Required Textbooks: "Mathematical methods for physics and engineering" (2nd edition) by K.F. Riley, M.P. Hobson and S.J. Bence. We will probably use this book for Physics 473 as well.
Recommended Textbooks: "Mathematical methods for physicists" by Tai L. Chow and Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences (second edition) by Mary L. Boas.
Other available materials: MathLAB software, available in PS102. Homework solutions will be posted outside my office.
Prerequisites: Physics 222, and Math 252. Math 252 is recommended.

Partial list of topics:
Review of vector calculus via differential forms
Fourier analysis
Ordinary differential equations
Frobenius method
Numerical analysis

TESTS
You will be given three opportunities to demonstrate your understanding (otherwise known as test), two midterms and a final. The first midterm will be around the fifth week and the last midterm will be at the end of the quarter. The final is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec 10 at 8:00 am.

ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments will be in two parts, reading and problems. The assignments will be written on the blackboard at the beginning of each class. The assigned reading will include the material to be covered in the next lecture. Pop quizzes will be given at the beginning of some classes as encouragement to keep up with the reading. Each question on the quiz will carry the same weight as a homework problem.

Problems will be assigned each class day. I will try to assign most of them on Monday and Wednesday. The problems are due the following Monday. There will be a folder at the front of the classroom marked "Homework to be graded (first attempt)". Place your homework in there before or after class, not during class! The homework will be graded and returned to you Wednesday. You will receive one of the following marks on each problem with the indicated meanings.

"check" = problem was solved satisfactorily (1 credit)
"OK" = solution was barely adequate, strongly recommend reviewing solution (1 credit)
"X" = solution was not clear or unsatisfactory (½ credit)
"XX" = no clear attempt was made to solve problem (0 credit)

If you receive an X you should rework the problem with whatever aid ( short of copying) you wish to use including posted solutions, solution manuals, fellow students, etc. After you have reworked the solution you may resubmit the problem Friday in the folder marked "Homework to be graded (Second attempt)." If the second attempt is satisfactory, you will receive 1 credit . Working the problem on your own the first time can't hurt you but it can help you on test day! If you receive XX you may work the problem and turn it in to the (Second attempt) folder. If the solution is satisfactory you will receive half credit. If the solution is not satisfactory you receive no credit and you have run out of chances to turn in the homework! This system automatically allows for late homework, but deducts half a point per homework problem no matter what the excuse is. Turning in late homework once or twice should not hurt your grade much, but habitually late or no homework could hurt a lot!

This system of homework can get confusing, Please adhere to the following requests. If these criterion are not met, the problem may be marked X or even XX.
1) Neatness
    a) Staple pages
    b) Work on one side only
    c) No pages torn out of notebooks
    d) Problems in order
    e) Your name and chapter number, and whether it is a first or second attempt.

2) Conciseness--The problem must be solved clearly in an easy to read form. Show all key steps, basic relations used and explanations where needed. Underlining or boxing the answer will help. In short, I should be able to look at your solution and be able to tell what you did within a few seconds.

Grading
The different components of the course will carry the following weights:
2 Tests 45.0% (22.5% each)
Final Exam 25.0%
Problems and Pop quizzes 30.0%

Grading scale:
100 - 95 A
94 - 90 -A
89 - 85 +B
84 - 80 B
79 - 75 -B
74 - 70 +C
69 - 65 C
64 - 60 -C
59 - 55 +D
54 - 50 D
49 - 45 -D
45 or less F

MathLAB software: You should become proficient in the use of MathLAB software. A knowledge of  MathLAB software will be assumed in subsequent physics courses.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
- Keep this handout!
- Cheating will be rewarded with an F for the course.
- Be sure to ask questions. The only dumb question is the one left unanswered.
- Be sure to see me if you have any problems. We are all human and deserve to be treated as such, so, if you have any problems please see me about them.
- If you have a concern about your grades be sure to speak with me before taking any drastic measures.
- This is a small class therefore allowing for certain flexibility. If you have a suggestion as to how this course can be of more benefit to you please let me know.