Mechanics for Mathematicians (327-0-61)

Instructors

Ethan W Sussman

Meeting Info

Lunt Hall 102: Mon, Wed, Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM

Overview of class

MATH 327-0 Mechanics for Mathematicians (1 Unit)

Fundamental mathematical ideas arising in classical mechanics: Newtonian mechanics, Lagrangian formalism and the calculus of variations, motion with constraints, symmetries and conservation laws, Hamiltonian mechanics, and Liouville's theorem. No prior knowledge of physics required. Students may not receive credit for MATH 327-0 after taking PHYSICS 330-1.

Prerequisites: MATH 226-0 or MATH 281-3; and MATH 228-2 or MATH 230-2 or MATH 234-0 (former) or MATH 281-2 or MATH 285-3 or MATH 290-3 or MATH 291-3 or ES_APPM 252-2; and MATH 240-0 or MATH 281-3 or MATH 285-1 or MATH 290-1 or MATH 291-1 or GEN_ENG 205-1 or GEN_ENG 206-1.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisite: a thorough knowledge of linear algebra and vector calculus, as covered, for example, in 234 and 240 or equivalent, plus at least 1 300-level math course.

Teaching Method

Lecture: Three 50-minute lectures weekly
Discussion section: One 50-minute discussion section weekly.
Readings: Text reading assignments
Problem sets: Weekly written assignments
Class participation: Encouraged, but not required

Evaluation Method

Grade depends on weekly problem sets, midterm, and final exam.

Class Materials (Required)

978-0465075683
The Theoretical Minimum
Authors: Suskind, Hrabovsky
Publisher: Basic Books

Class Materials (Suggested)

No suggested materials. See required materials

Class Notes

Students may not receive credit for 327 after taking PHYSICS 330-1.

Class Attributes

Natural Sciences Foundational Discipline
Formal Studies Distro Area
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Natural Sciences Distro Area

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Preregistration in this course is reserved for students who are majoring in Mathematics. Prerequisite: Students must have completed MATH 230-2 (or equivalent) and MATH 240-0 (or equivalent).

Associated Classes

DIS - Technological Institute F281: Tues 12:00PM - 12:50PM