Stockholm university
Gå till denna sida på svenska webben

Analytical Mechanics

This course is an introduction to analytical mechanics, with a focus on Lagrange and Hamilton formalism.

In this course you will learn how to describe physical systems using the methods of analytical mechanics. We will see how the equations of motion can be obtained from a Lagrangian or a Hamiltonian, as well as how to make use of symmetries in order to solve problems. We discuss concepts such as canonical transformations, the Hamilton-Jacobi equation and Poisson brackets. As the theory is developed some striking similarities between quantum mechanics and classical mechanics will appear. We will also cover some of the basic concepts in Chaos theory.

  • Course structure

    This is an advanced level course, mandatory for the Master's Programme in Theoretical Physics, but highly recommended also for the other programmes. It runs at half-speed daytime.

    Teaching format

    The teaching consists of lectures and tutorials. Included is also an individual project, resulting in a written report, which is discussed in class towards the end of the course.

    Assessment

    The main part of the examination consists of a written exam at the end of the course. Apart from this there is a mandatory written individual report, covering some special topic. Each topic is discussed in class, and the reports are also peer-assessed.

    Examiner

    Jonas Larson

    Phone: +468 5537 8217

    E-mail: jonas.larson@fysik.su.se

  • Schedule

    The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course.

  • Course literature

    Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.

    H. Goldstein, C. Poole and J. Safko, "Classical Mechanics", 3rd edition, Pearson Education, ISBN 10: 1-292-02665-3, ISBN 13: 978-1-292-02665-8

  • Course reports

  • Contact

    Course coordinator and teacher:
    Jonas Larson, phone: +468 5537 8217, e-mail: jonas.larson@fysik.su.se

    Tutorials:
    Lukas Andre Rødland, e-mail: lukas.rodland@fysik.su.se

     

    Academic advisor at the Department of Physics: studievagledare@fysik.su.se

    Student office: studentexp@fysik.su.se

Selected reading

Step-by-step guide

Here we explain all the different steps you need to go through when applying to a course or programme. Please read the instructions carefully.

A woman in focus holding a tablet and smiling, a couple of other blurred people in front of her.

Meet us online and around the world

Stockholm University arranges regular webinars and participates in educational fairs and events virtually and around the world to meet students and inform them about our study programmes. Meet us and ask what it's like to study with us!

Mahmoud Suliman on a boat in Stockholm.

Students of Stockholm University

Every year Stockholm University welcomes thousands of international students from all over the world. Each bringing their own backpack full of experiences, expectations and dreams. Each with their own story.

Photo montage of close-ups of researchers.

Our researchers. Your teachers

As a student at Stockholm University, you will have direct contact with leading researchers in your field and access to the most recent scientific findings. Our researchers. Your teachers. Meet a few of them here.

Elisa Viteri in front of some greenery.

Hear from our alumni

Are you wondering what former students thought about your programme? Are you curious about what your education can lead to after graduation? Hear from our alumni!

Show more