PHYS 502 Classical Mechanics (Graduate)

This course focuses on Newtonian (non-relativistic) mechanics and its Lagrangian formulation with applications to the motions of particles in three dimensions, systems of particles, gravitation and orbits, rigid body rotations and small vibrations). 

Note: This course is designed for those seeking the credentials required by many regional accrediting bodies in order to be able to teach advanced placement, concurrent early college, and community college Physics courses.

Upon successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

1. Apply Newton’s Laws of Motion and the Universal Law of Gravitation to solve for the
   motions of particles, systems of particles, rigid objects and small oscillations.
   2. Demonstrate the origin and application of conservation laws in the Newtonian context.
   3. Develop the Lagrangian, Hamiltonian and Hamilton-Jacobi formulations of Newton’s
   Laws.
   4. Apply the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations to solve problems for systems with
   holonomic constraints using generalized coordinates.
   5. Translate between mathematical descriptions and experimentally observable behavior.
   6. Solve systems of differential equations for motion numerically using technology (e.g.
   Mathemathica, Maple).

Prerequisite Courses: Physics 501 Mathematical Methods in Physics or equivalent

Prerequisite Skills and Knowledge: A bachelor’s degree with a physics major or state certification (in any state) to teach physics at a secondary school level. Undergraduate coursework must include calculus (through multivariate) and ordinary differential equations.

Sequential Offerings:
Physics 501 Mathematical Methods in Physics (Spring 2020 & Fall I 2021)
Physics 502 Classical Mechanics (Summer I 2020 & Fall II 2021)
Physics 503 Electromagnetism (Summer II 2020)
Physics 504 Intro to Quantum Mechanics (Fall 2020)
Physics 505 Quantum Mechanics II (Spring 2021)
Physics 506 Thermodynamics and Statistical Mechanics (Summer 2021)