PHS3131

Theoretical Physics (6 points)

(SCI)

Leader: Dr Imants Svalbe

Offered:
Clayton First semester 2003 (Day)
Clayton First semester 2004 (Day)

Synopsis: This unit provides part of a major in theoretical physics. It consists of two 12-lecture sub-units, and a 12-hour seminar sub-unit. Key areas are: (1) Relativistic Mechanics: tensors in pseudo Euclidian spaces, Lorentz transforms, action & variational methods, Lagrangians & Hamiltonians, acceleration, metric & Riemannian spaces, consequences of Einstein's assumptions; (2) Methods of Theoretical Physics: complex variable theory, complex energy plane, Riemannian surfaces & topology, Laplace & z transforms, free propagators, Hilbert transform, causality, Kramer-Kronig, conformal mappings, and (3) Theoretical Seminar: seminar participation in theoretical problems.

Assessment: Examinations (2 x 1.5 hours): 48% + Assignments and seminar contributions: 52%

Contact Hours: An average of 2 hours lectures, one 1-hour tutorial and one 1-hour seminar per week

Prerequisites: PHS2011, PHS2022, MTH2010, MTH2032

Corequisites: PHS3031