PHAS3420 Advanced Mechanics
20 Credits Class Size: 50
Module manager: Dr Chris Nixon
Email: C.J.Nixon@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running
2026/27
Pre-requisite qualifications
Level 2 Physics or equivalent
Module replaces
PHYS3511
This module is not approved as a discovery module
Module summary
This module provides various mathematical tools and formalisms for a full understanding of classical mechanical systems, including analytical approaches to problem solving.
Objectives
By the end of this module, students will be able to use a variety of advanced mathematical methods to predict the behaviour of classical mechanical systems including rotational motion and coupled dynamical systems.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to demonstrate knowledge, understanding and application of:
1. Lagrangian mechanics and the Euler-Lagrange equation
2. Hamiltonian mechanics and Hamilton's equations
3. Rotational motion of rigid bodies
4. Small oscillations in coupled dynamical systems
5. Mechanics of continuous matter
Skills Learning Outcomes
a) Modelling
b) Problem solving
Syllabus
- Formal mechanics of point particles: 2D, 3D, many particles.
- Rigid body rotations, Euler angles, moment of inertia tensor.
- Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics, generalised coordinates, constrained systems and Lagrange multipliers.
- Variational methods.
- Symmetry and conservation laws.
- Theory of small oscillations, perturbation methods.
- Continuous matter including rigid bodies and fluids.
Teaching Methods
| Delivery type |
Number |
Length hours |
Student hours |
| Lecture |
11 |
2 |
22 |
| Independent online learning hours |
22 |
| Private study hours |
156 |
| Total Contact hours |
22 |
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) |
200 |
Private study
Private Study Time is 156 hours.
Opportunities for Formative Feedback
Workshops, feedback on coursework.
Reading List
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team