Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - PHYS 211 D100

Intermediate Mechanics (3)

Class Number: 6124

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Mon, Wed, Fri, 10:30–11:20 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    MATH 251; MATH 232 or MATH 240; PHYS 255 or ENSC 380. All prerequisite courses require a minimum grade of C-. Recommended Corequisite: MATH 260 or MATH 310.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An intermediate mechanics course covering kinematics, dynamics, calculus of variations and Lagrange's equations, non-inertial reference frames, central forces and orbits, and rigid body motion. Quantitative.

COURSE DETAILS:

  1. Review of vectors and curvilinear coordinates
  2. Review of Newton's laws; techniques for solving F=ma
  3. Momentum and Angular Momentum
  4. Energy and Work
  5. Potentials and Fields - Conservative forces
  6. Calculus of Variations; Euler-Lagrange equations
  7. The Lagrangian and generalized coordinates
  8. Constraints and Lagrange multipliers
  9. Symmetries and Conservation laws; Noether's theorem
  10. Central forces - Gravitation
  11. Non-inertial reference frames and forces
  12. Rotational motion of rigid bodies



Grading

  • Assignments 20%
  • Midterms 30%
  • Final Exam 50%

NOTES:

Course details are tenative and are subject to change.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Required text:
Introduction to Classical Mechanics, Author: David Morin
Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521876223

Recommended text:
Classical Mechanics, 1st edition
Author: Taylor, University Science Books, ISBN: 9781891389221

 

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

Students who cannot write their exam during the course's scheduled exam time must request accommodation from their instructor in writing, clearly stating the reason for this request, within one week of the final exam schedule being posted.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.