By Colm T Whelan
Wiley-VCH
The aim of this book is to provide undergraduate students taking classes in the physical sciences with the fundamental-mathematics tools they need to proceed with their studies.
In the first part the author introduces core mathematics, starting from basic concepts such as functions of one variable and complex numbers, and moving to more advanced topics including vector spaces, fields and operators, and functions of a complex variable.
The second part shows some of the copious applications of these mathematics tools to physics. When introducing complex physics laws and theories, including Maxwell’s equations, special relativity and quantum theory, the author tries to present the material in an easily intelligible way. The author also emphasises the direct connection between the conceptual basis of these physics topics and the mathematical tools provided in the first part of the text.
Two appendices of formulas conclude the book. A large number of problems are included but the solutions are only made available on a password-protected website for lecturers.
