PHYS 3344 Overview
Fall 1998
Last edit: 24 Aug 1998
Prof. Thomas Coan (x8-2497)         
coan@mail.physics.smu.edu
Office: 4B Fondren Science
Introduction
Welcome to PHYS 3344. This course requires you to work and has two major
goals. The first goal is for you to learn a substantial subset of
classical mechanics. These topics include the Newtonian mechanics of
single and multiple discrete particles, Newtonian gravity, central
force motion, Hamilton's principle, motion in a non-inertial reference
frame, the dynamics of rigid body motion, and oscillations of a point
particle. The second goal of PHYS 3344 is for you to learn some practical
mathematical techniques useful for solving physics problems, including
those you are likely to see in other courses and in a technical career
after graduation. These will include elements of vector calculus,
matrix manipulation and elementary linear algebra, techniques for
solving differential equations and an introduction to Fourier
analysis.
My choice of topics of PHYS 3344 is based on the assumption that you
will take PHYS 3345 in the Spring. There, we will complete our study
of classical mechanics and you will also have the opportunity to learn
more practical mathematical techniques. My intention is to cover
almost all of our primary text, Classical Dynamics, as well as
some supplementary material, by the end of May. Details about PHYS
3345 will be provided later.
Tests, Exams and Grades
Homework will be issued weekly and is graded. I encourage you to work
together on the problems. However, the final write-up must be your
own work. Submitted homework assignments that are suspiciously similar will
annoy me and plagiarism will be dealt with harshly. There will be 3
regular tests as well as a comprehensive final exam. See the PHYS 3344
syllabus for details. I will issue short, unannounced quizzes to
test your diligence in reading the course material on a random
basis.
Your final grade will be based on a weighted sum of your performance on
homework, tests, quizzes and the final exam:
- Homework 20%
- Quizzes 10%
- Tests 40%
- Final 30%
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