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Mathematical Methods
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:36:08
Abstract
The course guides students in learning mathematical machinery used to solve various physical problems. Special attention is paid to the analytical methods to solve partial differential equations describing physical processes such as heat transfer, electromagnetic induction, wave propagation, among others.
Objective
The goal of this course is to refresh and deepen students’ knowledge in mathematical methods relevant to the problems arising in solid Earth physics.
Content
The provisional subjects covered in this course are as follows: (i) Vector calculus, vector identities, Parametric Curves and Surfaces (ii) Calculus in curvilinear coordinates, Spherical and Cylindrical bases (iii) Partial Differential Equations, Laplace equation, Helmholtz equation, Separation of variables, eigenvalues and eigenfunctions, spherical harmonic analysis (iv) Special functions: Delta function, Heaviside function, Bessel functions, Green’s functions (v) Tensors, Einstein notation, tensor algebra Note: the actual content of the course may have slight deviations from the stated list.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Current lecture notes and homeworks will be found during the course atwww.polybox.ethz.ch
Literature
1. E. Kreyszig, "Advanced engineering mathematics" 2. M. Boas, "Mathematical methods in the physical science" 3. K.F. Riley, M. P. Hobson, S. J. Bence, "Mathematical methods for physics and engineering" 4. R. Snieder, "A guided tour of mathematical methods for the physical sciences"
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- end-of-semester examination
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Mathematical Methods |
|
2 h weekly |