Course: Math 308, Mathematics for the Physical Sciences;  Seigle  208;   Time: MWF 12-1pm
Textook: Mathematical Methods in the Physical Sciences, 3rd ed., by Mary L. Boas
Instructor: Quo-Shin Chi;  Office: Room 210, Cupples I
Office hours:  MW 5-6pm

Assuming much the background knowledge in Math 233 and Math 217, we will quickly review some less familiar topics of the first five chapters, skipping Chapter 3 (Linear Algebra), and then cover Chapters 6, 7, 12 at length and, if time allows, solve the Schrodinger equation for the Hydrogen atom. Since this is a higher level course, no day-by-day class schedule is given so that we can have flexibility to conduct more in-depth discussions on important topics.

Except possibly for a couple of times, each homework assignment will be given on a Friday and will be collected the next Friday in class. We will have several homework assignments (30%), one take-home midterm exam (30%), and the take-home final exam (40%). The midterm will be given after the Spring Break. The final will be due at 5pm on May 10, to be handed to me in my office. The overall scores will be curved with letter grades given accordingly. The homework assignments and the two exams will be sent to you through email; you should check email regularly to be on top of things.

Last but not least, leafing through the solution manual when the homework is due will never get you to learn mathematics; your mind's eye must take part in a decisive fashion. That is, you must do mathematics by yourself.