ENGS 361/PHYS 361 - Analytical Mechanics

Course Description
This course covers Newtonian mechanics, linear and nonlinear oscillations, calculus of variations, Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, and motion in noninertial frames of reference. The course builds upon the topics covered in general physics and makes extensive use of the methods learned in Introduction to Mathematical Physics. The course acquaints students with mathematical and computer techniques in solving complex problems. These more formal methods empower students with skills necessary to make the transition from introductory to advanced physics and engineering.

Course Objectives
•  To expand your knowledge of classical mechanics by working mathematically challenging problems and by covering concepts in greater depth. [1,2]
•  To increase your skills by using MAPLE and MATLAB to solve difficult problems and to verify your own algebra as you seek solutions to problems. [3]
•  To apply your programming skills in FORTRAN, C or MATLAB to solve numerically integral and differential equations. [2,3]

Instructor
Dr. Paul DeYoung