Information Package / Course Catalogue
Mathematical Methods in Physics
Course Code: FZK506
Course Type: Required
Couse Group: Second Cycle (Master's Degree)
Education Language: Turkish
Work Placement
Theory: 3
Prt.: 0
Credit: 3
Lab: 0
ECTS: 6
Objectives of the Course

This course aims to provide graduate students with a solid foundation in the advanced mathematical methods widely used in modern physics research and to develop their ability to apply these techniques to problems encountered in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, statistical physics, condensed matter physics, and particle physics. The course focuses on the theoretical foundations and practical applications of mathematical tools used in the formulation and solution of physical problems. It aims to equip students with the skills required to model complex physical systems, develop analytical and semi-analytical solution methods, interpret mathematical results in a physical context, and utilise advanced mathematical techniques effectively in independent scientific research.

Course Content

Fundamental concepts of vector and tensor analysis, orthogonal coordinate systems, linear algebra and eigenvalue problems, complex variables and complex analysis, ordinary and partial differential equations, Fourier series and integral transforms, Laplace transforms, special functions (Legendre, Bessel, Hermite, and Laguerre functions), Green’s functions, Sturm–Liouville theory, calculus of variations, integral equations, and an introduction to group theory. Mathematical modeling of physical systems and applications of these methods to problems in classical mechanics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and condensed matter physics.

Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes
1.To be able to express the physical problems by using vectors.
2.To be able to solve the ordinary differntial equations in physical problems by analytical or numerical techniques.
3.To be able to use complex functions.
4.To be able to express the tasks of special functions in physics.
5.To be able to coordinate transforms.
Recommended or Required Reading
1.Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.
2.Mathematical Physics. S. Hassani.
3.Special Functions and their applications. N.N.Lebedev.
4.Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics. F.W. Byron, R.W.Fuller.
5.Mathematics for Physicists. P.Dennery, A. Krzywicki
Weekly Detailed Course Contents
Week 1 - Theoretical
Vector analysis
Week 1 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.1-68).
Week 2 - Theoretical
Potential theory
Week 2 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.68-103).
Week 3 - Theoretical
Generalized curvilinear coordinates
Week 3 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.103-165).
Week 4 - Theoretical
Matrices, determinants, and eigenvalue problems
Week 4 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.161-239).
Week 5 - Theoretical
Linear vector spaces
Week 5 - Preparation Work
Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics. F.W. Byron, R.W.Fuller.(p.142-192).Mathematics for Physicists. P.Dennery, A. Krzywicki.(p.103-119).
Week 6 - Theoretical
Linear operators
Week 6 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Physics. S. Hassani. (p.49-76).
Week 7 - Theoretical
Functional spaces
Week 7 - Preparation Work
Mathematics of Classical and Quantum Physics. F.W. Byron, R.W.Fuller.(p.212-295).
Week 8 - Intermediate Exam
Review (Midterm Exam)
Week 9 - Theoretical
Complex analysis
Week 9 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.403-453).
Week 10 - Theoretical
Complex series and residues
Week 10 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.455-497).
Week 11 - Theoretical
Ordinary differential equations
Week 11 - Preparation Work
Mathematical Methods for Physicists. G.B.Arfken, H.J.Weber, F.Harris.(p.535-618).
Week 12 - Theoretical
Legendre polynomials
Week 12 - Preparation Work
Special Functions and their applications. N.N.Lebedev. (p.44-60).
Week 13 - Theoretical
Hermite polynomials
Week 13 - Preparation Work
Special Functions and their applications. N.N.Lebedev. (p.60-76).
Week 14 - Theoretical
Bessel functions
Week 14 - Preparation Work
Special Functions and their applications. N.N.Lebedev. (p.99-111).
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Type of AssessmentCountPercent
Assignment2%10
Quiz2%5
Midterm Examination1%15
Final Examination1%70
Workload Calculation
ActivitiesCountPreparationTimeTotal Work Load (hours)
Lecture - Theory1453112
Assignment24416
Quiz2216
Midterm Examination18210
Final Examination110212
TOTAL WORKLOAD (hours)156
Contribution of Learning Outcomes to Programme Outcomes
PÇ-1
PÇ-2
PÇ-3
PÇ-4
PÇ-5
PÇ-6
PÇ-7
PÇ-8
OÇ-1
4
5
4
4
2
4
2
2
OÇ-2
5
5
4
3
2
4
5
4
OÇ-3
5
4
5
3
2
4
3
2
OÇ-4
5
5
5
3
2
4
3
2
OÇ-5
4
5
4
3
2
4
4
3
Adnan Menderes University - Information Package / Course Catalogue
2026