28360 - Mathematical Physics 1

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student has familiarized with the physical and mathematical foundations of classical mechanics. Understands the original motivations behind fundamental definitions and questions in mathematics. Has learned how to collect and interpret elementary scientific data. Is capable of presenting scientific material and arguments in a clear way.

Course contents

A tentative syllabus can be found in web page for last year's course: http://www.dm.unibo.it/~lenci/teaching/13/fm1/.
The actual syllabus will be posted, as material is covered, here: http://www.dm.unibo.it/~lenci/teaching/14/fm1/.

Readings/Bibliography

The main textbook for the course (which does not always follow the syllabus closely) is:
-- D. Giancoli, "Physics: Principles with Applications", 2nd ed., Pearson Education.

A much recommended extra reading is:
-- R. Feynman, "The Feynman Lectures on Physics", Vol. 1, Addison-Wesley.

Teaching methods

Classroom lectures and recitations.

Assessment methods

The exam consists in a written test and an elective oral examination. The students has the option to accept the grade assigned to the written test as final, or, if they feel their performance did not reflect their degree of preparation, take the oral examination. In this case, the grade obtained for the oral exam (which takes into account the written test as well) is final and can be higher or lower than the grade of the written test.

The allotted time for the written test is three hours. The test comprises 3-4 theoretical questions and 3-4 problems. Each of these two parts counts for about half the score. For a passing grade, the student must have scored above a certain minimum on each part.

Links to further information

http://www.dm.unibo.it/~lenci/teaching/14/fm1/

Office hours

See the website of Marco Lenci