- #1
rshalloo
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Hey as part of my Physics undergrad in second year I have to take a module in either Mathematical Modelling or Linear Algebra (both course descriptions below) In first year I preferred Linear Algebra ( a very basic intro course) but apparently in second year its just all proof and no calculations.
My question is, which is most useful to a physicist?
Mathematical Modeling: Module Content: Construction, interpretation and application of selected mathematical models arising in chemical kinetics, biology, ecology, epidemiology, medicine, and pharmacokinetics. The mathematical content of the models consists of calculus, linear and non-linear systems of ordinary differential and difference equations. Use of dynamical systems software.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Use coupled system of bilinear differential equations in ecological, epidemiological, chemical and other contexts to model competition, predator-pray and cooperation interactions;
· Use coupled system of linear differential equations to model mixing and exchange processes in different contexts;
· Use coupled systems of cubic differential equations to model evolution type phenomena;
· Carry out global analysis of coupled systems of nonlinear differential equations using techniques such as Lyapunov functions and trap regions;
· Solve linear systems of differential equations;
· Linearise and classify systems of nonlinear differential equation at equilibrium.
Linear Algebra: Module Content: Linear equations and matrices; vector spaces; determinants; linear transformations and eigenvalues; norms and inner products; linear operators and normal forms.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Verify the linearity of mappings on real and complex vector spaces,
· and the linear independence of sets of vectors;
· Evaluate bases, transition matrices and matrices representing linear transformations;
· Compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear operators;
· Construct orthonormal bases for vector spaces;
· Verify properties of projection mappings, adjoint mappings, self-adjoint operators and isometries.
My question is, which is most useful to a physicist?
Mathematical Modeling: Module Content: Construction, interpretation and application of selected mathematical models arising in chemical kinetics, biology, ecology, epidemiology, medicine, and pharmacokinetics. The mathematical content of the models consists of calculus, linear and non-linear systems of ordinary differential and difference equations. Use of dynamical systems software.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Use coupled system of bilinear differential equations in ecological, epidemiological, chemical and other contexts to model competition, predator-pray and cooperation interactions;
· Use coupled system of linear differential equations to model mixing and exchange processes in different contexts;
· Use coupled systems of cubic differential equations to model evolution type phenomena;
· Carry out global analysis of coupled systems of nonlinear differential equations using techniques such as Lyapunov functions and trap regions;
· Solve linear systems of differential equations;
· Linearise and classify systems of nonlinear differential equation at equilibrium.
Linear Algebra: Module Content: Linear equations and matrices; vector spaces; determinants; linear transformations and eigenvalues; norms and inner products; linear operators and normal forms.
Learning Outcomes: On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
· Verify the linearity of mappings on real and complex vector spaces,
· and the linear independence of sets of vectors;
· Evaluate bases, transition matrices and matrices representing linear transformations;
· Compute eigenvalues and eigenvectors of linear operators;
· Construct orthonormal bases for vector spaces;
· Verify properties of projection mappings, adjoint mappings, self-adjoint operators and isometries.