KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROPOSAL
New Course (NOT General Education)
I. Proposed Information
Course Prefix and Number: PHYS 3100
Course Title: Classical Mechanics and Applications
Credit Hours (format should be # - # - #): 3 - 0 - 3
Prerequisites: "C" or better in Math 2202 and Phys 2212 (or equivalent)"
(Prerequisites are courses or requirements that non-negotiable and must be successfully completed by any
student before enrolling in the course or program under consideration. Corequisites are courses that can be
taken before or in the same semester as the course under consideration. Courses at the upper-division level
will require lower-division competencies or prerequisites.)
Course Description for the Catalog:
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.
II. Justification for Course
A. Explain assessment findings which led to course development.
This course will be of value to undergraduate students in Mathematics & Chemistry who wish deepen
their content knowledge in preparation for Graduate school or other technical careers. It will also be
offered as a graduate course to support the MAT in science program.
B. Explain for Prerequisites:
1. What is the substance of content in each prerequisite that commands its inclusion as a
prerequisite to the proposed course?
This course will build on the content that is covered in the Phys 2212 course. The course math
coverage requires familiarity with the math content covered in Math 2203.
2. What is the desired sequence of prerequisites?
Only completion of both courses is required.
3. What is the rationale for requiring the above sequence of prerequisites?
This is a higher level course. The content requires familiarity with the content covered in both prerequisites.
4. How often are the required prerequisites offered?
They are offeres every fall and spring semester.
C. Give any other justification for the course.
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Form updated Spring 2006.
This course will give science majors added choices in the courses in the physics 3000 level elective
courses that they are required to take.
III. Additional Information
A. Where does this course fit sequentially and philosophically within the program of study.
This course is not part of an undergraduate program. However, its graduate version is a required course
for students wishing to become High School Physics Teachers.
B. What efforts have been made to ensure that this course does not duplicate the content of
other college courses with similar titles, purposes, or content?
There are no courses with similar title or content at KSU.
C. Where will the course be located in the program (elective, required in Area F, required or
elective for the major)? Indicate and justify its placement in the curriculum.
It will be an 3000 level physics elective for most science majors.
D. How often will this course be offered?
Once a year, depending on MAT program growth.
E. All sections of the course will be taught with the understanding that the following apply:
1. Purpose of the Course
The primary objective of this course is to present the experimental and theoretical basis of the principles of classical
mechanics and their application in everyday phenomena and devices.
2. Objectives of the Course
(1) solid understanding of Newton’s laws of motion. (2) An in-depth study of conservation laws: energy,
momentum, and angular momentum. (3) An understanding of simple harmonic motion and its relevance
for describing a wide range of physical systems. (4) An introduction to the calculus of variations. (5) An
introduction to the Lagrangian, Lagrange’s equations and their application to a wide variety of problems.
(6) Understanding of the two-body central force problem. (7) An introduction to the Hamiltonian
framework of classical mechanics. (8) Understanding of oscillations and normal modes. (9) An
introduction to collisions and cross sections. (10) Be able to understand and work with Newton’s Laws of
Motion (11) Demonstrate the ability to understand and relate various physical situations. (12) Understand
and use units and dimensional analysis in the context of classical mechanics.
3. Course Content
Newton's laws of motion; Newton's laws (continued); Momentum; Energy; Simple Harmonic Motion; Calculus of
Variations; Lagrange's Equations; The two-body central-force problem; Rotational motion of rigid bodies;
Oscillations and Normal modes; Hamilton's equations; Collisions.
F. What instructional methodologies will be incorporated into the course to stimulate group
process, writing skills, multiculturalism, and educational outcomes?
Lectures, classroom demonstrations, classroom discussions, hands on activities.
G. Outline the plan for continuous course assessment. What are the department, school, college,
or professional standards which will be used for the assessment? How will it be determined
that the course is current, meeting the educational needs of students and responsive to
educational standards? How often will the course assessment be done by the department?
Normal departmental procedures will be used every time the course is taught. In addition to student
evaluation, the instructor conducts a self evaluation of the course. Results are discussed with the head
department.
H. REQUIRED SYLLABUS CONTENTS (See Faculty Handbook on page 3.10 for details about KSU
syllabi.)
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Form updated Spring 2006.
1) Course Prefix Number and Title
PHYS 3100
2) Instructor: Nikolaos Kidonakis
Office: Science 432
Telephone: (770) 423-6607
3) Learning Objectives
(1) solid understanding of Newton’s laws of motion. (2) An in-depth study of conservation laws:
energy, momentum, and angular momentum. (3) An understanding of simple harmonic motion
and its relevance for describing a wide range of physical systems. (4) An introduction to the
calculus of variations. (5) An introduction to the Lagrangian, Lagrange’s equations and their
application to a wide variety of problems. (6) Understanding of the two-body central force
problem. (7) An introduction to the Hamiltonian framework of classical mechanics. (8)
Understanding of oscillations and normal modes. (9) An introduction to collisions and cross
sections.
