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PHYSICS 6010

  Classical Mechanics

Fall 2010

Course Information

 
 

Instructor: Charles Torre , SER 232, 797-3426, torre@cc.usu.edu

Lectures: T-TH, 1:30-2:45, SER 122A

Discussion:  Wednesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m., Location TBA

Office Hours: By appointment

Text Classical Mechanics,  Third Edition, by Goldstein, Poole and Safko.  Errata.

Goals: After completing this course you should (1) have a working knowledge of the foundations, techniques and key results of classical mechanics; (2) be able to comprehend basic classical mechanical applications at the research level, e.g., in research articles; (3) be able to competently explain/teach these topics to others; (4) be able to teach yourself any other related classical mechanics material as you need it.  

Miscellaneous information:

• This semester we will survey the foundations of the subject, basic techniques for its application to the real world, and a number of standard examples. The emphasis will be on the theory and applications of variational principles and related material. We will be covering material from Chapters 1-3, 6-9, 13 with some omissions and additions. More specialized, advanced, and applied topics normally appear in a sequel to this course. If there is time, we will try some. Don't worry. I always say that. It rarely happens.

•  The design of this course is based upon the assumption that you have already had a previous (undergraduate) course in classical mechanics. 

• My teaching strategy is based upon the fact that you can read the book as well as I can. My lectures will not just be a version of the text. Rather, the text along with my lecture notes should be your principal references which help you to solve the various problems you are assigned. 

• I will make available typed notes which summarize - but may not always exhaust - the content of the lectures. They will be posted in PDF format on the Physics 6010 web site and can be viewed with any PDF viewer, e.g., Acrobat Reader.

• There will be a number of problem sets. Your primary goal in this course is to solve these problems using material given in the lectures and in the text, additional references, collaboration with your colleagues, etc. In many ways, you are learning how to do research as you work on the assigned problems. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of problem solving experience to the learning of classical mechanics (or any other subject in physics, for that matter). To help you agree with me, the bulk of your grade comes from your homework. Don't neglect it!

• Your grade will be determined according to the following approximate scheme: homework 90%, class participation 10%.
 
Keep an eye on the Physics 6010 website for useful information.

"Students with ADA-documented physical, sensory, emotional or medical impairments may be eligible for reasonable accommodations. Veterans may also be eligible for services. All accommodations are coordinated through the Disability Resource Center (DRC) in Room 101 of the University Inn, (435)797-2444 voice, (435)797-0740 TTY, (435)797-2444 VP, or toll free at 1-800-259-2966. Please contact the DRC as early in the semester as possible. Alternate format materials (Braille, large print or digital) are available with advance notice."