PHSCS 321
Mechanics
Physics and Astronomy
College of Physical and Mathematical Sciences
Course Description
Newton's laws applied to particles and systems of particles, including rigid bodies. Conservation principles and Lagrange's and Hamilton's equations.
When Taught
Fall
Grade Rule
Grade Rule 8: A, B, C, D, E, I (Standard grade rule)
Min
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
3
Fixed
0
Other Prerequisites
Math 303 or 334 or concurrent enrollment.
Recommended
Concurrent enrollment in Phscs 330
Title
Newton's Laws
Learning Outcome
Use Newtonian mechanics with forces and torques to solve problems in Cartesian and curvilinear coordinates.
Title
Work, Energy, and Momentum
Learning Outcome
Solve mechanics problems using work-energy, and conservation of energy, momentum and angular momentum.
Title
Rotation
Learning Outcome
Solve and analyze rigid-body problems and problems in non-inertial frames.
Title
Lagrangion and Hamiltonian mechanics
Learning Outcome
Use Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics to obtain the equations of motion for a variety of problems, including the use of generalized coordinates and cyclic coordinates.
Title
Perturbation Theory
Learning Outcome
Use perturbation and similar techniques to linearize equations of motion to analyze stability and study coupled systems using normal modes.
