REQUIRED AND RECOMMENDED MATHEMATICS

Mathematics requirements for the Bachelor of Science Degree in Physics are stated in terms of certain University of Washington courses. The objective of the requirement, however, is to ensure that the student acquires sufficient proficiency in mathematics to do the work of the 300- and 400- level physics courses. This includes minimum proficiency in the integral and differential calculus of both one and several variables, and in linear algebra.

Completion of the specified mathematics courses plus Phys 227 and 228 should ensure this proficiency. However, there are circumstances in which it is not necessary for the student to complete all the mathematics courses listed. This includes cases where students, through advanced high school work or independent study, have covered some of the material in these courses. In such cases, successful completion of Phys 227 and Math 328 often is taken as evidence that the required proficiency has been achieved. Completion of still more advanced courses in the same areas also can provide convincing evidence. Completion of the Mathematics Honors sequence, Math 134, 135, 136, 234, 235, 236, also is sufficient.

The graduation requirement in mathematics is a minimum requirement. It barely ensures that the student will be able to do successful work in advanced physics classes. Additional mathematics is extremely desirable for any student planning advanced work in physics or any other scientific or technical field. Of particular importance are complex variables, special functions (Legendre, Bessel, etc.), and Fourier analysis. These topics are treated in Amath 401, 402, 403 methods of applied mathematics (4, 4, 4) which are the further mathematics courses recommended for physics and astronomy majors. Similar work is available, however, in some other departments and physics students may consider the appropriate courses in those departments as alternatives. Courses which may be of interest include:

• Aeronautics and Astronautics 370 Introduction to Applied Analysis (3)
• Aeronautics and Astronautics 470 Analytical Problems in Aeronautics (3)
• Mathematics 427, 428 , 429 Topics in Applied Analysis (3, 3, 3)

Physics 424, 425, 426 Mathematical Physics (3, 3, 3), should not be confused with mathematics courses. They concern the applications of advanced mathematics, of the kind encountered in Amath 401, 402, 403, to specific problems in physics. The emphasis is on the physics involved rather than on the mathematics.

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