Mathematical Concepts for Physics and Astronomy

3 EC

Semester 1, period 1

5354MCFP3Y

Owner Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree)
Coordinator prof. dr. J. van Wezel
Part of Master Physics and Astronomy, track Advanced Matter and Energy Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track Theoretical Physics, Master Physics and Astronomy, track GRAPPA, Master Physics and Astronomy (joint degree), track General Physics and Astronomy,

Course manual 2025/2026

Course content

This course complements several key courses in the Physics and Astronomy program (including Condensed Matter Theory, General relativity, Hydrodynamics, and others) by offering additional training of key mathematical concepts and notation.

It is strongly recommend that all Physics and Astronomy students complete the online self-examination before the start of the academic year, in order to assess whether they could benefit from this course.

Study materials

Syllabus

  • Will be made available 

Objectives

  • Students can apply selected mathematical methods to problems in physics and astronomy.

Teaching methods

  • Self-study
  • Seminar
  • Working independently on e.g. a project or thesis

Learning activities

Activity

Hours

Werkcollege

28

Self study

56

Total

84

(3 EC x 28 uur)

Attendance

  • Some course components require compulsory attendance. If compulsory attendance applies, this will be indicated in the Course Catalogue which can be consulted via the UvA-website. The rationale for and implementation of this compulsory attendance may vary per course and, if applicable, is included in the Course Manual.

    • Assessment

    Item and weight Details

    Final grade

    Take-home exercises

    		Must be ≥ pass

    Inspection of assessed work

    In-class discussion

    Assignments

    in-class practice material, either individually or in groups, ungraded, optional.

    take-home exercises, individual, graded, plenary feedback.

    Fraud and plagiarism

    The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl

    Course structure

    Weeknummer Onderwerpen Studiestof
    1 Dirac notation & Index notation Index notation notes
    2 Fourier transformation  Fourier transform notes
    3 Vector Calculus  Vector calculus notes
    4 Spatial derivatives Spatial derivative notes
    5 Group theory Group theory notes
    6 Probability & Contour integration Probability notes & Contour integration notes
    7 Estimation Estimation notes
    8 -- --

     

    Contact information

    Coordinator

    • prof. dr. J. van Wezel