PHYS 2710 Introductory Modern Physics
Spring 2008
TW, 3:30-5:00; LIB 312
Instructor: Larry Smith Office: SCNCE 111 Phone: 283-7520
e-mail: ude.wons@htims.yrral https://snow.edu/larrys
Text: Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, by Thornton and Rex, third edition. ISBN-10: 0534417817 ISBN-13: 9780534417819
Corequisites: PHSX 2220; Calc III and MATH 2280 would also be nice.
Course Content: Physics of the 20th century. Includes relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic and nuclear physics, elementary particles, and cosmology.
Homework: Homework will be assigned regularly. You are strongly encouraged to study in groups to achieve understanding, but what you write on your paper must be your own work––don't turn homework in without understanding it. Paper is cheap (we can save trees by recycling your assignments after the term if you want) so use lots of it. Write every step neatly. Draw diagrams and figures. Pretend you are writing the solution manual as Thorton and Rex�s assistant. Each chapter�s assignment will be due a class period or so after we finish discussing the chapter in class. Homework that is late for any reason other than a pre-approved legitimate excuse will be worth 50% up to one week late; thereafter no credit will be given. No late homework after April 18 will be accepted.
Participation: Ask questions in class, come to office hours, and help other students. If you are serious about this class the majority of your learning will take place outside of class time. A large part of the participation grade will come from submitting a written question for me to answer concerning something you didn�t understand from reading the chapter. Both asking and answering questions should prove you�ve delved deeply into the chapter material. You also need to subscribe to the class e-mail list (LS-Green) and participate in the discussion there. You are responsible for information given over e-mail.
Help: You are encouraged to see me during my regular office hours (M--F 10:30-11:20), and at other times by appointment. Please also frequent the math/science lab and use your classmates and the class e-mail list as other resources. Don�t get behind, and don�t stay lost for more than a few hours at a time. Students with medical, psychological, learning or other disabilities desiring accommodations, academic adjustments, or auxiliary aids will need to contact the Disability Resource Center, room 221 Greenwood Center, phone number (435) 283-7244. The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator at the Disability Resource Center (DRC) determines eligibility for and authorizes the provision of appropriate services and aids.
Quizzes: Frequent unannounced quizzes will keep you apprised of your progress.
Tests: Tests will be in the testing center. Testing Center hours are M-R 9-9, F 9-5, Sa 12-4, Su 5-9.
Final Exam: Tuesday, May 1, 5:00-7:00 p.m.; in the classroom. It will be comprehensive.
Grading: Homework 25% Quizzes 20%
Tests 25% Participation 10%
Final Exam 20%
