Welcome to Physics 326 (Spring 2011)

Comments

Physics 326 is the course that covers the second half of the full-year classical mechanics sequence. Physics 325 is the course that covers the first half. The newly introduced course Physics 225 provides some mathematical background that is useful for all upper-level physics courses and, in particular, Phys 325 and Phys 326. This new course is now a prerequisite for Phys 325 and Phys 326. (Please note that an introduction to Special Relativity is now given in Phys 225, not Phys 325, and knowledge of this subject is required for Phys 326.)

For Phys 326, you are expected to have completed Phys 325 and earned a grade of "C" or better, the three-semester calculus sequence (through Math 241 or equivalent), a first course in differential equations (Math 285 or equivalent), and to know this material thoroughly. Topics such as matrices, multivariable calculus, and differential and partial differential equations will be used as needed. It is also very helpful to have taken, or be taking Math 415 (Linear Algebra) or the equivalent, although this is not mandated.

In Phys 326, it is assumed that you have already studied (in Phys 325 or elsewhere) Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics and that you are now ready to use these methods to solve problems. There are various lecture notes on these topics posted on this web site that you can use to review this material. To access these, please go to the Course Lecture Schedule page and see the Readings and Lecture Notes associated with the first three lectures.

You will be encouraged to work in groups some of the time, particularly in the Discussion/Problem Solving Sessions that take place on Wednesday evenings, but also in connection with the homework. That is, it is suggested that you form study groups to help you review material and to work on homework.

Homework is an essential part of the course and it is important that you do well with it and that you understand and can reproduce answers to any problems you could not solve by yourself. So, after you have done as much as you can on the homework by yourself, it is good to have a group of fellow students to consult. That is, the best way to proceed with doing the homework is to try the questions yourself and then check with others in your study group or in the class to see if you agree on the solutions. If your solutions do not agree, then work together to identify difficulties or differences and try to convince yourselves of the correct answer. Check in with the course TAs or the instructor in their office hours if you need additional assistance. Remember that the homework solutions should be written up by you after you have done any necessary consultation.

As homework is such an important part of the course, late homework will be marked down 10% each day it is late, and nothing later than one week after the due date will be accepted. Weekly problem assignments will be posted on the open course web site and the solutions will be posted on the secure course web site. These are accessible through links on this page.

Course announcements will be posted to this page as the course progresses

Grades for homework sets, quizzes, and exams will be available through the Gradebook.