2023/24 Undergraduate Module Catalogue
PHYS3511 Advanced Mechanics
15 creditsClass Size: 94
Module manager: Dr Chris Nixon
Email: c.j.nixon@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Sep to 31 Jan (adv yr), Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2023/24
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Objectives
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:1. Lagrangian mechanics and the Euler-Lagrange equation
2. Hamiltonian mechanics and Hamilton's equations
3. Rotational motion of rigid bodies
4. Small oscillations in coupled dynamical systems
Skills outcomes
An understanding of mechanics at advanced level
Problem solving skills
Syllabus
Formal mechanics of point particles: 2D, 3D, many particles.
Rigid body rotations, Euler angles, moment of inertia tensor.
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, generalised coordinates, constrained systems and Lagrange multipliers.
Variational methods.
Symmetry and conservation laws.
Theory of small oscillations, perturbation methods.
Relativity and Minkowski Space
Teaching methods
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
| Lecture | 11 | 1.00 | 11.00 |
| Independent online learning hours | 22.00 | ||
| Private study hours | 117.00 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 11.00 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 150.00 | ||
Private study
Reading lecture notes and booksSolving problems
Methods of assessment
Coursework
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
| In-course Assessment | Regular Coursework | 20.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 20.00 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Exams
| Exam type | Exam duration | % of formal assessment |
| Standard exam (closed essays, MCQs etc) | 2 hr 30 mins | 80.00 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Exams) | 80.00 | |
Students will have to complete an in-person exam at the end of the module. This will take place during the examinations period at the end of the semester and will be time bound. Resits will be in standard exam format.
Reading list
The reading list is available from the Library websiteLast updated: 07/08/2023
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- Undergraduate module catalogue
- Taught Postgraduate module catalogue
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