Physics

GENERAL OBJECTIVES: The course provides an introduction to the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics and to the theory of Special Relativity, both at theoretical level and as a tool for the solution of problems. At the end of the course, students should be able to apply the concepts explained to solve problems of Lagrangian/Hamiltonian mechanics and Relativistic kinematics. SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: A - Knowledge and understanding OF 1) To know the basic elements of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics OF 2) To know the basic elements of Special Relativity OF 3) To develop the ability of applying mathematical methods to the modelling of physical systems B - Application skills OF 4) To be able to describe a constrained mechanical system with a finite number of degrees of freedom in terms of Lagrangian variables, finding the Lagrangian function and the Euler-Lagrange equations OF 5) To be able to describe a constrained mechanical system with a finite number of degrees of freedom in terms of Hamiltonian variables, finding the Hamilton function and the Hamilton equations OF 6) To know how to study the equilibrium and stability properties, the small oscillations and the main symmetries of a physical system using the techniques of Lagrangian Mechanics OF 7) To be able to solve simple kinematical problems in Special Relativity C - Autonomy of judgment OF 8) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Mechanics in order to apply them, later on, in different contexts of Theoretical Physics (Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Mechanics, Field Theory, etc.) OF 9) To be able to integrate the knowledge acquired in Special Relativity in order to apply it in the study of relativistic processes and, later, in the study of General Relativity D - Communication skills E - Ability to learn OF 10) Have the ability to read advanced textbooks in order to further explore some of the topics introduced during the course.