Enquiry for Science Major/Minor/Programme Requirements
PHYS2150 Methods in physics I (6 credits) Academic Year 2025
Offering Department Physics Quota ---
Course Co-ordinator Dr F K Chow, Physics < judychow@hku.hk >
Teachers Involved (Dr F K Chow,Physics)
Course Objectives This is one of the second level courses in our series of courses that introduces problem solving, mathematical and computational skill sets that are commonly used in the study of university-level physics. Instead of the cookbook approach, we focus on training students how to think and work as physicists through tackling simple physics problems by both analytical and numerical means. After completion, interested students may take the other second level courses in this series PHYS2155 and/or PHYS2160 or the third level course in this series PHYS3150.
Course Contents & Topics This course introduces the principles and theories of various mathematical methods and skills that are essential for studying university physics. Topics include: ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations, three-dimensional coordinate geometry, partial differentiation, multiple integration, vector functions and motion in space, and vector analysis. Applications to physical systems and various practical problems solving skills are discussed. Further MATLAB commands and basic MATLAB programming will be introduced and used in this course.
Course Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, students should be able to:

CLO 1 review the theory and principles of mathematical methods and compare the features of various methods
CLO 2 describe the connections between mathematical equations and physical problems
CLO 3 state and set up mathematical equations to describe the dynamics and evolution of physics systems
CLO 4 demonstrate knowledge of choosing correct solution of mathematical equations
CLO 5 solve various problems and operate the calculations with computer
CLO 6 interpret and judge the physical meaning of result after calculations
Pre-requisites
(and Co-requisites and
Impermissible combinations)		 Pass in MATH1013 or MATH1821 or MATH1851 or PHYS1150; and Not for students who have passed in MATH3401, or already enrolled in this course
Course Status with Related Major/Minor /Professional Core 2025 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2025 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2024 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2023 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2022 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2022 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
2021 Major in Physics (Intensive) ( Core/Compulsory )
2021 Minor in Physics ( Disciplinary Elective )
Course to PLO Mapping 2025 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2025 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2024 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2023 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2022 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Physics < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
2021 Major in Physics (Intensive) < PLO 1,2,3,4 >
Offer in 2025 - 2026 Y        1st sem    Examination Dec     
Offer in 2026 - 2027 Y
Course Grade A+ to F
Grade Descriptors
A Demonstrate thorough mastery at an advanced level of extensive knowledge and skills required for attaining all the course learning outcomes. Show strong analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, with evidence of original thought, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and unfamiliar situations. Apply highly effective organizational and presentational skills.
B Demonstrate substantial command of a broad range of knowledge and skills required for attaining at least most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to familiar and some unfamiliar situations. Apply effective organizational and presentational skills.
C Demonstrate general but incomplete command of knowledge and skills required for attaining most of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some analytical and critical abilities and logical thinking, and ability to apply knowledge to most familiar situations. Apply moderately effective organizational and presentational skills.
D Demonstrate partial but limited command of knowledge and skills required for attaining some of the course learning outcomes. Show evidence of some coherent and logical thinking, but with limited analytical and critical abilities. Show limited ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Apply limited or barely effective organizational and presentational skills.
Fail Demonstrate little or no evidence of command of knowledge and skills required for attaining the course learning outcomes. Lack of analytical and critical abilities, logical and coherent thinking. Show very little or no ability to apply knowledge to solve problems. Organization and presentational skills are minimally effective or ineffective.
Communication-intensive Course N
Course Type Lecture-based course
Course Teaching
& Learning Activities
Activities Details No. of Hours
Lectures 36.0
Tutorials 12.0
Reading / Self study 80.0
Assessment Methods
and Weighting
Methods Details Weighting in final
course grade (%)		 Assessment Methods
to CLO Mapping
Assignments Including computational assignments 20.0 1,2,3,4,5,6
Examination 2-hour written exam 50.0 2,3,4
Test 30.0 2,3,4
Required/recommended reading
and online materials		 Lecture notes provided by Course Coordinator
Susan J. Colley and Santiago Cañez: Vector Calculus (Pearson, 2021, 5th edition)
Allen B. Downey: Physical Modeling in MATLAB (Createspace Independent Pub, 2009)
Joel Hass, Chris Heil, Przemyslaw Bogacki, Maurice D. Weir, and George B. Thomas Jr.: University Calculus: Early Transcendentals (Pearson, 2019, 4th edition)
K. F. Riley, M. P. Hobson, and S. J. Bence: Mathematical Methods for Physics and Engineering: A Comprehensive Guide (Cambridge University Press, 2006, 3rd edition)
Murray R. Spiegel: Schaum's Outline of Advanced Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists (McGraw-Hill Education, 2009)
Course Website http://moodle.hku.hk
Additional Course Information NIL


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