PHYC380 Classical Mechanics
Independent Study
Azusa Pacific University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Mathematics and Physics
PHYC 380
Classical Mechanics
Fall 2012
This course carries three units of university credit.
Following the APU Credit Hour policy, to meet the identified student learning outcomes of this course, the
expectations are that this 3-unit course, delivered over a 15-week term will approximate:
3 hours/week classroom or direct faculty instruction
In addition, out-of-class student work will approximate a minimum of 6 hours (undergraduate) each week.
Instructor: Dr. Rick Markley, Cell: 909-525-0353, Email rmarkley@apu.edu
Office Hours: TR 2:45 – 4:15, but suggest that you call/email for an appointment. I can also meet you in
the Segerstrom Math Center when it is mutually convenient.
Math/Physics Department Office: Kim Bartlett, Administrative Assistant, 626-815-3841,
kbartlett@apu.edu
B. Faculty Information
Instructor: Dr. Rick Markley
Office Location: SEG 115, Department of Mathematics and Physics, Segerstrom Science Center
Hours: TTh 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m., but suggest that you call/email for an appointment. I can also meet you
in the Segerstrom Math Center when it is mutually convenient.
Email: rmarkley@apu.edu, Cell: 909.525.0353. Office fax number is 626.387.5907. Math/Physics
Department Office: Kim Bartlett, Administrative Assistant, 626.815.6470, kbartlett@apu.edu.
Emergency number is 909.625.7463. No calls between 10 p.m. and 6:30 a.m.
C. University Information
Azusa Pacific University Mission Statement
Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical Christian community of disciples and scholars who seek to
advance the work of God in the world through academic excellence in liberal arts and professional
programs of higher education that encourage students to develop a Christian perspective of truth and life.
Department Mission Statement
The Department of Mathematics and Physics at Azusa Pacific University: 1) offers undergraduate degree
programs in mathematics and physics, a single-subject waiver for a teaching credential in mathematics, and
a pre-degree engineering program; 2) provides general education mathematics and science courses
consistent with the outcomes of a liberal arts education; and 3) prepares students for graduate study or
success in their chosen careers.
D. Course Information
Course Description from APU Catalog
This course applies mathematical methods to the study of the general motion of particles, and includes
Newtonian and Lagrangian mechanics. It includes the study of projectiles experiencing linear and
quadratic resistance; damped and driven oscillations; two-body central force motion; and rigid body
rotational motion. This is a part of the core physics program.
Class Times/Location:
PHYC 380
Time: Independent Study
E. Student Learning Outcomes
Mastery of material in this course should enable students to do the following:
1. Apply Newton’s laws with calculus-based analytical skills to projectile equations including
those involving air resistance.
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PHYC380 Classical Mechanics
Independent Study
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
State principles of conservation of energy and momentum for translation and rotation motion,
and apply these principles in problem solving.
State the Universal Law of Gravity, and use this law in problem solving.
Apply advanced mathematical tools to analyze oscillations and coupled oscillators.
Apply Lagrange's equations to mechanics in the presence of motion constraints.
Apply mathematical tools to study two-body central force motion.
Apply mathematical tools to study rotational motion of rigid bodies
Faith Integration
A Faith integration paper (TBD) will be required during the semester to develop perspective on a subject
such as the multidimensional universe and presence and intervention of God.
F/G. Required Textbook and Study Resources
Required Student Resources
Text (Required): Classical Mechanics, by John R. Taylor. Published by University Science Books, ISBN
13:978-1-891389-22-1, 2004.
(Optional) Schaum’s Outline Series: Vector Analysis (Second Edition), by Murray R. Spiegel et al.
Published by McGraw Hill, 978-0-07-161545-7, 2009.
Calculator: Students will also need a scientific calculator. A scientific calculator is one that includes
trigonometric, logarithmic, and statistical functions (such as a Texas Instruments TI-30XA).
Assignments and Support Material: http://home.apu.edu/~rmarkley/phyc380
H. Course Calendar
See Appendix A
Tentative Test Dates:
Thursday,
October 4, 2012
Thursday,
November 8, 2012
Grading Criteria and Scale
Mid-term Exams (2) and Final Exam 70%
Final: Tuesday
December 11, 2012 7:30 a.m.
HW 30%
I. Assignments
Homework will be assigned regularly during the semester. The assignments will be given in class and
posted on the Internet (home.apu.edu/~rmarkley/phyc380), and will comprise questions and problems from
the textbook and from the professor. Homework assignments should be completed prior to class and are
due at the beginning of the class period for which they are assigned. Feel free to discuss homework with
other students. The result turned in, however, should reflect your understanding of the material. Exam
questions will test understanding of concepts assigned for homework.
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PHYC380 Classical Mechanics
Independent Study
J. Information Literacy and Use of the Library
Library Use: The Library will not be required for this class.
