Module Specifications.
Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025
All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).
As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
Date posted: September 2024
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Description This module aims to ensure that students will have an understanding of the theory of the Calculus of Several Variables suitable for their studies in Physics. Where appropriate, theorems will be explained using arguments based on Physics rather than on formal mathematical proofs. Furthermore, it aims to develop students abilities to perform the calculations that arise in applications, especially in applications to Physics. Infinite dimensional vector spaces, in teh context of Fourier Series, will be considered also. Students will attend lectures on the course material and will work, independently, to solve problems on topics related to the course material. The students will have an opportunity to review their solutions, with guidance, at weekly tutorials. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Learning Outcomes 1. Reformulate concepts from physics in the language of vector calculus. 2. Perform the calculations that arise when the calculus of several variables is used to solve problems. 3. Demonstrate an understanding of concepts by use of examples or counterexamples. 4. State and apply selected definitions and theorems. 5. Calculate trigonometric Fourier Series of elementary functions defined on finite intervals and sketch the periodic extensions of such functions. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml |
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Indicative Content and Learning Activities
VECTORS IN 3-SPACEVectors as directed line segments, their addition and scalar multiplication. Frames of reference and coordinates. The inner product, cross product and their applications.FUNCTIONS OF ONE OR MORE VARIABLESParametrized curves. Level sets and their parametrizations.DIFFERENTIAL CALCULUSLimits, continuity, partial differentiation. The chain rule. The gradient, divergence, curl and their physical interpretations. Max/Min problems and Lagrange multipliers. Taylor's formula.INTEGRAL CALCULUSLine integrals, multiple integrals, surface integrals. The integral theorems. Change of variable formula for multiple integrals.FOURIER SERIESFunction spaces. Orthogonal projections onto finite dimensional spaces. Calculation of Trigonometric Fourier Series, Bessel's inequality, Parseval's identity. Fourier Transforms. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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