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Project

Combining mathematics and physics beyond the introductory level: the case of partial differential equations

Using mathematics in physics requires more than straightforward application of mathematical procedures. But how do students give physical meaning to a mathematical structure? How do they associate mathematical understanding to a physical phenomenon especially at the advanced undergraduate level? It has been proven this is a challenge for learners at all levels of education. In this project we bring together expertise from physics and mathematics education research to investigate how students combine mathematical and physical concepts while studying partial differential equations (PDEs) in physics, a topic that we specifically selected because it exemplifies best how physical phenomena are described by advanced mathematics. We will use and extend the concept of genetic decomposition from APOS theory to study student understanding of PDEs in physics. The main aim is to create teaching/learning material to support the development of a deeper understanding of the topic. The effect of the new material will be studied to evaluate its success in providing the support for students necessary to create this conceptual blending between physical phenomena and mathematical structure. We will use teaching/learning interviews, design research, and pen and paper tests to unfold prevalent students’ difficulties. Later these can be used in the design of the material that should remold and reinforce the bridge structure between Mathematics and Physics.

Date:22 Sep 2021 →  Today
Keywords:Partial Differential Equations, APOS, Conceptual Blending, Math, Physics, Teaching and Learning, AstroPhysics Education Research
Disciplines:Thermodynamics, Applied and interdisciplinary physics, Theoretical particle physics
Project type:PhD project