to develop conceptual understanding and practical expertise in ap-
plying advanced mathematical techniques to a variety of Physics and Engineering related
problems.
1
Course Content
Linear Equations and Matrix Algebra.
1. Basic Introduction to liner equations in R and Rn .
2. Row and column vectors. The scalar product and matrix notation.
3. The determinant and application of row operations to solve linear equations.
4. Rank, linear dependence, inverse, transpose matrix and eigen values with their eigen vectors.
Numerical Analysis.
1. Finite an infinite algorithms. Introduction to the Taylor series and truncation errors.
2. Numerical methods to algebraic linear and non linear equations. (Bisection, Fixed Point,
N-R Method) with focus on order and comparisons in rate of convergence or divergence from
solution.
3. Polynomial interpolation. Error formulae, linear and cubic splines. Least squares curve fitting.
4. Numerical Integration. Trapezium Rule, Simpson’s Rule, Gauss quadrature.
5. Solutions to scalar ODEs with error and stability analysis.
6. Euler method (implicit and explicit). Midpoint rule, trapezoidal method, predictor-corrector
and explicit Runge-Kutta schemes.
Linear systems and PDEs
1. Fourier series for periodic functions- the Euler formulae. (full and half range series on [a,b] )
2. Fourier sine and cosine transforms.
3. Laplace transforms and their applications in solving ODEs.
4. Introduction to types and classifications of PDEs.
5. Linear equations and the superposition principle, boundary and initial conditions.
6. 1st order PDEs-solutions using transformation of variables.
7. 2nd order PDEs- wave motion, The heat, diffusion, Laplace and Helmholtz equations.
8. Propagating wave motion, the d’Alembert solution, separation of variables.
November 10, 2020
2
Fourier series and Laplace transforms
1. Application of F.S in a wide variety of such physical situations.
• Vibration of a string.
• The scattering of light by a diffracting grating .
• Transmission of an input signal by an electronic circuit.
2. Inverse Laplace transforms.
Probability and Statistics
Methods/Strategies to be used
1. Lecture method (Online and offline).
2. Group discussions and assignments.
3. Tests and tutorials.
Student Assessment
1. Students will write three tests.
2. The average of the tests will constitute the coursework mark where 25%
50 of the coursework
mark will contribute to the final mark.
3. A 2 hour final examination will be written in the 14th or 15th week of the semester.
4. The examination will contribute 75%
50 to the final mark.
5. The examination paper has two sections. Students answer ALL questions in section A and at
most TWO questions in section B.
3
Selected Resources(references)
Recommended reading
• Class Notes.
• M, R Spiegel Laplace transforms.
• M, R Spiegel Vector Spaces.
Additional reading
Any first year university Statistics, Numerical Analysis and Partial Differential Equations text book.
1
Do not judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, otherwise it would spend all its life believing it is stupid——
Albert Einstein
