FYS3120 – Analytical Mechanics and Electrodynamics

Course content

The course gives a basic introduction to analytical mechanics and classical field theory, with an emphasis on the Lagrange-Hamilton formalism, Noether's theorem and the action concept. Further, the course contains a thorough introduction to Einstein’s special relativity using four-vector formalism. This is used to give a covariant (independent of reference frame) description of mechanics and field theories, with a focus on electromagnetism as an example. This course forms a basis for further courses in theoretical physics.

Learning outcome

After completing this course you are?expected to:

  • understand the fundamental concepts of analytical mechanics such as generalised coordinates and momenta, variational calculus, the use of the Lagrange and Hamilton functions, the central role of the action integral, and the relation between symmetries and conserved quantities through Noether's theorem, as well as knowing how to use Poisson brackets and how to extend the use of variational calculus to more general problems.
  • be able to use the Lagrange and Hamilton equations to solve complex mechanical problems, both analytically and with relevant symbolic and numerical computational tools, and to use phase space based arguments to achieve a qualitative understanding of the existing solutions.
  • understand the fundamental concepts of special relativity and their physical consequences, such as the Lorentz transformation, length contraction and time dilation, and acceleration in special relativity, as well as their use in the covariant formulations of physical laws through four-vectors and more general Lorentz tensors.
  • be able to perform calculations using relativistic mechanics and conservation laws, including Newton’s second law on covariant form, as well as formulate relativistic problems using Lagrange functions.
  • be able to use Maxwell’s equations in calculations with free electromagnetic waves including polarisation, be able to solve problems with stationary sources, for example by the use of the multipole expansion, and problems with time-dependent sources giving electromagnetic radiation, with a special focus on the radiation from a dipole.
  • have a basic understanding of the field formulation of the Lagrange-Hamilton formalism, including Noether's theorem and the energy-momentum tensor, as well as be able to perform calculations on simple examples of relativistic field theories.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)
  • Geosciences (1+2)
  • Technology and theories of research (1+2)

The special admission requirements may also be covered by?equivalent studies from Norwegian upper secondary school or by other equivalent studies?(in Norwegian).

Overlapping courses

Teaching

The course is taught through a whole semester with 7 hours of teaching per week:

  • 4 hours of lectures
  • 3 hours of problem-solving classes

In the problem-solving classes you will get help with the mandatory problem sets, we will look at the solutions for last week's problem set, and we repeat select topics from the course in discussion sessions.

This course has mandatory problem sets. Before you can sit the final exam you must have approved the submission of, and participated in the correction of (peer evaluation/self evaluation), at least three of the first six and at least three of the last six problem sets.

Regulations for mandatory assignments can be found here.

Examination

  • Written midterm exam which counts 20 % towards the final grade.

  • Final written exam, 4 hours, which counts 80 % towards the final grade.

A minimum of 6 out of 12 assignments?must be approved before you can sit the final exam.

When writing your exercises make sure to familiarize yourself with the?rules for use of sources and citations.?Breach of these rules may lead to suspicion of?attempted cheating.

It will also be counted as one of the three attempts to sit the exam for this course, if you sit the exam for one of the following courses: FYS4120 – Classical mechanics and electrodynamics (discontinued)

Examination support material

Applies to the midterm home exam:

  • all examination support material is allowed.

Applies to the final written exam:

Language of examination

Courses taught in English will only offer the exam paper in English. You may write your examination paper in Norwegian, Swedish, Danish or English.

Grading scale

Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.

Resit an examination

Students who can document a valid reason for absence from the regular examination are offered a?postponed exam?at the beginning of the next semester.

New examinations?are offered at the beginning of the next semester for students who do not successfully complete the exam during the previous semester.

We do not offer a re-scheduled exam for students who withdraw during the exam.

More about examinations at UiO

You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.

Last updated from FS (Common Student System) Dec. 25, 2024 6:48:07 AM

Facts about this course

Level
Bachelor
Credits
10
Teaching
Spring
Examination
Spring
Teaching language
Norwegian (English on request)

Contact

Department of Physics