Program Overview

Mathematical Methods in Physics

The laws of physics are often expressed as differential equations. This course gives practical knowledge of differential equations and commonly used systems, as well as how to find exact or approximate solutions to them.

Course Description

The course focuses on ordinary and partial linear differential equations. Topics covered include analysis with calculus of residues, partial differential equations with separation of variables in cartesian, cylindrical and spherical coordinates, series solutions, construction of linearly independent solutions, inhomogeneous partial differential equations with Greens function techniques, Field equations for heat conduction and diffusion and the wave equation. The Dirac delta function. Fourier integrals. Expansion using orthogonal functions. Orthogonal polynomials. The Bessel and Legendre equations. Special functions: Legendre polynomials, spherical harmonics and Bessel functions, and the Laplace transform and its inverse.

Course Structure

This is an advanced course given during the daytime.

Teaching Format

The course consists of both lectures and problem sessions.

Assessment

The course is examined through written examination.

Examiner

Maria Hermanns

Schedule

The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course.

Course Literature

• Arfken, Weber & Harris: Mathematical Methods for Physicists, 7th edition, Elsevier Academic Press 2012

Course Details

• Course code: FK7048
• Application code: SU-47037
• Level: Master's level
• Language: English
• Eligibility: Admission to the course requires knowledge equivalent to passed courses (excluding introductory courses) of 45 credits in mathematics and 60 credits in physics, where the courses Mathematics II - Analysis, part B, 7.5 credits (MM5011), Quantum Mechanics, 7,5 hp (FK5020) and Atomic and Molecular Physics, 7,5 hp (FK5023) should be included. Additionally, admission to the course requires knowledge equivalent to upper secondary school English B/English 6.
• Selection: Higher Education Credits (up to 270).
• Tuition fee: Applies to citizens from outside EU, EEA or Switzerland. First instalment: 17500 SEK. The complete course: 17500 SEK.
• Subject: Physics
• Area of interest: Science and Mathematics
• Department responsible for education: Department of Physics
• Credits: 7.5 credits
• Period: Autumn 2025 | Period 1 | Day-time, 50% | On campus | For international students
• Beginning/End: week commencing 01/09/2025 - 02/11/2025