Instructor:

G. Jones (x4697, Office: Science G071  Lab: Science G074)

Class Time:

Lectures:  Tuesday/Thursday, 10:30 am.  Science G047,  Labs:  Tues. 1:00 pm in Science G036

Textbooks:

Primary Text:  Thornton and Rex, “Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers,” third edition. 

Integral Tables:  You should already have access to an integral table.  I highly recommend Schaum’s outline on “Mathematical Handbook of Formulas and Tables.” It is a very handy reference and it is inexpensive.  Maple usually works too.

Error Analysis:  Your should already have “An Introduction to Error Analysis” by John Taylor.  We will use the first four chapters extensively in lab. Those who do not have a copy should order one quickly and should see me.

Syllabus:

The syllabus will change drastically over the semester and is only meant as a guideline.

Grading:

Labs and class participation 10%, problem sets 25%, two exams 20% each, cumulative final 25%.

Problem

Sets:

Homework will be due in class on Thursday most weeks.  You are encouraged to discuss questions with classmates, but what you write must be your own words and must reflect your own understanding, and you must cite those who contribute significant ideas.  Please remember the honor code.  You must cite anything you find online or in Schaum’s Integral Table.  Late problem sets will be marked down 15% if they come in after I begin class, and will not be accepted after I have given out the solutions (usually the next class period). I will drop the lowest homework grade.

The process of problem solving is more important than getting the right answer.  Homework is not an exercise to get the right answer, it is a presentation, convincing me that your answer is correct.  Show your work in some logical fashion and make notes at steps where the reasoning might not be clear.  Write down where you got a value or how you solved an integral (Schaum, Maple, etc.).  No credit is given for mere correct answers.  Underlining or highlighting key steps and results can make your reasoning clearer.  Always include units and significant figures!

Office

Hours:

My office hours are posted on my door.  Please try to come during these times.  If necessary you can set up a time to see me, call ahead to see if I am in, or find me in my office or my lab.

Labs:

Labs will meet in Science G036.  Makeup labs will be provided only in very special cases.  Grading will be through exit interviews, +/0/-.  Lab books will be “graded” through homework and exam questions.

General

Knowledge:

I will give occasional short lists of general knowledge facts.  You will be responsible for remembering these on the exams.

Exams/Final:

Two exams will be given during the lab period as noted on the syllabus.  The date is subject to change.  Material for the midterms and final will draw heavily on the homework since that is the material that I find important.  The final will cover the whole course but will emphasize the material covered after the last midterm. 

You will be given an equation sheet before each exam.  This will include equations that you should know how to use, but which you will probably look up if you need them in practice.  The most basic equations will not be listed since you should know them already.