Subject Matter and Course Texts
Classical Mechanics is a mature subject which lies at the core of Physics. Your familiarity with mathematical techniques such as vector calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra will allow us to pursue a rather sophisticated study of Mechanics, and by applying these powerful tools to physical problems, you will sharpen both your physical intuition as well as your mathematical skills.

The course text is Taylor's Classical Mechanics (ISBN 1-891389-22-X). This is a new book, which I found to be better than our previously used text (it is also a good deal less expensive!). I will mostly be following my course notes, which are available on the course web site. I have also placed a few texts on reserve for Physics 110A at the UCSD Science and Engineering Library. Barger and Olsson is a very fine text which is not as comprehensive as Taylor, but which is excellent on physical insight and which analyzes several interesting examples. The book by Thornton and Marion was previously used in 110A-B. It is comprehensive and detailed and an excellent reference text. Goldstein and Poole is a more advanced text, but suitable for undergraduates. Finally, Arnold's book on Ordinary Differential Equations is a beautiful classic. It will be of more use when we study dynamical systems in Physics 110B.

Problem Sets
I will try to assign one problem set per week, due at the beginning of Tuesday's class. You are encouraged to discuss the problem sets with your fellow students. I suggest that you initially try to do the problems by yourselves, so that you can more accurately identify your confusions and honestly assess your weaknesses. Then, before you write up your assignment, get together with some of your fellow students to talk over the problems and hammer out the details. Solutions to problem sets will be prepared by the TA.

Discussion Sessions and Office Hours
The TA (Andrew Meyertholen) and I will hold weekly office hours. Please come and see us! We will also conduct weekly problem session during which the class will break up into small groups which will solve example problems. The problem session is scheduled for Thursday evenings, from 7:00 pm until 8:50 pm, in Warren Lecture Hall 2204 (effective November 1).

Grading
The magic formula: 35% problem sets, 10% midterm #1, 15% midterm #2, 40% comprehensive final. Midterm #1 will take place on Oct 18, while midterm #2 will be on Nov 20. To submit an exam or problem set for re-grading, you must resubmit your original work together with a detailed description of your grievance.

Discussion Board
The course home page contains a link to the Physics Department discussion boards. You must register in order to be able to post. This is a place where you can publicly discuss the course, ask questions of the professor and TA, tell jokes, post links to interesting web sites, etc. Just keep it clean, folks. Andrew and I will be checking in regularly.