PHYS 311 is the first part of a two-part sequence dealing with classical mechanics. This course assumes that you have had an introductory Physics course such as University or General Physics I and takes an in-depth look at Newtonian mechanics and its application to single particles as well as a system of particles. Towards the end of the course we will take a brief look at alternate descriptions such as Lagrangian mechanics.
3.0 Credits
Course Objectives
The knowledge base covered in Classical Mechanics I is an essential foundation for students seeking to understand physical phenomenon where particles are governed by the laws of classical physics.
Weekly problem sets will be assigned here. Problem Sets should be completed by the following week, and graded and returned within a few class meetings. You are expected to be able to work the problems without the aid of the solutions, and are welcome to seek my help. Homework counts towards 25 % of the final grade.
Exams
This course has two in-class midterm exams and a two-hour final. The exams
are largely based on material from lectures and problems similar to those
assigned in the weekly homework.
Exam Schedule
This course has two in-class midterm exams and a two-hour final. The exams are largely based on material from lectures and problems of the same level of difficulty as those assigned in HW and will contain a mix of short-answer questions and long problems. You are allowed to bring a letter sized (8.5. x 11.) sheet of paper with anything you want hand-written on it.
The schedule of exams is as follows:
Midterm Exam I Thursday, September 28, 2006
Midterm Exam II Thursday, November 2, 2006
Final Exam Tuesday, December 12, 2005
Grading
The final grade will be based on:
Two midterms (25%) + (25%), Final Exam (25%), Homework (25%)
The final exam is cumulative. Your final grade will be based on the total points in this system. Any student who achieves a percentile score of above 85 %, 75 %, 65 %, 55 % is guaranteed to receive an A, B, C, or D respectively. These percentile scores may be adjusted based on a class curve.