Objectives
The goal of this course is to integrate computational techniques that are used in physics
with the development of students' knowledge of classical mechanics.
The course will interweave computational techniques with mechanics by having
the students work with computers on mechanics problems during, and after, class.
There will be a mix of regular lecture plus computer activity by the students in a workshop environment.
The programming language will be Mathematica.
We will use Macs during class but the numerical
analysis can be performed on any platform.
First day handout
Topics: Numerical differentiation and integration; Plotting; Projectile motion; Gravitation; Oscillatory and wave motion; curve fitting;
data analysis of experimental measurements.
Details
Lectures: Tuesday and Thursday from 2:00 pm to 3:15 pm in Room C-2045
Laboratories: Thursday from 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm in Room C-2039
Required Software: The software to be used in the course, Mathematica, is available on the lab computers.
A student version is available for purchase through www.wolfram.com/solutions/education/students.
If you are eager to start learning, the makers of Mathematica have some useful online tutorials:
Recommended Textbook: Boccara, Nino (2007), Essentials of Mathematica with applications to mathematics and physics, Springer.
An electronic version is available through MUN's library system.
Oxford also has a useful online reference
for numerical analysis.