PHYS 411
Classical Mechanics Fall 2014
Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
This is not the current course catalog

Class Details

The course will explore advanced topics in classical mechanics, including the calculus of variations, the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations of mechanics, phase space, non-linear dynamics and chaos, central-force motion, non-inertial reference frames (including implications for physics on a rotating Earth), and rigid-body rotations. Numerical and perturbative techniques will be developed and used extensively. We will also examine the ways in which classical mechanics informs other fields of physics. The class as a whole will meet once per week for an introductory lecture/discussion; a second tutorial meeting between the instructor and a pair of students will be scheduled later in the week. Students will take turns working and discussing problems at the chalkboard. Written solutions will be due later in the week.
The Class: Format: tutorial, 1 and 1/4 hours per week; lecture, one hour per week
Limit: 10/section
Expected: 25
Class#: 1691
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: evaluation will be based on weekly problem sets, tutorial participation, presentations,a final project, and a final exam, all of which have a substantial quantitative component
Extra Info: may not be taken on a pass/fail basis; not available for the Gaudino option
Prerequisites: PHYS 202 and PHYS 210 or MATH 210
Distributions: Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
Attributes: MTSC Related Courses

Class Grid

Course Catalog Archive Search

TERM/YEAR
TEACHING MODE
SUBJECT
DIVISION



DISTRIBUTION



ENROLLMENT LIMIT
COURSE TYPE
Start Time
End Time
Day(s)