PHZ3113 – Introduction to Theoretical Physics, Fall 2024

Fall 2024, course number PHZ3113-2916(16923)

Classes:

Time: M,W,F | Period 7 (1:55 PM – 2:45 PM) | 08/22 – 12/04
Classroom: NPB 1220

Instructor:

Prof. BingKan Xue

  • Email: b.xue@ufl.edu (communication about this course should be sent via Canvas)
  • Phone: 2-6973
  • Office: NPB 2328
  • Office Hours: Tuesday & Thursday, 4:05 – 4:55 PM

TA: to be announced

Objectives:

This course is designed to build the mathematical foundations for introductory theoretical physics, including classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and quantum mechanics.

Prerequisites:

MAC2313 (Calculus 3) and PHY2061 (Enriched Physics 2).

Textbooks:

We will use lecture notes specifically developed for this course at UF.
Other recommended references:
(1) Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering (3rd Ed.), K.F. Riley, M.P. Hobson, & S.J. Bence, Cambridge University Press (2006).
(2) Mathematical Methods for Physicists (5th Ed.), G.B. Arfken & H.J. Weber, Harcourt/Academic Press (2001).
(3) Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (3rd Ed.), M.L. Boas, Wiley (2005).

Schedule:

The topics covered in this course include: (the following weekly schedule is subject to adjustments)

Week 1-2
  • Variational calculus: Lagrangian, Euler-Lagrange equation, Hamilton’s equations
Week 3-4
  • Linear algebra: matrices, transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors
Week 5 First exam
Week 6-7
  • Vector analysis: vectors and vector fields, vector products, gradient, divergence, and curl, Gauss’s theorem, Stoke’s theorem
Week 8-9
  • Complex analysis: complex variables and functions, analytic functions, residue theorem and contour integral
Week 10 Second exam
Week 11-12
  • Functional analysis: vector spaces, linear operators, Hilbert space, Fourier transform
Week 13-14
  • Differential equations: ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, wave equation, Laplace’s equation, special functions

Assignments:

Each lecture comes with homework problems, which can be found in the lecture notes. Homework is due every Monday before class. Your answers can be handwritten or printed.

Grading:

The final grade will consist of both the homework assignments (40%) and three exams (20% each).

  • There will be about 12 homework assignments. Late submission will not be graded.
  • There will be a few extra credit assignments. Credits will be added to the homework total (capped at 40%).
  • Mid-term exam 1: approx. in the week of Sep 23 (in class).
  • Mid-term exam 2: approx. in the week of Nov 4 (in class).
  • Final exam: Thursday Dec 12, 3:00 – 4:20 PM (in the usual classroom).

Attendance at all class meetings is expected. A student who seeks a makeup for missed work should contact the instructor as soon as practical and be prepared to document any excuse. See detailed policies below.

COVID-19 policy:

In response to COVID-19, the following recommendations are in place to maintain your learning environment, to enhance the safety of our in-classroom interactions, and to further the health and safety of ourselves, our neighbors, and our loved ones.

  • If you are not vaccinated, get vaccinated. Vaccines are readily available and have been demonstrated to be safe and effective against the COVID-19 virus. Visit one.uf for screening / testing and vaccination opportunities.
  • If you are sick, stay home. Please call your primary care provider if you are ill and need immediate care or the UF Student Health Care Center at 352-392-1161 to be evaluated.
  • As with any excused absence, you will be given a reasonable amount of time to make up missed work.

Diversity and Inclusion:

We recognize the value in diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of this course. This includes, but is not limited to differences in race, ethnicity, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, socioeconomic status, religion and disability. Students have opportunities to work together in this course. We expect respectful student collaborations such as attentive listening and responding to the contributions of all teammates. Our aim is to foster an atmosphere of learning that is based on inclusion, transparency and respect for all participants.

Evaluation:

Students are expected to provide professional and respectful feedback on the quality of instruction in this course by completing course evaluations online via GatorEvals. Guidance on how to give feedback in a professional and respectful manner is available at:
https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/students/
Students will be notified when the evaluation period opens, and can complete evaluations through the email they receive from GatorEvals, in their Canvas course menu under GatorEvals, or via ufl.bluera.com/ufl/. Summaries of course evaluation results are available to students at:
https://gatorevals.aa.ufl.edu/public-results/

Policies:

Requirements for class attendance and make-up exams, assignments, and other work in this course are consistent with university policies that can be found at:
https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/attendance-policies/

Students with disabilities who experience learning barriers and would like to request academic accommodations should connect with the disability Resource Center by visiting:
https://disability.ufl.edu/students/get-started/
It is important for students to share their accommodation letter with their instructor and discuss their access needs, as early as possible in the semester.

Information on current UF grading policies for assigning grade points may be found at:
https://catalog.ufl.edu/UGRD/academic-regulations/grades-grading-policies/

All students must maintain academic honesty and professional behavior according to the Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code:
https://sccr.dso.ufl.edu/policies/student-honor-code-student-conduct-code/