Advanced Physics (Mechanics)

PHY105 is an advanced first year course in classical mechanics, taught at a more sophisticated level than PHY103. A prior calculus-based physics course, such as AP physics C or an intro college-level course, is assumed. The approach of PHY105 is that of an upper-division physics course, with more emphasis on the underlying formal structure of physics than PHY103, including an introduction to modern variational methods (Lagrangian dynamics), with challenging problem sets due each week and a mini-course in Special Relativity held over reading period.