Mathematical Physics

Whatever classes you decide to sign up for in the Magnet, you're guaranteed to get a good dose of physics in your four years, first in the semester-long freshmen course, perhaps later in a physics electives, and constantly in a variety of courses such as Chemistry and Calculus. Designed for students who have completed two years of calculus, Mathematical Physics is the full year culmination of all of this physics work.  The course is recommended for seniors that are really serious about solving problems beyond the AP curriculum, applying complex ideas from advanced math courses to physics, and figuring out the rigorous foundations of some of the fundamental concepts in mechanics and electromagnetism. Beyond covering ground normally taught in college courses, in Math-phys you will consider results from the cutting-edge of physics through article reviews and research projects. 

Methematical Physics Unit Outline

Mechanics

• Newtonian Mechanics of single particles

• Newtonian Mechanics of systems of particles

• Waves and Oscillations (Including sound and optics)

• Gravitation and Fields

• Least Action Principles

Electricity and Magnetism

• Electrostatics

• Electric Fields in matter

• Electrodynamics

• Magnetostatics

Thermodynamics*

• Conservation Laws

• Entropy

• Free Energy

Modern Physics*

• Special Relativity

• Wave-Particle Duality

• Atomic Structure

• Wave Mechanics

 * Other current topics as time and interest permit