Physics 320

Analytical Mechanics

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Class Structure - Spring 2007

I. Grading:

 

II. Homework:

Homework problems are due on the date indicated in the syllabus. Late assignments will receive 50% credit. You are encouraged to work together in a team effort on the homework. Take care that your understanding of the homework is thorough! Our goal is to build mechanics competency.

You must complete the homework in order to pass this course! Please note that the homework is worth 40% of your grade!!!!!!!!!!

III. Math Tools

We will make extensive use of either MathCad or Mathematica in both the problem solving and exam portions of this class. It is expected and required that you have either tool installed on your computer and that you become highly proficient using either or both of these tools. I will be demonstrating via MathCad in class. Student pricing for MathCad is available at many internet websites. Several examples are:
http://www.academicsuperstore.com/item/index.html?tname=Mathcad&sourcecode=lcg&promocode=0D3P04XX
http://www.creationengine.com/html/p.lasso?p=13605
Mathematica is available at the IT office in Schultz Hall. In addition, you should also have Microsoft Excel installed on your computer. Depending on the problem being solved, Excel may be the math tool of choice.

IV. Exams:

Exams are open book – Take-Home Exams – Typically you will have 1 week to do the exam, most likely including 2 weekends.

V. Texts and Class Notes:

Fowles & Cassiday: Analytical Mechanics 7th Edition; Harcourt Publisher

VI. Office hours:

1.Monday 1:00-2:00 PM; Wednesday 1:30-3:30 PM
2. Special appointment - Leave an E-mail message: Bryant.hichwa@sonoma.edu or bhichwa@earthlink.net

 

Click Here to Download Class Syllabus

Click Here to Download Additional Information (Updated 16 May07 chap6 notes)

Click Here to Download Problem & Exam Solutions (Updated 26Mar07)

 

 

16 May 2007