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
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Back to School Video