Physics 510 Syllabus

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1 Jan. 19 Computational Physics Introduction Press Ch. 1
Landau Ch. 1-3
2 Jan. 26 Functions and Roots: Types of Orbits in a Central Force Problem and Energy Levels in a Quantum Square Well Press Ch. 9
Landau Ch. 7
* Feb. 2 Snow Date *
* Feb. 9 Snow Date2 *
3 Feb. 16 & 23Interpolation and Approximation: Nuclear Resonance Data and Circular Disk Diffraction Experiments Press Ch. 3
Landau Ch. 8
4 + Feb. 23 Numerical Integration: Trajectories from a Central Force Problem and Electrostatic Problems Press Ch. 4
Landau Ch. 6 and 7
5 + March 2
Numerical Integration (cont): Quantum Perturbations PressCh. 7 and 15
Landau Ch. 5, 6 and 15
* March 9 Spring Break *
6 + March 2 & 16 Random Numbers and Statistical Physics: Monte Carol Methods and a 2D Ising Model PressCh. 7 and 15
Landau Ch. 5 and 15
Class Notes
7 + March 16 Fourier Analysis: Wave & Harmonic Motions, and Spectral Analysis Press Ch. 12-13
Landau Ch. 10
8 March 23 Midterm *
9 March 30 Fourier Analysis (cont): Wave & Harmonic Motions, and Spectral AnalysisPress Ch. 12-13
Landau Ch. 10
10 April 6 Special Functions: Applications in Electromagetic and Quantum Systems Press Ch. 6
Class Notes
11 April 13 Matrices and Eigensystems: Anharmonic Oscillators, Wave Motions on a Non-Uniform String Press Ch.2,11
Landau Ch. 8
12 April 20 Ordinary Differential Equations: I: Quantum Perturbations, Phase Space Analysis of Dynamical Systems Press Ch. 17
Landau Ch. 9
13 April 27 Differential Equations: II: Boundary Values Problems in Physics Press Ch. 18 and 20
Landau Ch. 9 and 17
14 May 4 Introduction to Dynamical Systems: Chaos, Synchronization, and Network DynamicsHand Out
Landau Ch. 12 and 13
15 May 7 Final Project Presentations (6:30pm)
*