Course Syllabus

Topics

This course will focus on the type of questions that physicists are currently working on, rather than things that were studied a century or more ago.  First we will do some activities related to the “nature of science.”  A list of topics that will be included follows: relativity – both special and general, quantum mechanics and field theory, standard model of subatomic particles (fundamental building blocks of matter), and other topics as time permits (superconductivity, lasers, semiconductors, exoplanets).

Requirements

  • Projects: During each unit, you will do a project that will involve writing a paper, preparing a presentation, making a video, or creating a website on a topic in modern physics.  This will count for 35% of a term grade.  There will be between 2-3 projects per term.
  • Labs/Activities:  There will be regular lab activities, online simulators, or other in-class activities that you will do during each unit.  These will count 35% of a term grade.
  • Homework: Problems and other assignments from the textbook will be assigned and collected.  This will count for 15% of a term grade.
  • Participation/Discussions: You should come to class prepared to discuss topics in assigned readings and review problems done for homework.  In addition, you will post comments/questions in Canvas online discussion boards.  This will count for 15% of a term grade.

Materials

  • Textbook: Giancoli, Physics: Principles with Applications, 6th edition (no need to bring to class)

Bring the following to class each day

    • notebook (simple spiral bound notebook)
    • scientific/graphing calculator
    • pen, pencil
    • notebook computer

Office Hours (tentative):

  • Thur/Fri during Grey Block (1:15-2:30): I will be in room 250 or via Zoom
  • Tues evening (7:30-8:30): I will be available via Zoom
  • See Canvas Calendar for link to Zoom meeting
    • note these are office hours for all classes

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