4) Text(s)
PClassical Mechanics by John R. Taylor
5) Course Requirements/Assignments
There will be three (3) mid-term exams and final. No make up exams unless I am notified prior to
the exam. Exams will consist of problems similar to those assigned for homework. Hence problem
solving is an essential aspect of the course. A substantial fraction of class time will be devoted to
problem solving and you will be expected to work a significant number of problems for homework.
6) Evaluation and Grading
Tests 60% (3 tests, 20% each), final exam 24%, homework 16%.
A> 90%,B > 80%C> 70%,D > 60%, F< 60%
7) Weekly Schedule of Topics
Week 1: Newton's laws of motion
Chapter 1: Sects. 1.1-1.4 -Homework: Chapter 1: Problems
Week 2: Newton's laws (continued)
Chapter 1: Sects. 1.5-1.7 - Homework: Chapter 1: Problems
Week 3: Momentum
Chapter 3: Sects. 3.1-3.5 - Homework: Chapter 3: Problems
Week 4: Review; Test 1
Week 5: Energy
Chapter 4: Sects. 4.1-4.4,4.8,4.9 - Homework: Chapter 4: Problems
Week 6: Simple Harmonic Motion
Chapter 5: Sects. 5.1-5.3,5.6 - Homework: Chapter 5: Problems
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Form updated Spring 2006.
Week 7: Calculus of Variations
Chapter 6: Sects. 6.1-6.3 - Homework: Chapter 6: Problems
Week 8: Review; Test 2
Week 9: Lagrange's Equations
Chapter 7: Sects. 7.1-7.7 - Homework: Chapter 7: Problems given in class
Week 10: The two-body central-force problem
Chapter 8: Sects. 8.1-8.6 - Homework: Chapter 8: Problems
Week 11: Rotational motion of rigid bodies
Chapter 10: Sects. 10.1-10.7 - Homework: Chapter 10: Problems
Week 12: Review; Test 3
Week 13: Oscillations and Normal modes
Chapter 11: Sects. 11.1-11.5 - Homework: Chapter 11: Problems
Week 14: Hamilton's equations
Chapter 13: Sects. 13.1-13.5 - Homework: Chapter 13: Problems
Week 15: Collisions
Chapter 14: Sects. 14.1-14.6 - Homework: Chapter 14: Problems
Week 16: Final Exam TBA
8) Academic Honesty Statement
Every KSU student is responsible for upholding the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct,
as published in the Undergraduate and Graduate Catalogs. Section II of the Student Code of Conduct
addresses the University's policy on academic honesty, including provisions regarding plagiarism and
cheating, unauthorized access to University materials, misrepresentation/falsification of University
records or academic work, malicious removal, retention, or destruction of library materials,
malicious/intentional misuse of computer facilities and/or services, and misuse of student
identification cards. Incidents of alleged academic misconduct will be handled through the established
procedures of the University Judiciary Program, which includes either an "informal" resolution by a
faculty member, resulting in a grade adjustment, or a formal hearing procedure, which may subject a
student to the Code of Conduct's minimum one semester suspension requirement.
9) Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend the lectures, take all tests and the final exam, and complete all
homework assignments.
IV. Resources and Funding Required
A. What resources will be redirected to accommodate this course?
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Form updated Spring 2006.
Regular department resources.
B. Explain what items will cause additional cost to the department/school/college.
Personnel
If enrollement exceeds 24 students, we will need a new faculty line.
Computer Technology
None
Library resources
None
Equipment
None
Space
None
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Form updated Spring 2006.
V. 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:
Physics
COURSE NUMBER:
3100
COURSE TITLE FOR LABEL:
(Note: Limit 30 spaces)
Mechanics
CLASS-LAB-CREDIT HOURS:
3-0-3
Approval, Effective Semester:
Fall 2008
Grades Allowed (Regular or S/U):
Regular
If course used to satisfy CPC, what areas?
Learning Support Programs courses which are required as prerequisites: None
APPROVED:
________________________________________________________________________________
Vice President for Academic Affairs or Designee
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Form updated Spring 2006.
KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY
UNDERGRADUATE PROPOSAL
New Course (NOT General Education)
Course Prefix and Number: PHYS 3100
Responsible Department: Biology and Physics
Proposed Effective Date:
Fall 2008
Signature Page
Submitted by:
Name
Approved
Not Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Approved
Not Approved
Approved
Approved
Date
Department Curriculum Committee
Date
General Education Council*
Date
Professional Teacher Education Unit Program Area*
Date
Department Chair
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
College/School Curriculum Committee AND/OR Teacher
Education Council*
Date
Approved
Approved
Approved
Not Approved
College/School Dean
Date
Undergraduate Policies and Curriculum Committee
Date
Dean of University College
Date
Not Approved
Not Approved
*For curriculum proposals involving General Education courses, there should be collaboration by the
Department Curriculum Committee and the General Education Council. For Teacher Preparation
proposals, there should be collaboration by the Department Curriculum Committee, the Professional
Teacher Education Unit (PTEU) Program Area Committee, the Teacher Education Council, and the
College/School Curriculum Committee.
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Form updated Spring 2006.