Mathematical Methods of Physics I, GaTech PHYS-6124 Fall 2011

[predrag]

Here is what the students in the 2010 and 2011 classes wrote
about their interests and what they would like to learn
(2011 class in red):

TOPICS:

vector analysis (2 students)
     Levi-Civita
advanced linear algebra  (2+1 students)
group theory  (4 students)
     graphical methods
     reduction of PDEs by symmetry (1 student) 
tensor math/analysis (4+1 students)
     bivectors
non-euclidean differential geometry, topology (3 students)
     [Laguna suggests Carrol's notes on tensors, ,
      http://arxiv.org/abs/gr-qc/9712019, chapters 1, 2, 3]
variational calculus (1 student)
Lie groups, manifolds, differential geometry, topology (2 students) 
complex analysis, residue theorem (3 students)
Green's functions (3 students)
scattering theory (1 student)
Fourier series, transforms  (1 student)
nonlinear ODEs  (1 student)
integral-differential eqs (1 student)
spherical harmonics, Bessels, orthogonal polynomials [Laguna, Taboada]
PDEs  (4+1 students)
      [Laguna: parabolic (Maxwell eq), hyperbolic (Maxwell eq)
elliptic (Poisson eq, Schroedinger)
chaos
integrations, as used in electromagnetism
programing (Mathematica, Matlab, ...)
mechanical engineering applications
fluids
probability
statistics (for physicists)
      [Taboada; Gaussians, multinomials, Poisson]
stochastic processes (2 students)
quantum field theory (1 student)
conformal field theory

GOALS:

Theory
       unspecified: (2+1 students)
       astrophysics/accretion disks
       gravity/numerical relativity
       computational physics  (2 students)
       quantum optics theorist (1)
       condensed matter
       graphene, nano-science (2+1 students)
)
       nonlinear dynamics (2 students)

Experimental
       (unspecified 1 student)
       atomic (1+1)
       quantum optics (2)
       condensed matter (2)
       nano-science (1)
       PhD in order to get a job in industry (2 students)
       aerospace design
       no chemistry, please  (1 student)