Unit information: Methods of Theoretical Physics in 2015/16

Unit name	Methods of Theoretical Physics
Unit code	PHYS38014
Credit points	10
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Furqaan Yusaf
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Level I/5 Mathematical Physics PHYS23020.
Co-requisites	None
School/department	School of Physics
Faculty	Faculty of Science

Description including Unit Aims

The course introduces the mathematical foundations of modern theoretical physics. These are primarily the theory of Analytical Mechanics in the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations, together with the necessary mathematical tools of the calculus of variations and the theory of complex analytic functions. This course introduces these fundamental ideas and so provides the foundations for understanding more advanced theoretical physics topics studied at Level 7 and beyond.

Aims:

The calculus of variations is introduced, providing the mathematical concept of a functional, while also physically motivated from Fermat's principle. The Brachistochrone Problem is used as an example of constrained variation and Lagrange multipliers are introduced. This foundation then allows the introduction of Lagrangian mechanics based upon the principle of least action. Virtual work is defined and the Euler Lagrange equations derived. 1st integrals and conservation laws are discussed Conservation laws and Poisson brackets are mentioned. Hamiltonian mechanics is introduced by Legendre transfomation, along with the key notions of phase space, canonical momentum and of generalized coordinates. Finally complex function theory is developed, concentrating on the notion of analyticity, with examples of 2 dimensional Laplace equation, and applications to contour integration. Multi-valued complex functions, branch points and branch cuts are introduced briefly.

Intended Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

• obtain the Euler-Lagrange equations for variational problems, and to solve them in simple physical cases.

• write a Lagrangian for a dynamical system, and to derive the corresponding equations of motion.

• derive the cannonical momentum and Hamiltonian for systems defined by a Lagrangian, and to solve the corresponding Hamilton's equations of motion.

• determine whether a given function of a complex variable is analytic, and locate poles and perform integrals using Cauchy's theorem of residues.

Teaching Information

Lectures and problems classes

Assessment Information

Formative assessment is provided through problems classes

Final assessment 2 hour unseen examination (100%)

Reading and References

• M.L. Boas, Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (Wiley)

• Jerry B. Marion, Stephen T. Thornton,. Classical dynamics of particles & systems, (Brooks/Cole).