Fall 2012 PHYS 209 Mathematical Methods of Physics I

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Instructor:  Seckin Kürkcüoglu, kseckin@metu.edu.tr

Meeting Times:

Mon:  13:40-15:40,  P5
Wed:  12:40-14:30,  P3

Recitations:

Fri: 10:40-12:30, Place: U-1

TBA

Textbook:

Boyce & Di-Prima,  Elementary Differential Equations and Boundary Value Problems, 9th edition, Wiley

Supplementary References:

F.B. Hildebrand, Advanced Calculus with Applications, 2nd Edition Prentice-Hall 1976

S.L. Ross,  Differential Equations, 3rd Edition, Wiley 1984

Grading:

There will be three midterm examinations and a final. Your midterm average will be comprising 50 ℅ each of the best two and 10 ℅ of the lowest of your midterm exams. If your grade midterm average is grater than your final exam, the midterm average and the final exam will contribute 60% and 40 ℅ respectively, to your final grade, otherwise the midterm average and the final exam will contribute 50 ℅ each to your final grade.

Exam Dates and places:

1st Midterm Exam:  31 October 2012 Wednesday, Time: 17:40, Place: P1 and P2

2nd Midterm Exam: 28 November 2012 Wednesday, Time: 17:40, Place: P1 and P2

3rd Midterm Exam: 2 January 2013, Wednesday, Time: 17:40, Place: P1 and P2

Final Exam: To be announced later.


Course Content:

•    Definition and classification of differential equations
•    First order differential equations
      Linear equations, separable equations, homogeneous equations, Bernoulli equations,
      exact equations and integrating factors. Applications of first order equations.
•    Second and higher order linear differential equations
      Equations reducible to first order. Homogeneous equations with constant coefficients. Reduction of order.
      Cauchy-Euler equations. Non-homogeneous equations: Method of undetermined coefficients and method of variation of parameters.
•    Series solutions of linear differential equations
      Series solutions about ordinary points. Series solutions about regular singular points: Frobenius method.
•    Systems of linear differential equations
•    Boundary value problems and Sturm-Liouville Theory
•    Fourier series and Fourier transforms



To see your midterm grades and download a copy of your self-study assignments visit Metu-Online.