The course PHYS 3100 offers a study of classical mechanics from a more advanced perspective than freshman physics, with particular emphasis on Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms. Topics include a review of Newtonian mechanics and the principle of conservation of energy and momentum, as well as the study of the calculus of variations, Lagrange’ s equations, two bodies central force problems, mechanics in non-inertial frames, rigid bodies, Hamiltonian mechanics, collision theory.
General course structure
| Week 1 | Newton’s laws of motion |
| Week 2 | Air drag |
| Week 3 | Linear and angular momentum |
| Week 4 | Energy |
| Week 5 | Oscillations |
| Week 6 | Calculus of variations |
| Week 7 and 8 | Lagrangian mechanics |
| Week 9 and 10 | Two body problems |
| Week 11 and 12 | Hamiltonian mechanics |
| Week 13 and 14 | Rigid bodies |
| Week 15 | Review and Final exam |
Exam and homework policies are discussed in this link.
A copy of the syllabus in pdf format (including course policies) can be downloaded from this link.
