Module Outline
Advanced Classical Physics
Module Code PO3.4 FHEQ Level Level 6
Pre-requisites None Co-requisites None
Primary Department Physics
Module Leader Prof Carlo Contaldi
Additional Teaching None Departments
Teaching Staff Prof Carlo Contaldi + Associate
Programmes on which the Module is delivered Core/Elective
UG Physics with Theoretical Physics programmes (F325, F390) Core
All other UG Physics programmes (F300, F303, F309, F3W3, F3XC, F3XD) Elective
On completing the Advanced Classical Physics course, students will have: A thorough understanding of classical physics at an advanced level. Learning Outcomes A more complete understanding of theoretical formalism. A basis for understanding the formal development of the theories of quantum mechanics and general relativity.
Rotating frames: Angular velocity and angular momentum vectors, Centrifugal and Coriolis forces Rigid bodies: Inertia tensor, Principal moments and principal axes of inertia, Euler angles Lagrangian mechanics: Calculus of variations, Action integral, Principle of least action, Euler-Lagrange equation, Generalised co-ordinates and momenta, Constraints, Normal modes Hamiltonian Mechanics: Hamilton’s equations, Poisson brackets, Description of Content Canonical transformations, Continuous symmetries and conservations laws Dynamical systems: Linearisation of systems of differential equations, stability analysis of systems with up two or more dimensions. Relativistic Electromagnetism: Four-vectors, Contravariant and covariant vectors, Lorentz tensors, Einstein convention, Faraday tensor, Lorentz transformations for electromagnetic fields, Maxwell’s equations in four-vector form, Four-vector potential
Assessment Assessment Type Weighting
Written exam Exam 100%
Learning & Teaching Independent Study Placement Hours Total Hours Hours Hours
57 93 0 150
Page 1 of 2 ECTS Credit 6 CATS Credit 12
Date of introduction October 2016 Date of Last Revision