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PH30125: Advanced classical mechanics

[Page last updated: 03 June 2024]

Academic Year: 2024/25
Owning Department/School: Department of Physics
Credits: 6 [equivalent to 12 CATS credits]
Notional Study Hours: 120
Level: Honours (FHEQ level 6)
Period:
Semester 2
Assessment Summary: EXOB 100%
Assessment Detail:
  • Examination (EXOB 100%)
Supplementary Assessment:
Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Requisites: Before taking this module you must ( take PH10004 OR take MA10236 ) AND ( take PH10103 OR take PH20076 OR take PH20106 OR take PH20114 ) AND ( take PH20013 OR take PH20060 )
Learning Outcomes: After taking this unit the student should be able to:
  • show proficiency in using the Lagrangian formulation to solve problems in classical mechanics;
  • apply methods of the calculus of variations;
  • use symmetries to derive conservation laws;
  • show proficiency in using the Hamiltonian formulation of classical mechanics;
  • formulate and analyse equations of motion for systems of oscillators;
  • analyse classical field theories.



Aims: The aim of this unit is to develop students' understanding of the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formalisms of classical mechanics, and the classical theory of fields.

Skills: Numeracy T/F A, Problem Solving T/F A.

Content: Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics. Calculus of variations. Hamilton's principle of least action. Symmetry and conservation laws: Noether's theorem. Hamiltonian dynamics. (Poisson brackets.) Small oscillations. Continuous systems and fields; classical field theory including Klein Gordon field, symmetries and currents.

Course availability:

PH30125 is Compulsory on the following courses:

Department of Physics
  • USPH-AFB16 : BSc(Hons) Physics with Theoretical Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM16 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Theoretical Physics (Year 3)
  • USPH-AFM17 : MPhys(Hons) Physics with Theoretical Physics with Research placement (Year 3)

PH30125 is Optional on the following courses:

Department of Physics

Notes:

  • This unit catalogue is applicable for the 2024/25 academic year only. Students continuing their studies into 2025/26 and beyond should not assume that this unit will be available in future years in the format displayed here for 2024/25.
  • Courses and units are subject to change in accordance with normal University procedures.
  • Availability of units will be subject to constraints such as staff availability, minimum and maximum group sizes, and timetabling factors as well as a student's ability to meet any pre-requisite rules.
  • Find out more about these and other important University terms and conditions here.