KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE PROPOSAL OR REVISION,
Cover Sheet (10/02/2002)
Course Number/Program Name PHYS 5100: Classical Mechanics and Applications
Department Biology and Physics
Degree Title (if applicable) MAT in Science
Proposed Effective Date Fall 2008
Check one or more of the following and complete the appropriate sections:
X New Course Proposal
Course Title Change
Course Number Change
Course Credit Change
Course Prerequisite Change
Course Description Change
Sections to be Completed
II, III, IV, V, VII
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
I, II, III
Notes:
If proposed changes to an existing course are substantial (credit hours, title, and description), a new course with a
new number should be proposed.
A new Course Proposal (Sections II, III, IV, V, VII) is required for each new course proposed as part of a new
program. Current catalog information (Section I) is required for each existing course incorporated into the
program.
Minor changes to a course can use the simplified E-Z Course Change Form.
Submitted by:
Approved
Nikolaos Kidonakis
Faculty Member
_____
Date
Not Approved
Department Curriculum Committee Date
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Department Chair
Date
School Curriculum Committee
Date
School Dean
Date
GPCC Chair
Date
Dean, Graduate Studies
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Not Approved
Vice President for Academic Affairs Date
Approved
Not Approved
President
Date
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
GRADUATE COURSE/CONCENTRATION/PROGRAM CHANGE
I.
Current Information (Fill in for changes)
Page Number in Current Catalog
Course Prefix and Number
Course Title
Credit Hours
Prerequisites
Description (or Current Degree Requirements)
II.
Proposed Information (Fill in for changes and new courses)
Course Prefix and Number _________PHYS 5100______________
Course Title _______ Classical Mechanics and Applications
Credit Hours 3-0-3
Prerequisites Admission to MAT program and a "C" or better in Math 2202 and
Phys 2212 (or equivalent)".
Description (or Proposed Degree Requirements)
This course provides a modern coverage of topics in classical mechanics, including a deeper
understanding of the dynamic laws and a focus on connections to other topics in physics and to
real life applications of the topics. Topics include a review of Newton's laws of motion which is
followed by an examination of conservation laws in physics, Newton's theory of gravitation, the
two-body central force problem, the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian frameworks, and a study of
simple harmonic motion and oscillations. Connections with other fields of physics and to
applications are made when appropriate to broaden, deepen, and strengthen students' physical
insights and understanding.
III.
Justification
This course will be needed for the proposed MAT in Science program. One of the primary
objectives of the MAT program is to provide prospective teachers with the appropriate depth and
breadth in their subject area so that they are fully prepared to convey current, in-depth, and
accurate content knowledge to their students. PHYS 5100 is intended to deepen and broaden the
graduate students’ understanding of the laws of classical mechanics including motion, energy
and oscillations, and how to apply these laws to explain the operation of everyday devices and
highlight the role of classical mechanics in natural phenomena. This course will be also of value
to undergraduate students in Mathematics & Chemistry who wish deepen their content
knowledge in preparation for Graduate school or other technical careers.
IV.
Additional Information (for New Courses only)
Instructor: Nikolaos Kidonakis
Text: Classical Mechanics by John R. Taylor
Prerequisites: Admission to MAT program and a "C" or better in Math 2202 and
Phys 2212 (or equivalent)".
Objectives:
I. Knowledge and Conceptual Objectives:
 A solid understanding of Newton’s laws of motion.
 An in-depth study of conservation laws: energy, momentum, and angular momentum.
 An understanding of simple harmonic motion and its relevance for describing a wide
range of physical systems.
 An introduction to the calculus of variations.
 An introduction to the Lagrangian, Lagrange’s equations and their application to a
wide variety of problems.
 Understanding of the two-body central force problem.
 An introduction to the Hamiltonian framework of classical mechanics.
 Understanding of oscillations and normal modes.
 An introduction to collisions and cross sections.
II. Skills Objectives
 Be able to understand and work with Newton’s Laws of Motion
 Demonstrate the ability to understand and relate various physical situations.
 Understand and use units and dimensional analysis in the context of classical
mechanics.
 Demonstrate the ability to explain simple classroom demonstrations of dynamics and
oscillations.
 Demonstrate the ability to develop lesson plans focused on topics in classical
mechanics.
 Gain proficiency at searching the physics education research literature, for relevant
information about teaching these topics.
 Gain an in-depth understanding of the most prevalent student misconceptions on a
given fundamental physics concept or topic and write a lesson that would promote the
conceptual change of their future students.
Instructional Method
Lecture
Method of Evaluation
Projects 16%
Tests 60% (3 tests, 20% each)
Final Exam 24%
Grades: A >90%; B 80%-90%; C 70%-80%; D 60%-70%; F <60%
V.
Resources and Funding Required (New Courses only)
Resource
Amount
Faculty
Initially none. A new faculty line might be needed if
enrollment will result in current and proposed courses reaching capacity.
Other Personnel
None
Equipment
None
Supplies
None
Travel
None
New Books
New Journals
Other (Specify)
TOTAL
Funding Required Beyond
Normal Departmental Growth
None
VI. COURSE MASTER FORM
This form will be completed by the requesting department and will be sent to the Office of the
Registrar once the course has been approved by the Office of the President.
The form is required for all new courses.
DISCIPLINE
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL
(Note: Limit 16 spaces)
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS
Approval, Effective Term
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U)
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are
required as prerequisites
Physics
5100
Mechanics
3-0-3
Spring 2009
Regular
APPROVED:
________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee __
VII Attach Syllabus
See attached.