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651-4130-00L 3 Credits MSC D-ERDW
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Mathematical Concepts in Geophysics

Lecturers & Examiners: Dr. Matthew Maitra, Dr. Ali Arslan
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:30:33

Abstract

The course guides students in learning the 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 of mathematical methods relevant to the problems arising in solid Earth physics.

Content

The provisional subjects covered in this course are as follows: (i) Vectors, tensors, matrices, eigenvalue problems (ii) Single-variable calculus (iii) Vector calculus (iv) Fourier analysis (v) Partial Differential Equations (iv) Special functions 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 on the course Moodle page.

Literature

1. E. Kreyszig, "Advanced engineering mathematics" 2. M. Boas, "Mathematical methods in the physical sciences" 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
Mode
written 150 minutes
Aids
None
Successful completion of 10 homework exercises (optional learning tasks) counts as a bonus of max. 0.25 towards the final grade. These exercises will complement the examples classes. The maximal final grade 6.0 can be achieved by writing the final exam only.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Mathematical Concepts in Geophysics
  • Fri 09:15-12:00 (NO E 39)
  • 17.01 Date 10:15-13:00 (NO C 44)
  • 20.01 Date 10:15-13:00 (NO C 44)
3 h weekly

Offered In