EP 222 - Classical Mechanics, Autumn 2016-17

Instructor Name Anirban Sain

Course Type Core for EP students

Course overview

Principle of least action, Euler-Lagrange equations for various minimization/optimization problems, small oscillations, central force problems, rigid body motion, canonical transformations., Noether's theorem.

Prerequisites

Formal: none; Informal: MA 105 (Multivariable calculus)

Credit distribution

2 quizzes (10% each), 1 midsem (30%), 1 endsem (50%)

Feedback on Lectures

No formal attendance policy, classes exclusively on blackboard

Feedback on tutorials, assignments and exams

Ungraded tutorials, mostly taken either from Goldstein or Hand and Finch. Quality of problems was on the better side, but a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. Problems in exams were of a similar nature.

Relevant References

1. Classical mechanics by Herbert Goldstein
2. Analytical mechanics by Louis N. Hand and Janet D. Finch

Pro-tips

Goldstein takes more time to study, so be prepared to invest more effort if you read that. Hand and Finch is lighter in comparison, focuses more on problems.

Lectures are aimed at covering the major topics only, with the implicit assumption that the student is going to study from the reference books on their own. Therefore, self-study is of utmost important in this course.

Respondent Arkya Chatterjee

Note: This is a review to help you make a more informed choice about how to study for this course and/or choosing this course. While we've tried to keep it objective and complete, one must keep in mind that students have varying interests, methods of study, and the course itself changes from year to year.