K. Evaluation/Assessment Rationale for Grade Determination
Grading Criteria and Scale
1. Mid-term Exams (2) and Final Exam: 70%
2. HW and special assignments: 30%
3. The Final test is equivalent to two mid-term tests. With two midterms, there are a total of four
equivalent test grades: two single-weight mid-terms, one double-weight final. The lowest of the
four grades will be dropped, and the resulting average of three grades will be 70% of your final
grade.
4. Your homework and special assignments (30%) can make a significant difference in your final
course grade. For example, if you could earn a 100% on every test, but turn in no homework, you
will earn a 70 in the class (“C–”).
Grading Scale
Points
Earned
920-1000
900-919
880-899
820-879
800-819
780-799
720-779
700-719
670-699
600-669
560-599
Percent
92+%
90+%
88+%
82+%
80+%
78+%
72+%
70+%
67+%
60+%
56+%
Letter Grade
A
A−
B+
B
B−
C+
C
C−
D+
D
D−
Grade Guidelines
A Superior knowledge regarding details, assumptions, implications,
history; superior thinking with information relevant to application,
critique, and relationship to other information.
B More than adequate knowledge regarding technical terms, distinctions,
and possesses an ability to use information.
C Basic knowledge needed to function and carry on learning regarding
major principles, central terms, major figures, also possesses an
awareness of field or discipline.
D Serious gaps in knowledge, confusion of concepts and categories,
inability to recall basic information.
F Absence of knowledge, incapable of carrying on a conversation about
the subject, misunderstands most concepts, confuses all categories.
L. Course Policies
1. Attendance is required. Students who may miss class due to participation in APU
extracurricular activities must notify the instructor well in advance. Two or more unexcused
missed classes may reduce your test average grade by 10%.
2. Always come to class prepared to do problems in class (notebook and calculator).
3. Tests must be taken on the day announced. There will be no makeup tests, early exams, or late
exams. Late-arriving students will not be given any additional time to complete any test.
4. You may NOT use a smartphone as a calculator in a test.
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PHYC380 Classical Mechanics
Independent Study
Academic Integrity Policy
The mission of Azusa Pacific University includes cultivating in each student not only the academic skills
that are required for a university degree, but also the characteristics of academic integrity that are integral
to a sound Christian education. It is therefore part of the mission of the university to nurture in each
student a sense of moral responsibility consistent with the biblical teachings of honesty and accountability.
Furthermore, a breach of academic integrity is viewed not merely as a private matter between the student
and an instructor but rather as an act which is fundamentally inconsistent with the purpose and mission of
the entire university. A complete copy of the Academic Integrity Policy is available in the Office of
Student Life, the Office of the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs, and online.
M. University Policies
All university and departmental policies affecting student work, appeals, and grievances, as outlined in the
Undergraduate Catalog and/or Department Handbook will apply, unless otherwise indicated in this syllabus
N. Support Services
Students in this course who have a disability that might prevent them from fully demonstrating their
abilities should meet with an advisor in the Learning Enrichment Center (ext. 3849) as soon as possible to
initiate disability verification and discuss accommodations that may be necessary to ensure full
participation in the successful completion of course requirements.
O. Bibliography
The textbook is the primary reading.
The textbook from PHYC 161 “Physics for Science and Engineering I” will be a valuable resource.
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PHYC380 Classical Mechanics
Independent Study
Appendix A: Classical Mechanics (PHYC 380) Class Schedule – Fall 2012
Week
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Dates
9/6
9/11
9/13
9/14
9/18
9/20
9/25
9/27
10/2
10/4
10/9
10/11
10/16
10/18
10/23
10/25
10/30
11/1
11/6
11/8
11/9
11/13
11/15
11/20
11/22
11/27
11/29
12/4
12/6
12/11
Chapter
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
2
3
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
5
5
7
7
8
8
Topics
Vector Mechanics
Vectors
Relative Motion and Lorentz Transformations
Friday, 9/14 Last Day to Add or Drop Classes
Newton’s Second Law applied to Statics
Newton’s Second Law applied to Dynamics
Polar Coordinates
Trajectories
Linear and Quadratic Air Resistance
Test 1
Impulse
Conservation of Linear Momentum, Center of Mass
Rockets
Rotation about a Fixed Axis, Moment of Inertia
Angular Momentum
Conservation of Angular Momentum
Work and Kinetic Energy
Potential Energy and Conservative Forces
Force as the Gradient of Potential Energy
Central Forces
Test 2
Friday, 11/9 Last Day to Withdrawal from Classes
Hooke’s Law, Simple Harmonic Motion
Damped Oscillations
Driven Damped Oscillations, Resonance
Thursday, November 22, Thanksgiving Holiday
Lagrange’s Equations and Examples
Two-Body Central Force Problems (Orbits)
Kepler’s Equations
Final, Tuesday, 12/11/12
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