The first three semesters at Harvey Mudd College provide an introduction to computation in Python and grounding in important topics in the mathematics that underpins physics, including single- and multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and ordinary differential equations. Our course builds on that foundation to develop your ability to use computation to explore physically meaningful problems using standard and powerful Python modules (NumPy, scipy, matplotlib, and pandas) and to extend your mathematical foundation to include several topics of central importance to physics. These include
Note: Math/Physics Joint Majors must take Math 180 (Introduction to Partial Differential Equations). Our course is for straight physics majors and CS/Physics Joint Majors; it replaces Math 115 (Fourier Series and Boundary Value Problems), which was a mainstay of the major for decades. Our purpose in developing this course has been to integrate more carefully the mathematical and computational approaches to problem solving that physicists need to know for upper-division physics courses and research, and to help ensure that all majors achieve a fluency in computation that prepares them for further work in physics and related disciplines.
and by appointment: email me at saeta@hmc.edu; I maintain a Google calendar which you can view at https://saeta.physics.hmc.edu/, which can help you suggest a meeting time when I am available.
Resources are available primarily at the schedule page and the course site; we will use Canvas for connection to Piazza for posting questions and comments, Gradescope for assignments, and occasional announcements.
On successfully completing this course, you will
ChatGPT can write simple programs in a variety of languages, including Python. I might be tempted to use it to show me how to translate something I have already written in Python to a different language, such as Julia, in which I am not nearly as fluent as I am in Python. However, our goals in this course include helping you develop your ability to solve problems using computation, to debug code, and to assess the reliability of solutions. The only way to learn how to solve complicated problems is to develop your skills on simpler ones—ones that are simple enough that modern A.I. tools can handle them. I ask you not to use them, however, because they will not help you to develop a working foundation that you can extend to more complex and interesting problems.
Harvey Mudd College seeks to educate engineers, scientists, and mathematicians well versed in all of these areas and in the humanities and social sciences so that they may assume leadership in their fields with a clear understanding of the impact of their work on society.
These days, well-versedness requires computational fluency.
The Harvey Mudd College Physics Department recognizes the value, dignity, and humanity of every member of our community. We strive to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity. We commit to building an environment that is welcoming, supportive, and free from intimidation, harassment, and discrimination. And we challenge ourselves to pursue educational and scientific excellence that embodies these values.
HMC is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and support for all students. We recognize that the challenges facing students are different and student accommodation needs may evolve in time. Students with a disability (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions) who may need accommodations in order to fully participate in this class are encouraged to contact the Office of Accessible Education to request accommodations. Students from the other Claremont Colleges should contact their home college’s Accessible Education officer.
Everyone who is registered for this course belongs here and has valuable contributions to make to our class. Our diversity of backgrounds, experiences, and viewpoints enrich the classroom, and our mutual respectn grants us all the grace to make mistakes and to learn from them. Some of my most memorable experiences in college center on just such mistakes.
Physics is a very challenging discipline—Nature, while not capricious, does not always read like an open book. Every successful physicist has failed countless times and has wondered whether she or he is cut out for this most beautiful and difficult discipline. What sustains any of us is the incredible realization that we can understand (some) things about how the physical universe actually works and that our understanding can be tested in a court of law that is not subject to the whims of mere mortals. In troubling times, this knowledge can be incredibly reassuring and definitely worth a few bruises along the way. When things are tough, reach out, get help; we’re in this together!
I am dedicated to fostering an equitable atmosphere in this course, this department, and at HMC, while simultaneously maintaining standards that encourage and promote excellence. Please let me know if you have suggestions or concerns regarding the course or a specific situation; alternatively, you can bring concerns to another member of the faculty or staff.
Harvey Mudd College is committed to providing an environment free of all forms of discrimination and sexual harassment, including sexual assault, domestic vi- olence, dating violence, and stalking. If you (or someone you know) has experienced or experiences any of these incidents, know that you are not alone. Instructors are available to talk to you if you are in need, but keep in mind that we are obligated to report any contraven- tions of Title IX to the HMC Title IX Coordinator, Danny Ledezma (dledezma@hmc.edu). If you want to speak to someone completely confidentially, the following resources are available on and off campus: the EmPOWER Center (909-607-2689), the Monsour Counseling Center (909-621-8202), the Project Sister Family Services’ 24-hr crisis hotline (909-626-4357) and the McAlister Chaplains (909-621-8685). Additional information and options are available at https://www.hmc.edu/student-life/title-ix.