Physics 111 - Variational Calculus -- A Mathematical Blade for Cutting Edge Science

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

Variational calculus, a fancy generalization of ordinary calculus, is the study of functionals. In variational calculus one tries to find the special function that extremizes a functional. The applications of variational calculus are ubiquitous in modern science. Variational calculus is the mathematical setting for describing the physical world. In all areas of classical and quantum physics, the physical world is expressed in terms of functions that extremize specific functionals. In this seminar variational calculus is explained at an elementary level, and many of its applications in science are examined. A good understanding of elementary first-year calculus is required to take this seminar.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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