This is a graduate-level course in classical mechanics. We will be using Classical Dynamics by Goldstein, Poole and Safko. The class will include the following chapters in Goldstein:

• General formulation of classical mechanics (chapters 1, 2, 8, 9 and supplemental material)
• Applications (chapters 3-6)
• Generalizations and modern topics, if time permits (chapters 9-13 and supplemental material)

Other Notes:

• Errata web page for Goldstein
• An amusing central force integrator from the University of Maryland

Recommended books - (the bulk of the course will be drawn from the first two books listed below, with supplemental material from the last two):

• Classical Dynamics by Goldstein, Poole and Safko. A classic, very good in some areas, not so good in others. Watch out for the typos.
• Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems by Marion and Thornton. An advanced undergraduate textbook with lots of examples and some very useful mathematical tables in the appendices. This book covers much of the material in the earlier chapters of Goldstein, but in a more didactically effective way, in my opinion.

• Classical Dynamics - A Contemporary Approach by José and Saletan. A very nice but rather wordy book that presents a more modern approach using fancier mathematics.
• Mechanics by Landau and Lifschitz. A very very concise book, very elegant, but it is most useful and best appreciated after you already know the material.

Honor Code: It is expected that students adhere to the George Mason University Honor Code as it relates to integrity regarding coursework and grades. The Honor Code reads as follows: To promote a stronger sense of mutual responsibility, respect, trust, and fairness among all members of the George Mason University community and with the desire for greater academic and personal achievement, we, the student members of the University Community have set forth this: Student members of the George Mason University community pledge not to cheat, plagiarize, steal and/or lie in matters related to academic work. More information about the Honor Code, including definitions of cheating, lying, and plagiarism, can be found at the Office of Academic Integrity website at http://oai.gmu.edu.

If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Disability Resource Center (DRC) at 993-2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through the DRC.

All students taking courses with a face-to-face component are required to follow the university’s public health and safety precautions and procedures outlined on the university Safe Return to Campus webpage (https://www2.gmu.edu/safe-return-campus). Similarly, all students in face-to-face and hybrid courses must also complete the Mason COVID Health Check daily, seven days a week. The COVID Health Check system uses a color code system and students will receive either a Green, Yellow, or Red email response. Only students who receive a “green” notification are permitted to attend courses with a face-to-face component. If you suspect that you are sick or have been directed to self-isolate, please quarantine or get testing. Faculty are allowed to ask you to show them that you have received a Green email and are thereby permitted to be in class.

Students are required to follow Mason's current policy about facemask-wearing. As of August 11, 2021, all community members are required to wear a facemask in all indoor settings, including classrooms. An appropriate facemask must cover your nose and mouth at all times in our classroom. If this policy changes, you will be informed; however, students who prefer to wear masks either temporarily or consistently will always be welcome in the classroom.