PHYS 330 - Analytic Mechanics

Units: 3
Newton’s laws and conservation laws are applied to solve a variety of problems. Calculus of variations and Lagrange’s equations are developed and applied. Other topics include central force inertial reference frames, rotational motion of rigid bodies, and coupled oscillators.

Prerequisites: MATH 230, and PHYS 137 or PHYS 126.
Equivalent Quarter Course: PHYS 3101 and PHYS 3102.
Possible Instructional Methods: Entirely On-ground.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Course Typically Offered: Variable Intermittently

Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Students will be able to explain a variety of physical phenomena in terms of Newton’s Laws and conservation of energy and momentum.
Students will be able to develop models and apply advanced mathematical techniques, such as vector calculus differential equations, and Fourier series, to solve physics problems.
Students will be able to identify an appropriate coordinate system, and analyze physics problems in several different coordinate systems.
Students will be able to explain the behaviors of physical systems that are undergoing oscillations (including coupled oscillators), under the influence of a central force, in a non-inertial reference frame, or undergoing rotation.
Students will be able to apply Lagrange’s equations to solve problems in mechanics.