SYLLABUS – PHYS 4131
Fall 2009
Course title: Mathematical Methods for Physicists I
Class time/location: Tu & Th 4:00-5:20 p.m./BAYOU
Instructor: Dr. Zack (also known as Zokhrab) Mustafaev
Office: Bayou 3521-6, phone: (281) 283-3735
E-mail: mustafaev@uhcl.edu
Office hours: Mon & Wed 4:00-5:20 p.m., Tu & Th 3:00-3:50 p.m., and by appointment
Text: Essential Mathematical Methods for Physicists, H.J. Weber and G.B. Arfken, Elsevier Academic Press, 1 edition
Prerequisites: Calculus III
Content: A study of vector calculus,
matrices, complex variables, differential equations, series, and other areas of
mathematics that are important in physics.
Course Objectives/Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of this course, students will develop mathematical skills in areas appropriate for advanced study in physics. Students will learn to formulate physical problems in mathematical terms. Students will learn how to use numerical and symbolic tools to investigate problems in physics.
Homework: A typical homework assignment will consist of a few of the assigned problems on each area when content is introduced. I will regularly collect two homework exercises on Thursday at the beginning of class. No later homework will be accepted. Students are responsible for the solution of homework problems. I strongly encourage you to see me if you are having difficulty with the material in this course. I will do my best to help you overcome any difficulties with the material.
Exams: There will be three exams. Exams will be taken on the assigned date. Personal illness or a family emergency, accompanied by appropriate documentation, are the only excuses for submitting a late homework assignment or for requesting a make-up exam.
Grading: Exam I - 25%, Exam II – 25%, Final - 30%, HW - 20%
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class regularly and to take exams as scheduled unless arrangements are made in advance. A student is responsible any work missed due to absence.
Honesty Policy: The Honesty Code is the university community’s
standard of honesty and is endorsed by all members of the
Disabilities: If you are certified as disabled, please notify me as soon as possible. If you are not currently certified and believe you may qualify, please contact to the UHCL Health and Disability Services office.
6 Drop Rule Limitation: Students who entered college for the first time in Fall 2007 or later should be aware of the course drop
limitation imposed by the Texas Legislature. Dropping this or any
other course between the first day of class and the census date for
the semester/session does not affect your 6 drop rule count. Dropping
a course between the census date and the last day to drop a class for the
semester/session will count as one of your 6 permitted drops. You should
take this into consideration before dropping this or any other course. Visit www.uhcl.edu/records for more information on the 6 drop rule and the census
date information for the semester/session.
Remark: September 8, 2009; Last day to Drop/Withdraw without Grade Penalty