PHYS 350 - Classical Mechanics

Instructor: Jeremy Heyl

Meeting Times:

Topics we will cover include:

Virtual Work Principle of Least Action Lagrangian Mechanics

Hamiltonian Mechanics Rigid Body Motion Perturbative Techniques

I will base the grades on the short weekly problem sets (10%), class participation, a midterm (30%) and final exam (60%). Problem sets are due on Wednesday. Late assignments will not be accepted.

I have set up a Wiki for the course at http://tabitha.phas.ubc.ca/wiki/index.php?title=PHYS_350_Stuff where you can find solutions and hints for the problem sets.

The course will follow no particular textbook, but you may find some of the following books helpful during the course: Schaum's Outline - Langrangian Mechanics by Wells, Goldstein's Classical Mechanics and Mechanics by Landau and Lifshitz. I have placed all of these books on reserve at the library and they can be ordered through Amazon.

Each of the three books has its advantages. I personally refer most often to Landau and then to Goldstein. Landau is the least pedagogical; it is practically axiomatic. Goldstein lies in between and gives a comprehensive upper-level undergraduate or graduate-level treatment. Wells has tons of examples, problems and detailed explanations. I will try to present only material in the Wells book but probably not in the same order.