Schedule, syllabus and examination date

Course content

This course gives a thorough introduction to Newtonian mechanics and special relativity and serves as the basis for further studies in physics and related sciences. Both calculus-based analytical and numerical methods are used to solve mechanical problems.

Learning outcome

After completing the course, you:

  • are able to analyze forces that act on objects, apply Newton’s laws to determine the equations of motion, and solve these both analytically and numerically.
  • are able to describe the rotational motion of rigid bodies using torque, moment of inertia, and angular momentum, and apply Newton’s second law for rotational motion to solve the equations of motion.
  • are able to apply conservation laws for mechanical energy, momentum, and angular momentum to solve static and dynamic problems and to analyze collisions between bodies.
  • know the definitions that are relevant for elasticity theory.
  • manage to apply Lorentz transformations for position and velocity and explain length contraction and time dilation.
  • manage to apply different strategies to solve specific problems, introduce approximations if necessary, and interpret results and discuss these in a wider context.

Admission to the course

Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for?in Studentweb.

Special admission requirements

In addition to fulfilling the?Higher Education Entrance Qualification, applicants have to meet the following special admission requirements:

  • Mathematics R1 (or Mathematics S1 and S2) + R2

And in addition one of these:

  • Physics (1+2)
  • Chemistry (1+2)
  • Biology (1+2)
  • Information technology (1+2)