PHYC30020

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should have acquired a good
understanding of the foundations of classical mechanics and special
relativity and their applications. The students should be able to
analyse, understand and describe physical experiments in this area,
and be able to apply this knowledge to solve problems.

Student Effort Hours:

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:

The module comprises 36 hours of lectures, with 5 homework assignments followed by 5 problem classes, and a final exam. The theoretical underpinnings of the Lagrangian formulation of classical mechanics are presented, first showing equivalence to the Newtonian formulation, and then building up to sophisticated examples while making connections to other areas of physics. Special relativity is derived from scratch, motivated by experimental findings pointing to the failure of Newtonian mechanics. It is then elaborated systematically and combined with Lagrangian mechanics from the first part of the course. Principles are underlined by several relevant examples. Homework consolidates learning and prepares for the exam.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.

Module Requisites and Incompatibles

Not applicable to this module.
 

Assessment Strategy

 

Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, on an activity or draft prior to summative assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

Feedback is given on homework assignments, which are fully graded, and a problem class on each assignment is given 1-2 weeks after submission. This prepares students for the final examination. Individual feedback can be provided to students directly from the lecturer if sought.