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FYTN16: Classical Mechanics, 7.5 credits

at the Department of Astronomy and Theoretical Physics. Lectures are given by Roman Pasechnik.

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General information

This is a 7.5 hp advanced course in Theoretical Physics at Lund University with the main focus on basic concepts and applications of classical mechanics. The course is an elective course for second-cycle studies for a Degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with a specialisation in physics. The course is given every second year and is scheduled for the second part of the autumn semester. This course gives a solid knowledge of Lagrange and Hamilton formulations of classical mechanics with connections to field theory and relativity.

Semester: autumn
Study period: 2
Level: master
Language: English
Form of teaching: blackboard lectures
and problem-solving sessions
Assessment: written and oral examination
Grading scale: U-G-VG
Application: through antagning.se

The official description of the course contents and requirements can be found here, and a translation into English can be found here. It contains information about prerequisites, learning goals, etc.

Prerequisites

Rigorous junior-level knowledge in mechanics, calculus and linear algebra is required. Specifically, for admission to the course, 75 credits in physics and 45 credits in mathematics is required including knowledge corresponding to FYTB14 Classical mechanics, special relativity, 7.5 credits, and English 6/B.

Course book

The course is mainly based on the following book:

- Goldstein, Poole and Safko, Classical Mechanics, third edition, Addison Wesley, 2001

There are misprints in the book. Follow http://astro.physics.sc.edu/Goldstein for a list of them.

As side-literature, the following book can be considered:

- Douglas Cline Variational Principles in Classical Mechanics, University of Rochester, 2017 (for more info, see: http://classicalmechanics.lib.rochester.edu/)

Problem-solving sessions

There are normally 3 problem-solving sessions. The course participants are segregated into groups and each group should (attempt to) solve a set of exercises to further discuss it over at the respective session. Attending the problem-solving sessions is not compulsory, but highly recommended. Upon request, additional problem-solving sessions can be arranged. For further information, problems sets and materials concerning the problem-solving sessions, see the corresponding section in "Modules".

Exam

The examination consists of two parts - written and oral exams. The written exam concerns solving three sets of take-home exercises and timely handing them in by the respective deadline and being passed on those. Passing all three sets of exercises is necessary to be admitted for the final (oral) examination. A passing level on a given set of exercises means that, at least, 70% of exercises are correctly solved. The oral exam is the most crucial part and tests the understanding of theoretical foundations of classical mechanics. The final grade is derived based on students' performance at the oral exam only.

Contacts

In the case of any problem, please, do not hesitate to send an e-mail to the responsible lecturer Roman Pasechnik (phone 046-2223192).

Introductory Meetings

Information about the compulsory introductory meetings can be found hereLinks to an external site..