Students are expected to
know linear algebra (eg.,matrices, eigenvalues )
and the calculus of several variables (partial derivatives,
multidimensional integration). Some knowledge of
classical mechanics at the level of our junior level
courses will also be assumed.
There will be no examinations in the course; instead there will be some
homework assignments, roughly every two week. The course will be graded on a
Pass/Fail basis for graduate students.
The main part of the course will be accessible to undergraduates and to
experimental physics graduate students.A term paper/research project will allow you to explore special topics of interest to you.
The aim of the first semester (PHY405) will be to introduce the basics (vector fields, metric,covariant diferentiation, curvature) and apply them to Mechanics,Thermodynamics,Electricity and Magnetism and General Relativity.
The second semester (PHY458) will be a deep dive into fluid mechanics. In particular,
discrete geometry (triangulations etc.) that underly the Finite Element Method (FEM)
for solving Partial Differential Equations. Some familiarity with Mathematica/MatLab
will help here.
I will rearrange the topics according to the needs of the students in the course. For
example,some fluid mechanics/FEM can be included the first semester by dropping General Relativity.
Classes meet at Tuesdays/Thursdays 9:40-10:55 in B&L 208 (New Time and Room!).
First Class on Tuesday Sep 5 2017