Paper Description
This paper presents the foundation theory for two major topics in Physics. The Classical Mechanics section introduces the formal framework of Classical Mechanics and illustrates its application to two-body problems, oscillating systems and non-inertial frames such as rotating systems. The Special Relativity and Cosmology section covers the special theory of relativity with applications to relativistic mechanics as well as an introduction to cosmology.
This paper is the same as the MATH374 paper offered by the Maths Department. It is taught jointly by staff from both Departments.
Assessment:
Final exam 60%, Assignments 35%, Workshops 5%.
Important information about assessment for PHSI336
Course Coordinator:
Dr. Terry Scott
- Understand and use the calculus of variations, particularly in the derivation of the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics
- Understand and use the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of classical mechanics and how they are related
- Use the principles of classical mechanics to analyse standard systems, such as two-body central force problems and the rotation of rigid bodies.
- Understand the principles of special relativity and the representation of these principles in the Lorentz Transformation and covariant formalism
- Solve problems in relativistic mechanics using these principles
- Understand the introductory ideas of cosmology
Lecture Topics
| Classical MechanicsLecturer: Dr Terry Scott |
|---|
| Calculus of variations |
| Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics |
| Two-body central force problems |
| Rotation of rigid bodies |
| Hamiltonian mechanics |
| Textbook: Classical Mechanics, John Taylor. |
| Relativity and CosmologyLecturers: Dr Jörg Hennig, Dr Florian Beyer |
|---|
Lorentz transformations |
| Covariant formalism |
| Aberration |
| Relativistic mechanics |
| Cosmological principle |
Formal University Information
The following information is from the University’s corporate web site.
Details
Techniques and applications of classical mechanics: calculus of variations, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulations. The special theory of relativity with application in relativistic mechanics. Cosmology.
This paper presents the foundational theory for two major topics in physics. The classical mechanics section introduces the formal framework of classical mechanics and illustrates its application to two-body problems, oscillating systems and non-inertial frames, such as rotating systems. The special relativity and cosmology section covers the special theory of relativity with applications to relativistic mechanics as well as an introduction to cosmology. This paper is the same as the MATH 374 paper offered by the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. It is taught jointly by staff from both departments.
| Paper title | Mathematical Physics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | PHSI336 |
| Subject | Physics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 2 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $1,141.35 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- MATH 203 and 36 300-level PHSI or MATH points
- Restriction
- MATH 374
- Recommended Preparation
- (PHSI 221 and PHSI 222) and COMO 204
- Schedule C
- Science
- Contact
- terry.scott@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View more information about PHSI 336
- Teaching staff
Course Co-ordinator: Dr Terry Scott
Dr Florian Beyer
Dr Jörg Frauendiener- Textbooks
- Classical Mechanics, John Taylor.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Lifelong learning, Scholarship,
Communication, Critical thinking, Information literacy, Self-motivation, Teamwork.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
After completing this paper students will be able to:
- Understand and use the calculus of variations, particularly in the derivation of the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics
- Understand and use the Hamiltonian and Lagrangian formulations of classical mechanics and how they are related
- Use the principles of classical mechanics to analyse standard systems, such as two-body central force problems and the rotation of rigid bodies
- Understand the principles of special relativity and the representation of these principles in the Lorentz Transformation and covariant formalism
- Solve problems in relativistic mechanics using these principles
- Understand the introductory ideas of cosmology
