Methods of Theoretical Physics 2
Instructor
Rennan Barkana
Email: barkana@tau.ac.il
Academic Year, Semesters
2nd semester
Number of Hours/ Credits
3h lec. + 1h ex.
Mandatory/Elective
Mandatory
Prerequisites
Methods of Theoretical Physics 1
Year in program & how often given, if relevant
2nd year (physics)/
3rd year (physics+EE)
Syllabus
Course overview – short abstract
Special functions; asymptotic analysis; variational calculus and Nother's theorem; introduction to group theory
Assessment: coursework and grade structure
Assignments – 10%
Final exams – 90%
Week-by-week content (approximate)
Week 1: Gamma function
Week 2: Beta function.
Week 3: Bessel function of the first kind.
Week 4: Neumann function.
Week 5: Hankel functions, Modified Bessel functions.
Week 6: Asymptotic forms of Bessel functions.
Week 7: Spherical Bessel functions.
Week 8: Asymptotic approximations to integrals, Asymptotic series.
Week 9: Method of steepest descent.
Week 10: WKB: method and applications.
Week 11: Calculus of variations
Week 12: Adding constraints, Nother's theorem.
Week 13: Introduction to group theory, Lie groups and group representations.
Required texts
Mathematical Methods for Physicists, G. B. Arfken and H. J. Weber
