WINTHROP UNIVERSITY
Department of Chemistry, Physics, & Geology
Syllabus
Semester:
Spring 2021
Course: PHYS 351 (002) – Independent Study in Physics
Pre-requisite:
PHYS 212 or PHYS 202 and department chair approval
Credit hours:
3
Project based Research:
Sims 206 and 207. Students
will perform experiments related to projects and complete a report for each
project with a final presentation for a project of their choice.
Professor:
Dr. Ponn Maheswaranathan (HUMahesUH),
Sims 213-B.
Office Hours:
T & Th 11-12:30 and 8-9 PM,
WebLink or by
appointment.
Phone: 323 4940, E-mail:
HUmahesp@winthrop.eduU
Textbook:
None, Reference materials will be provided.
Course Description
PHYS 351 is a
Directed study of topics in physics which are not available through the regular
curriculum. This
Independent Study in Physics course primarily intended for
minors in engineering physics. Students will conduct project based research in
selected topics familiar to them or exposed to in prior courses.
Course Objectives
a. Develop an understanding of the techniques used in fundamental research of
physics topics.
b. Develop problem-solving skills in projects.
c. Gain an understanding of physics problem solving in science & technology
projects.
University-Level Competency
Independent study in physics introduces students to the role of scientific
reasoning in designing projects and solving research problems (e.g. analyzing
amplifier circuits, designing radio receivers, and measuring fundamental
physical propertites of matter). They will apply the scientific methodologies of
inquiry during the design, analysis, and construction of electronic projects.
They will also be introduced to experimentation and investigation of physical
science topics such as temperature dependence of speed of sound in air and
temperature depenmdence of the density of water.
Homework
It is essential to do research for designing and constructing the projects.
Follow the reference materials and solve problems to gain mastery of independent
research. Reading assignments, reference materials, and background research are
assigned for each project.
The students are advised to make a genuine effort to complete all the assigned
work and
complete the projects.
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 Accessibility (OA) 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 Accessibility.
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"
website and the
Student Handbook.
Syllabus change policy
Instructor will make changes to this syllabus as deemed necessary for the
progression of the course.
Exam Policy
There are no tests or final exam in this course. Students will submit bi-weekly
progress reports and a final paper & presentation.
Grade
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