Module: Mechanics

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Mechanics
Module Code	MTH1055 (ITS: MS339)
Faculty	Science & Health	School	Mathematical Sciences
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

This is an intermediate-level module on classical mechanics. Topics include Lagrangian mechanics and variational principles, symmetries and conservation laws, stability of equilibria, central-force problems, and orbital mechanics.

Learning Outcomes

1. Use the Euler-Lagrange equations to extremise functionals
2. Construct Lagrangians and use them to find equations of motion
3. Understand and apply Noether's theorem
4. Solve equations of motion near equilibria. Determine stability. Apply Earnshaw's theorem when appropriate
5. Find and interpret effective potentials in central-force problems
6. Understand the Kepler problem, including Laplace-Runge-Lenz vectors and how orbital parameters are changed by rockets

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	44	Lectures and Tutorials
Independent Study	143	Working on Exercises
Total Workload: 187

Section Breakdown
CRN	11220	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	20%	Examination Weight	80%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC3	Best Mark	Y
Module Co-ordinator	Abraham Harte	Module Teacher

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Homework 1	10%	Week 7
Assignment	Homework 2	10%	Week 11
Formal Examination	End-of-Semester Final Examination	80%	End-of-Semester

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Indicative Reading List

Books:

R. D. Gregory: 2006, Classical Mechanics, Cambridge University Press, 9780521534093

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None