SCI1130 Mechanics
This course provides a thorough introduction to classical mechanics. We will cover kinematics, the basis of Newton's laws, particle dynamics, the concepts of momentum, work, energy, and rotational motion, and oscillations. Additionally, the course will establish the basics of solid and fluid mechanics, concluding with introductory topics in thermodynamics. Our goal is to share with you the excitement of discovering the material universe at its most basic levels and to equip you with the basic knowledge and analytical skills necessary to become a scientist or an engineer. This course is offered in two different flavors. Course sections with a prefix of A are taught as Theoretical Mechanics. Course sections with a prefix of B are taught as Experimental Mechanics and are laboratory based.
Hours
3-3-6
Notes
SP15: Section A1: Theoretical/Experimental Approach; 4 credits (Zastavker)
This class will venture to understand the nature of motion from an analytical perspective allowing you to reinforce your previous knowledge from ModSim and previously taken Mechanics courses as well as further developing your analysis competency. This class will use a mixture of more traditional pedagogy, i.e., interactive lectures and ?problem set?-like homework assignments, and non-traditional physics classrooms pedagogy, i.e., discussions and group work. In addition, several other components typical of Olin culture will be also introduced into the course; specifically, student autonomy will be explored through a choice of final project, more traditional final exam, presentation, etc. as a way of both learning and formative assessment. A large team-work component will be also introduced through both the homework assignments and project, should students choose the latter. For students who choose their final deliverable to be in the form of a project, intermediate level of faculty-supported scaffolding will be provided as it will be expected that the students choosing this route are at least somewhat familiar with the self-directed environment and have intermediate level of sophistication as autonomous learners. Additionally, this course will support and allow for further development and honing of students' analytical writing skills.
SP15: Section C1: Modeling and Simulation Approach; 4 credits (Somerville)
This class is intended to help improve command of mechanics in the realm of ""big"" and ""slow"" stuff (i.e, the world of things that are larger than 10-10 meters and slower than 107 meters per second, which covers pretty much everything we deal with on a daily basis). We'll also be reinforcing some of the skills introduced in ModSim (abstracting models, implementing, validating, and using the models to do work). On the communication front, this flavor will focus on technical writing skills ? so expect to be doing some writing! The mixture of work will include some relatively focused problem solving, some more ambiguous open-?ended diagnostics, some writing practice, some reflecting and mind mapping, and a major project at the end of the course. Because students generally come in with a wide range of backgrounds, and a wide range of interests, this class will be designed to allow students customize their learning while, at the same time, making sure that everyone gets the core knowledge that will be needed in future courses.