PHYS 411
Classical Mechanics Fall 2012
Division III Quantitative/Formal Reasoning
This is not the current course catalog

The course will investigate advanced topics in classical mechanics including phase space plots, non-linear oscillators, numerical solutions, approximation methods, the calculus of variations, the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian reformulations of mechanics, rotating frames of reference (including implications for physics on the Earth). The carry over of ideas developed in the context of classical mechanics into other areas of physics will be explored. 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.