WINTHROP UNIVERSITY course Syllabus
Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Geology
Semester: Spring 2016
Course: PHYS 301 (001) - Modern Physics
Credit hours: 3 Pre-requisite:
A grade of C or better in PHYS 212 or PHYS 202.
Lecture: MW 8:00 - 9:15, Sims 113C.
Professor:
Dr. Ponn Maheswaranathan (Mahes).
Office: 213-B, Sims, Office Hours: M & W: 9:30 - 11:00, or by
appointment.
Phone: 323 4940, E-mail:
mahesp@winthrop.edu
Textbook:
None. Hand-outs and notes will be provided.
Course Description:
An introductory modern physics course covering relativity, early quantum theory
and basic quantum mechanics with selected applications to atomic, nuclear, solid
state, and particle physics.
The course emphasizes understanding of fundamental physics concepts and
principles as well as the development of conceptual and analytical problem
solving skills by using physics concepts, principles, and mathematics
Course Objectives:
University-Level Competency:
Modern physics introduces students to the role of scientific reasoning in
solving introductory modern physics problems (e.g. describing relativity and calculating
time dilation and length contraction, use of quantum mechanics in dealing with
sub-atomic particles, and using particle physics in the understanding of the
origin of the universe and its future. They will also be
introduced to the history of scientific discovery (e.g., topics and devices are
introduced with historical perspectives) and learn that the theories in physics
evolve into laws after continuous re-evaluations and arguments. In addition they
will see how the scientific advances made in a laboratory transforms into useful
technological devices (e.g., the development of the transistor from vacuum tube
to silicon chip).
Attendance and Participation:
The attendance policy described in the Winthrop University undergraduate catalog
will be followed. Students are encouraged to attend all the lectures and to
actively take part in classroom activities. Regular attendance and good
participation efforts will help in the final letter grade assignment for
borderline cases.
Homework:
Keep up with the materials, get help as needed, and do the homework.
Students with
Disabilities/Need of Accommodations for Access:
Winthrop University is committed to providing access
to education. If you have a condition which may adversely impact your
ability to access academics and/or campus life, and you require specific
accommodations to complete this course, contact the Office of Disability
Services (ODS) at 803-323-3290, or,
accessibility@winthrop.edu. Please inform me as early as
possible, once you have your official notice of accommodations from the Office
of Disability Services.
Winthrop’s Academic Success Center:
Winthrop’s Academic Success Center (ASC) is a free resource for all
undergraduate students seeking to perform their best academically. The ASC
offers a variety of personalized and structured resources that help students
achieve academic excellence, such as tutoring, academic skill development (test
taking strategies, time management counseling, and study techniques), group and
individual study spaces, and academic coaching. The ASC is located on the
first floor of Dinkins, Suite 106. Please contact the ASC at 803-323-3929
or
success@winthrop.edu.
For more information on ASC services, please visit
www.winthrop.edu/success.
Winthrop’s Office of Nationally Competitive Awards (ONCA)
identifies and assists highly motivated and talented students to apply for
nationally and internationally competitive awards, scholarships, fellowships,
and unique opportunities both at home and abroad. ONCA gathers and
disseminates award information and deadlines across the campus community, and
serves as a resource for students, faculty, and staff throughout the nationally
competitive award nomination and application process. ONCA is located in Dinkins
222. Please fill out an online information form at the bottom of the ONCA
webpage
www.winthrop.edu/onca
and email
onca@winthrop.edu
for more information.
Student Conduct Code:
The policy on student academic misconduct is outlined in the “Student Conduct
Code Academic Misconduct Policy” in the online
Student Handbook (http://www2.winthrop.edu/studentaffairs/handbook/StudentHandbook.pdf).
Syllabus change policy:
The instructor will make changes to this syllabus as deemed necessary for the
progression of the course.
Tests & Final:
Two tests (20% each) and a comprehensive final (40%) are scheduled as follows.
Date |
Tests and Final |
Content Description |
02-10-16 |
Test #1 |
Special Relativity, Photons & Matter waves. |
03-23-16 |
Test #2 |
Quantum Physics, Atomic physics, and Conduction of electricity in
solids. |
|
||
5/2/16 8 AM |
Final Exam |
Comprehensive |
Points & Grade:
Tests: 40% (20% each), Homework: 20%, and Final:
40%.
The letter grade will be assigned as follows:
100% - 90% = A 89% - 87% = A- 86% - 84% =
B+ 83% - 80% = B 79% - 77% = B-
76%-74% = C+ 73% - 67% = C 66% -
64% = C- 63%-60% = D 59%- 0% = F