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PHYS 3141 - Introduction to Modern Physics
Spring 2008 Course Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Ana Jofre
Office: Physics & Optical Science (Grigg Hall) Room 348
Email:
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Website: http://maxwell.uncc.edu/ajofre/
Lectures
Lectures are held in McEniry 127 on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 2pm-3:15pm.
Office Hours
I will be available Wednesdays & Thursdays 10am-12pm, or by appointment.
Course Objectives
This course serves as an introduction to the physics developed in the twentieth century. The objective of this course is to give the student the foundations for understanding the two cornerstones of modern physics: special relativity and quantum mechanics. While this course will mainly focus on technical aspects of these theories, some of the historical context and evolution will be discussed. The student will also be briefly introduced to atomic and nuclear physics.
Required Text
P.A. Tipler & R.A. Llewellyn, Modern Physics (W.H. Freeman, New York: 2002, 4th ed).
Topics Covered in Lectures
Special Relativity: Chapter 1, sections 1-6; Chapter 2, sections 1-4
Quantization: Chapter 3, sections 1-4
Early Model of the Atom: Chapter 4, sections 1-3, section 6
Wave-Particle Duality: Chapter 5, sections 1-5
The Schrödinger Equation: Chapter 6, sections 1, 2, 4, 6 (read 3 & 5)
Atomic Physics: Chapter 7, sections 1-6
Nuclear Physics: Chapter 11, brief overview of sections 1-5
Grading Scheme
5 in-class tests, each worth 15%:
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Tests: 75% |
5 short homework assignments, each worth 5%
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Homework: 25% |
Test dates & topics
Test 1
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Feb. 5
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Chapters 1 & 2 |
Test 2
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Feb. 26
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Chapters 3 & 4
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Test 3
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March 20
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Chapter 5
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Test 4
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April 8
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Chapter 6
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Test 5
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April 29
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Chapters 7 & 11 |
Expectations for Tests
- The tests are closed book and closed notes. A general formula sheet will be provided.
- The questions on the tests and the homework will be equivalent to Tipler's level II and level III problems.
- For each chapter, you will be assigned practice problems, and you will be expected to do these. Most test questions will be taken directly out of the assigned practice problem sets.
- You will be expected to know and understand derivations done in class, and you will be tested on these.
General Expectations
- You are expected to do practice homework problems at the pace that the material is covered in lectures. Keep in mind that many concepts introduced in lectures build on one another.
- If you are stuck on a practice problem, or if you have missed something or if you have fallen behind, you are expected to seek my help during office hours or through appointment.
Academic Integrity
Students have the responsibility to know and observe the requirements of The UNCC Code of Student Academic Integrity (see Catalog or see http://www.legal.uncc.edu/policies/ps-105.html ). This code forbids cheating, fabrication or falsification of information, multiple submissions of academic work, plagiarism, abuse of academic materials, and complicity in academic dishonesty. Any special requirements or permission regarding academic integrity in this course will be stated by the instructor, and are binding on the students. Academic evaluations in this course include a judgment that the student's work is free from academic dishonesty of any type; and grades in this course therefore should be and will be adversely affected for academic dishonesty. Students who violate the code can be expelled from UNCC. The normal penalty for a first offense is zero credit on the work involving dishonesty and further substantial reduction of the course grade. In almost all cases the course grade is reduced to F. Students are expected to report cases of academic dishonesty to the course instructor.
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