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402-2203-01L 7 Credits BSC , MSC D-CHAB , D-MATH , D-PHYS

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Classical Mechanics

Allgemeine Mechanik

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Matthias Gaberdiel

VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:02:10

Abstract

A conceptual introduction to theoretical physics: Newtonian mechanics, central force problem, oscillations, Lagrangian mechanics, symmetries and conservation laws, Hamiltonian mechanics, canonical transformations, Hamilton-Jacobi equation, spinning top, relativistic space-time structure.

Objective

Fundamental understanding of the description of Mechanics in the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formulation. Detailed understanding of important applications, in particular, the Kepler problem, the physics of rigid bodies (spinning top) and of oscillatory systems.

Resources

Learning Materials (Links)

Main link
Information ITP

General Information

Language: German (lecture), English (exercise)
Levels: BSC , MSC
Frequency: Yearly recurring

Examination

Type: session examination
Mode: written 180 minutes
Aids: keine

Course Components

Type	Title	Time & Place	Hours
lecture	Allgemeine Mechanik	Mon 11:45-13:30 (HPH G 3) Wed 12:15-14:00 (ETA F 5)	4 h weekly
exercise	Allgemeine Mechanik Die Übungen beginnen in der 2. Semesterwoche.	Tue 08:15-10:00 (CAB G 51) Tue 08:15-10:00 (CHN D 42) Tue 08:15-10:00 (CHN E 46) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.1) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HCP E 47.3) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT J 51) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT J 52) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT J 53) Thu 13:45-15:30 (HIT K 52) Fri 13:45-15:30 (HIL C 10.2) Fri 13:45-15:30 (HIT E 41.1) Fri 13:45-15:30 (HPL D 34)	2 h weekly

Offered In

Computational Science and Engineering Bachelor
- Electives (In the ‘electives’ subcategory, at least two course units must be successfully completed.)
Mathematics Bachelor
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2021)
  - Minor Courses
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2016)
  - Compulsory Courses
    - Examination Block I (In Examination Block I either the course unit 402-2883-00L Physics III or the course unit 402-2203-01L Classical Mechanics must be chosen and registered for an examination. (Students may also enrol for the other of the two course units; within the ETH Bachelor's programme in mathematics, this other course unit cannot be registered in myStudies for an examination nor can it be recognised for the Bachelor's degree.) For 252-0851-00L Algorithms and Complexity, see )
Physics Bachelor (no course offering in this semester)
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2021)
  - Second and Third Year Compulsory Courses
    - Examination Blocks
      - Examination Block I
- Bachelor Studies (Programme Regulations 2016)
  - Second and Third Year Compulsory Courses
    - Examination Block II
Interdisciplinary Sciences Bachelor
- Physical-Chemical Direction
  - 3. Semester (Physical-Chemical Direction)
    - Electives (The Bachelor's programme in Interdisciplinary Sciences allows students to choose from any subject taught at a Bachelor level at ETH Zurich. In consultation with the Director of Studies of Interdisciplinary Sciences, every student must establish his/her own individual study programme at the beginning of the 2nd year. See the Programme Regulations 2018 for further details.)
Mathematics Master
- Application Area (Only necessary and eligible for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. One of the application areas specified must be selected for the category Application Area for the Master degree in Applied Mathematics. At least 8 credits are required in the chosen application area. Credits from other application areas cannot be recognised for further application areas.)
  - Theoretical Physics (In the Master's programme in Applied Mathematics 402-0205-00L Quantum Mechanics I is eligible as a course unit in the application area Theoretical Physics, but only if 402-0224-00L Theoretical Physics wasn't or isn't recognised for credits (neither in the Bachelor's nor in the Master's programme). For the category assignment take contact with the Study Administration Office ( ) after having received the credits.)