Analytical Mechanics Syllabus
PHYS 3111
CATALOG DESCRIPTION: Prerequisite: Physics 2211. May be taken concurrently with
Mathematics 3000. Topics include kinematics, using vector analysis,
dynamics of particles, rotation and planetary motion, the linear harmonic
oscillator, studies of energy, momentum and impact, approximation and
perturbation methods. The course also introduces the most general
methods of solving dynamical problems. Three class periods per week.
OBJECTIVES: Upon completion of this course the student should:
1. Be familiar with the fundamental laws of mechanics as they appear in
vector/calculus form and their solutions as differential equations.
2. Be familiar with non-inertial reference systems such as the rotating Earth.
3. Be familiar with the dynamics of systems of particles including the two
body problem involving gravitation and central forces.
4. Be familiar with the mechanics of rigid bodies in two and three
dimensions.
5. Have acquired the problem solving skills necessary for the application
of the most general methods of solving dynamical problems. (Such as
Lagrange’s equations as derived from Hamilton’s variational principle.)
6. Have even further developed the reasoning skills required in the
solution of mechanics problems.
Early Intervention
I am committed to your success in this course and at this university. I may, therefore, refer you to other persons and/or services available to help you achieve academic success. In turn, if you are referred, you will be expected to comply with the referrals. Please understand that such referrals are not a form of punishment, rather, they are intended to help you.
Academic Honesty:
NGCSU's integrity code- "On my honor, I will not lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, evade the truth, or tolerate those who do" -reflects the university's commitment to academic integrity. The "Academic Integrity Policy" (2004-2006 Undergraduate Bulletin, pp. 78-81) is incorporated herein by reference.
Learning Disabilities and Physical Challenges
North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) is committed to the inclusion of individuals with disabilities and to the principle of individual rights and responsibilities. To that end, the policies and procedures of NGCSU reasonably ensure that a person with a disability is not on the basis of that disability denied full and equal access to and the enjoyment of academic programs and co-curricular activities or otherwise subjected to discrimination in such programs and activities. Students who believe they have experienced discrimination on the basis of a disability can seek resolution through grievance procedures established by NGCSU.
GENERAL INFORMATION
INSTRUCTOR: FALL SEMESTER 2007
Dr. Mark C. Spraker Ext. 1509 Office: 112 Rogers Hall
Office hours: MWF 10-12 and 1:30-2:30, TR 9:15-10
SECTION A 1430 MWF
EMAIL: MCSpraker@NGCSU.edu
TESTS: Two fifty minute exams and one two-hour comprehensive final
exam given on or about the dates listed below. Exact exam dates
will be set in class. The exams will be problem oriented at about
the same difficulty level as the homework. There will be one somewhat
harder extra-credit problem on each test. Make-up tests for other than
valid excuses will not be given. If you know that you will have to miss
a test, see your instructor for other possible arrangements.
EXAM CHAPTERS DATE (Approx.)
1 1,2,3,4 Friday, September 26
2 5,6,7 Monday, November 3
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE Monday, December 8 @ 13:00
HOMEWORK: Homework problems will be assigned and graded weekly at the discretion
of your instructor. Students are encouraged to work together and to see
the instructor often. There will be periodic extra-credit homework
problems assigned that can be turned in independently for credit.
EVALUATION: FORTY PERCENT of the course grade will be derived from the assigned
homework problems. The remaining sixty percent of your grade will be
determined by the tests and the final exam, which counts as two tests.
A = 90 - 100;
B = 80 - 89;
C = 70 - 79;
D = 60 - 69;
F = < 60.
TEXTBOOK: Analytical Mechanics, 7th Ed. by Fowles & Cassiday, Harcourt Brace &
Company 2008.
ATTENDANCE: Regular class attendance is encouraged and expected. A grade of WF may
be given for six or more absences at the discretion of the instructor.
CLASS EVALUATIONS: Class evaluations at NGCSU are now conducted on-line through Banner.
Evaluation of the class is considered a component of the course and students will
not be permitted to access their course grade until the evaluation has been
completed. The evaluations will be accessible beginning one week prior to Final
Exam week.
Email me: mcspraker@ngcsu.edu The NGCSU Department of Physics