PHY 337/637 Analytical Mechanics
General Information
This course is a one-half semester introduction to mathematical optimization tools
(the calculus of variation) and their application to the analysis of the physics of motion
(Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms).
The textbook is available online:
Variational Principles in Classical Mechanics by Professor Douglas Cline from the
University of Rochester. Students who prefer a print version of the textbook can order it from the website.
Since this is a one-half semester course, we will focus on Chapters 5 - 8 and 13.
The course will consist of the following components:
In person meetings TR 12:30-1:45 PM in Olin 103.*
Starting with the second meeting,
the sessions will focus on discussion of the
material, particularly answering your prepared and spontaneous questions.
Asynchronous review of annotated lecture notes and corresponding
textbook sections. Starting with
Lecture 2, the annotated lecture notes will be available one day before the
corresponding synchronous online discussion. For each class meeting,
students will be expected
to submit (by email)
at least one question for class discussion at least 3 hours before the
in person class meetings.
The practice
of formulating questions is one of the important tools of science.
Note that there are no "silly" questions.
Participation in weekly tutorial sessions, discussing example problems
from each chapter from the textbook covered in class, concepts and theories,
and possibly material associated with homework problems.
Homework sets. Typically there will be one homework problem associated
with each class meeting that is due the following Monday and which
will be graded by the instructor.
There will be 1 or 2 exams associated with this course. Details to be
determined.
*The classroom is equiped with technology for zoom connections if needed.
Student needing such accomodation should email
instructor at least 10 minutes before class.
It is likely that your grade for the course will depend
upon the following factors:
*In general, there will a new assignment after each lecture,
so that for optimal learning, it would be best to complete each assignment
before the next scheduled lecture. According to the honor system, all work
submitted for grading purposes should represent the student's own best
efforts.
Dates of note:
- Classes begin: Mon. Aug. 28, 2023
- Fall break: Oct. 12-15, 2023
- Last class meeting for course: Tue Oct. 17, 2023