Physics 348 Syllabus – Fall 2013

Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers

 

Instructor: 

Daniel Kaplan

 

  Office: 

146D Life Sciences

E-mail:

kaplan@iit.edu

 

  Phone: 

312 567-3389

Web page:

http://phys.iit.edu/~kaplan

Office Hours:

TuTh 11:30–12:30 am or by appointment

Textbook: 

Taylor, Zafiratos, & Dubson, Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 2nd Ed. (Pearson, 2003)

Lectures: 

TuTh 10:00–11:15 pm, 026 E1

Course Content:

Chapters 16 & 22–33 of the textbook:

     ¥  Einstein's special theory of relativity.

     ¥  Black-body radiation, the Bohr atom, and elementary wave mechanics.

     ¥  Atomic and molecular spectra.

     ¥  Nuclear and particle physics.

Course Objectives:

1.     Understand wave–particle duality and the uncertainty principle.

2.     Understand the Schroedinger equation and its solutions for simple potentials.

3.     Understand the exact solution for the hydrogen atom and how it is extended to

      multielectron atoms.

4.     Understand the differences between fermions and bosons and their statistics.

5.     Demonstrate an understanding of two applications of quantum mechanics.

6.     Demonstrate competence in solving simple quantum mechanical problems.

Homework: 

Homework will typically be assigned every week. 

 

Note:  Although only a small percentage of your grade, the homework is very important.

Working problems is the main learning experience in physics and (if done effectively) is the

best way to prepare for the exams. To be an effective learning experience, the

problems should be solved with the book closed and without advice from the web.

 

 

 

Grading: 

The percentage weighting for each component of the grade will be as follows:

 

     ¥  Homework, 10%;

 

     ¥  Class participation, 10%;

 

     ¥  Two midterm exams, 20% each;

 

     ¥  Final exam (comprehensive), 40%.

Exams: 

Policies for the examinations will be set as the semester progresses.

Important

Dates: 

 

    ¥  Aug 30 – Last day to add or drop a course, change sections, etc.

    ¥  Oct 28 – Last day for official withdrawal

    ¥  Nov 28 – Last class

    ¥  Dec 4 – Final exam, 08:00–10:00, 026 E1

Disability notice:

Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with documented disabilities.  In order to receive such accommodations, students must obtain a letter of accommodation from the Center for Disability Resources, located in 3424 S. State St., room 1C3-2 (on the 1st floor); phone: 312 567-5744; email: disabilities@iit.edu.

Attendance

Policy:

Please notify me by email before class if you must be late or absent. If you must miss an exam, you may take a make-up exam if you can provide appropriate documentation. You remain responsible for material and homework of any class you miss.

Academic honesty notice:

Academic honesty is required and any instances of dishonesty will be dealt with severely.