MATH3977: Semester 2, 2022

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Units MATH3977 Semester 2 2022 [Normal day]

Unit of study_

MATH3977: Lagrangian and Hamiltonian Dynamics (Adv)

Semester 2, 2022 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

Overview

Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics are reformulations of classical Newtonian mechanics into a mathematically sophisticated framework using arbitrary coordinate systems. This formulation of classical mechanics generalises elegantly to modern theories of relativity and quantum mechanics. The unit develops dynamics from the Principle of Least Action using the calculus of variations. Emphasis is placed on the relation between the symmetry and invariance properties of the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian functions and conservation laws. Coordinate and canonical transformations are introduced to simplify apparently complicated dynamical problems. Connections between geometry and different physical theories beyond classical mechanics are explored. Students will be expected to describe and solve mechanical systems of some complexity including planetary motion and to investigate stability. Hamilton-Jacobi theory will be used to solve problems ranging from geodesic motion (shortest path between two points) on curved surfaces to relativistic motion in the vicinity of black holes.

Unit details and rules

Unit code	MATH3977
Academic unit	Mathematics and Statistics Academic Operations
Credit points	6
Prohibitions ?	MATH4077
Prerequisites ?	A mark of 65 or greater in 12 credit points of MATH2XXX units of study
Corequisites ?	None
Assumed knowledge ?	None
Available to study abroad and exchange students	Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator	Holger Dullin, holger.dullin@sydney.edu.au

Type	Description	Weight	Due	Length
Final exam (Take-home short release)	Final Exam Final Exam	60%	Formal exam period	2 hours
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz I Quiz I	13%	Week 07 Due date: 13 Sep 2022 at 12:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Online task	Quiz II Quiz II	13%	Week 11 Due date: 20 Oct 2022 at 12:00	50 minutes
Outcomes assessed:
Assignment	Assignment Assignment	14%	Week 13 Due date: 06 Nov 2022 at 23:00	Submitted work
Outcomes assessed:
= Type D final exam ?

Assessment summary

Detailed information for each assessment can be found on Canvas.

Final exam: If a second replacement exam is required, this exam may be delivered via an alternative assessment method, such as a viva voce (oral exam). The alternative assessment will meet the same learning outcomes as the original exam. The format of the alternative assessment will be determined by the unit coordinator.

Assessment criteria

The University awards common result grades, set out in the Coursework Policy 2014 (Schedule 1).

As a general guide, a high distinction indicates work of an exceptional standard, a distinction a very high standard, a credit a good standard, and a pass an acceptable standard.

Result name	Mark range	Description
High distinction	85 - 100	Representing complete or close to complete mastery of the material.
Distinction	75 - 84	Representing excellence, but substantially less than complete mastery.
Credit	65 - 74	Representing a creditable performance that goes beyond routine knowledge and understanding, but less than excellence.
Pass	50 - 64	Representing at least routine knowledge and understanding over a spectrum of topics and important ideas and concepts in the course.
Fail	0 - 49	When you don’t meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see sydney.edu.au/students/guide-to-grades
.

For more information see guide to grades.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

Academic integrity

The Current Student website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. The University expects students and staff to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

We use similarity detection software to detect potential instances of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breach. If such matches indicate evidence of plagiarism or other forms of academic integrity breaches, your teacher is required to report your work for further investigation.

You may only use artificial intelligence and writing assistance tools in assessment tasks if you are permitted to by your unit coordinator, and if you do use them, you must also acknowledge this in your work, either in a footnote or an acknowledgement section.

Studiosity is permitted for postgraduate units unless otherwise indicated by the unit coordinator. The use of this service must be acknowledged in your submission.

Learning support

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Weekly schedule

WK	Topic	Learning activity
Week 01	Calculus of Variations	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 02	Lagrangian Dynamics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 03	Central Forces	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 04	Covariance of the Lagrangian Formalism	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 05	Incorporating Constraints	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 06	Hamiltonian Dynamics	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 07	Geometric Connections	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 08	Symmetry and Conservation Laws	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 09	Hamilton-Jacobi Theory	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 10	Completely Integrable Systems	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 11	Applications	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 12	Applications	Lecture (3 hr)
Week 13	Revision	Lecture (3 hr)

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

Outcomes
Graduate qualities

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

LO1. Recall and explain fundamental definitions, equations and techniques of Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics and the calculus of variations.
LO2. Predict essential properties of the motion in a central force field.
LO3. Create descriptions of new mechanical systems using Euler-Lagrange equations and analyse and describe the motion determined by these equations.
LO4. Explain the concept of a point transformation and apply these in a broad range of familiar contexts.
LO5. Design sets of coordinates that are adapted to describe a particular mechanical system.
LO6. Analyse systems with constraints using the Lagrangian approach.
LO7. Simplify dynamical problems by using familiar context-dependent approaches including applying the relationships between conservation laws and symmetries or separation of variables.
LO8. Solve separable dynamical systems with Hamilton-Jacobi theory.
LO9. Verify that a given transformation is canonical and produce examples of canonical transformations using generating functions. Apply the Poisson bracket.
LO10. Understand the concept of integrable Hamiltonian system and find action variables.

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1	Depth of disciplinary expertise Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.
GQ2	Critical thinking and problem solving Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.
GQ3	Oral and written communication Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.
GQ4	Information and digital literacy Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.
GQ5	Inventiveness Generating novel ideas and solutions.
GQ6	Cultural competence Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.
GQ7	Interdisciplinary effectiveness Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.
GQ8	Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.
GQ9	Influence Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes	Graduate qualities
Learning outcomes

Responding to student feedback

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

No changes have been made since this unit was last offered

Additional information

Disclaimer

The University reserves the right to amend units of study or no longer offer certain units, including where there are low enrolment numbers.

To help you understand common terms that we use at the University, we offer an online glossary.

Current students

Overview

Overview

Unit details and rules

Teaching staff

Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Assessment criteria

Late submission

Academic integrity

Learning support

Learning support

Simple extensions

Special consideration

Using AI responsibly

Weekly schedule

Weekly schedule

Study commitment

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

Graduate qualities

Outcome map

Responding to student feedback

Responding to student feedback

Additional information

Additional information

Disclaimer

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