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PH20020: Mathematics for scientists 4

Follow this link for further information on academic years Academic Year: 2012/3
Follow this link for further information on owning departmentsOwning Department/School: Department of Physics
Follow this link for further information on credits Credits: 6
Follow this link for further information on unit levels Level: Intermediate (FHEQ level 5)
Follow this link for further information on period slots Period: Semester 2
Follow this link for further information on unit assessment Assessment: EX 100%
Follow this link for further information on supplementary assessment Supplementary Assessment: PH20020 - Mandatory Extra Work (where allowed by programme regulations)
Follow this link for further information on unit rules Requisites: Before taking this unit you must take PH20019
Follow this link for further information on unit content Description: Aims:
The aim of this unit is to introduce mathematical concepts and techniques required by science students, and to show how these may be used for different applications. It also aims to continue the development of students' problem-solving skills and their understanding of mathematical results.

Learning Outcomes:
After taking this unit the student should be able to:
* evaluate Fourier series and transforms, and use their properties to solve problems;
* use transform methods to solve differential equations;
* apply Fourier techniques to problems in the physical sciences;
* recognise and solve some of the key equations which arise in the natural sciences;
* apply the separation of variables method to linear partial differential equations, and solve the resulting ordinary differential equations by series solution.

Skills:
Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A.

Content:
Fourier series (5 hours): Periodic functions. Harmonic synthesis. Representation as a Fourier series, Fourier components. Expansion of finite range functions. Applications of Fourier series. Complex form of Fourier series and coefficients. Discrete amplitude spectra.
Transition to aperiodic functions (7 hours): The Fourier transform. Integral definition and properties of the Fourier transform. Use of tables in evaluating transforms. Solution of differential equations. Dirac delta function. Convolution, sampling theorem. Uses and applications of Fourier techniques in the physical sciences.
Linear equations of science (10 hours): Derivation of the diffusion equation as an example of how PDEs arise in nature. Introduction to Laplace's, Poisson and wave equations. Linearity and superposition. Boundary conditions. Solution by separation of variables in Cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinate systems. Series solution of ODEs, including Legendre polynomials and Bessel functions.
Follow this link for further information on programme availabilityProgramme availability:

PH20020 is Compulsory on the following programmes:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Physics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFB05 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AKB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USPH-AAB06 : BSc (hons) Physics with Computing with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USPH-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • USPH-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFM02 : MPhys Physics (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AFM04 : MPhys Physics with Research Placement (Full-time) - Year 2
  • USPH-AAM03 : MPhys Physics with Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2

PH20020 is Optional on the following programmes:

Programmes in Natural Sciences
  • UXXX-AFB01 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AKB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Industrial Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AAB02 : BSc (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AFM01 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences (Full-time) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AKM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Professional Placement (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 2
  • UXXX-AAM02 : MSci (hons) Natural Sciences with Study Year Abroad (Full-time with Study Year Abroad) - Year 2
Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB09 : BSc Physics (Full-time) - Year 3
  • USPH-AKB09 : BSc Physics (with Placement) (Full-time with Thick Sandwich Placement) - Year 4

Notes:
* This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2012/13 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2013/14 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2012/13.
* Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.
* Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.