Constructor University, Fall 2026
Mechanics provides the foundation for all other fields of physics. The analytical techniques developed in mechanics have applications in many other sciences, engineering, mathematics and even economics. This module provides an intensive calculus-based introduction to analytical mechanics including aspects of special relativity. Topics include Newton's laws, the kinematics and dynamics of systems of particles, planetary motion, rigid body mechanics, Lagrangian mechanics, variational techniques, symmetries and conservation laws, optimization with constraints and Lagrange multipliers, Hamiltonian mechanics, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi theory, Liouville theorem, small oscillations, and relativistic mechanics. Additional topics may include continuum mechanics and an outlook to general relativity. The course is part of the core physics education and builds on the foundation of the Classical Physics and Mathematical Modeling modules. The course is, however, also accessible and of interest to students without this prerequisite, but with a sufficiently strong background in mathematics. Essential practical experience in analyzing physical phenomena, formulating mathematical models and solving physics problems will be supported by homework exercises in close coordination with the lectures. The aim of the module is an introduction to the core topics of physics at a level that prepares students for BSc thesis research. At the same time, students’ mathematical repertoires and problem-solving skills are developed. The module also serves as a foundation for specialization subject courses.
There are many textbooks available. A classic textbook is the first volume of the Landau and Lifshitz Course of Theoretical Physics:
Here some other good references from the handbook:
The grade is only based on the final exam. Homework submissions can provide up to 10% bonus points according to the following table:
| HW percentage solved (rounded up) | Bonus percentage |
|---|---|
| 91 - 100 | 10 |
| 81 - 90 | 9 |
| 71 - 80 | 8 |
| 61 - 70 | 7 |
| 51 - 60 | 6 |
| 41 - 50 | 5 |
| 31 - 40 | 4 |
| 21 - 30 | 3 |
| 11 - 20 | 2 |
| 1 - 10 | 1 |
| less than 1 | 0 |
There will be one final exam (centrally scheduled in December) and one make-up final exam (centrally scheduled in January).
Each week (with some exceptions) there will be a homework assignment on moodle. These are an integral part of the coursework and working on the exercise sheets consistently is the best preparation for the exams. Note that
Will be updated while class is progressing.
(Note that the references given below offer only a rough orientation. Sometimes, only parts of a particular chapter are covered in class.)
| Date | Topics |
|---|---|
| Sep. 03, 2026 | Introduction, and Calculus and Geometry background Schupp lecture notes Chapters 0, 1, and 2. |
| Sep. 07, 2026 | Newton's laws, Dynamics |
| Sep. 10, 2026 | |
| Sep. 14, 2026 | |
| Sep. 17, 2026 | |
| Sep. 21, 2026 | |
| Sep. 24, 2026 | |
| Sep. 28, 2026 | Systems of particles |
| Oct. 01, 2026 | Central potential, planetary motion |
| Oct. 05, 2026 | Rigid bodies |
| Oct. 08, 2026 | Lagrangian mechanics |
| Oct. 12, 2026 | |
| Oct. 15, 2026 | |
| Oct. 19, 2026 | |
| Oct. 22, 2026 | |
| Oct. 26, 2026 | |
| Oct. 29, 2026 | |
| Nov. 02, 2026 | |
| Nov. 05, 2026 | Hamiltonian Mechanics |
| Nov. 09, 2026 | |
| Nov. 12, 2026 | |
| Nov. 16, 2026 | |
| Nov. 19, 2026 | |
| Nov. 23, 2026 | |
| Nov. 26, 2026 | Small oscillations |
| Nov. 30, 2026 | Special Relativity |
| Dec. 03, 2026 | |
| Dec. 07, 2026 |