Prospectus

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Mathematical Methods of Physics

Course
2024-2025

Admission Requirements

Analyse 1(NA) and 2(NA) and Lineaire Algebra 1(NA) and 2(NA)

Description

The course Mathematical Methods of Physics deals with a number of different topics from algebra and geometry that are applied in physics.

Course Objectives

After finishing this course you have an operational knowledge of the following concepts and you are able to make (simple) problems concerning the following subjects:

  • advanced linear algebra: dual of a vector space, quotient spaces, tensor product

  • tensors

  • differentiable manifolds, metric tensor

  • covariant derivative, parallel displacement, geodesics, curvature

  • groups and homomorphisms

  • representations of groups (mainly finite groups)

  • some applications in physics

Transferable Skills

  • further training in general mathematics skills

  • learning to write down a conclusion in a clear and precise way.

Timetable

Schedule
For detailed information go to Timetable in Brightspace

In MyTimetable, you can find all course and programme schedules, allowing you to create your personal timetable. Activities for which you have enrolled via MyStudyMap will automatically appear in your timetable.

Additionally, you can easily link MyTimetable to a calendar app on your phone, and schedule changes will be automatically updated in your calendar. You can also choose to receive email notifications about schedule changes. You can enable notifications in Settings after logging in.

Questions? Watch the video, read the instructions, or contact the ISSC helpdesk.

Note: Joint Degree students from Leiden/Delft need to combine information from both the Leiden and Delft MyTimetables to see a complete schedule. This video explains how to do it.

Mode of instruction

See Brightspace

Assessment method

  • written exam with open questions

  • (optional) homework

By handing in homework (optional!) a bonus of 0.5 maximum can be earned that will be added to the total grade of the exam. This bonus is only given if the total grade of the exam is at least 5.5.

In the same academic year a retake exam will be organised. The homework bonus grade is not valid for the retake. It is not possible to retake the homework.

Reading list

Lecture notes, to be downloaded from Brightspace. A hard copy can be purchased at the secretariat of the Mathematical Institute.

Registration

As a student, you are responsible for enrolling on time through MyStudyMap.

In this short video, you can see step-by-step how to enrol for courses in MyStudyMap.
Extensive information about the operation of MyStudyMap can be found here.

There are two enrolment periods per year:

  • Enrolment for the fall opens in July

  • Enrolment for the spring opens in December

See this page for more information about deadlines and enrolling for courses and exams.

Note:

  • It is mandatory to enrol for all activities of a course that you are going to follow.

  • Your enrolment is only complete when you submit your course planning in the ‘Ready for enrolment’ tab by clicking ‘Send’.

  • Not being enrolled for an exam/resit means that you are not allowed to participate in the exam/resit.

Contact

Dr. Robert-Jan Kooman Contactgegevens docent: Dr. R.J. Kooman

Remarks

This course is part of the "variation space" of the bachelor study programs Physics and Astronomy

Software
Starting from the 2024/2025 academic year, the Faculty of Science will use the software distribution platform Academic Software. Through this platform, you can access the software needed for specific courses in your studies. For some software, your laptop must meet certain system requirements, which will be specified with the software. It is important to install the software before the start of the course. More information about the laptop requirements can be found on the student website.