MA2MPH-Mathematical Physics

Module Provider: Mathematics and Statistics
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Spring / Summer term module
Pre-requisites: MA1CA Calculus and MA1LA Linear Algebra
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Dr Calvin Smith

Email: Calvin.Smith@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The course continues the applied stream of mathematical education from e.g. mathematical modelling and facilitates to choose further physics- or biology-related modules in the third and fourth years. In this module, we show for several examples how mathematical problems arise in the description of nature and what their solution means for the phenomena under study. For example, problems like sound wave propagation or heat transfer have lead to partial differential equations and boundary-value problems. In this module you will also study how different mathematical concepts arise from physical phenomena, and in particular discover that completely different areas of physics can be described by exactly the same mathematical equations.

Aims:

1. Foster a fluency in dialogue between mathematical and physical sciences;


2. Build up mathematical intuition from analogies with physical problems;


3. Familiarise students with the elements of theoretical physics to broaden their horizons.

 

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module students will be familiar with the concepts of units, dimensional analysis and well-defined physical laws. They will be able to apply them to analyse physical descriptions and formulate well-defined mathematical problems based on the descriptions.

The main skill we will be developing during the module is the ability to separate important factors
from the unimportant ones and to create models of different levels of sophistication. We will study this using examples from heat transfer and mass diffusion.

Additional outcomes:

Confidence in facing real world problems.

Outline content:

• Variational principles in nature;


• Conservation laws;


• Continuity and diffusion equations;


• Boundary-value problems in diffusion and heat conduction;


• Instabilities and waves in reaction-diffusion systems.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Lectures, supported by problem sheets and lecture-based tutorials.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		20	2
Tutorials		9
Guided independent study:		69
Total hours by term		98	2
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	80
Written assignment including essay	20

Summative assessment- Examinations:
2 hours.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

 A number of assignments and one examination.

Formative assessment methods:
Problem sheets.

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

One examination paper of 2 hours duration in August/September - the resit module mark will be the higher of the exam mark (100% exam) and the exam mark plus previous coursework marks (80% exam, 20% coursework).

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 8 April 2019