Syllabus
Knowledge and discoveries at the forefront of science and physics during the past one-hundred years.
| Instructor | Barry Walker |
| Office hours | R 7:00pm-8:00pm in office SHL264, lab SHL014, or Physics Library SHL221 and by appointment |
| Lecture | SHL 105 / MWF / 1:25pm to 2:15pm |
| Honors Lecture | Gore 218 / M / 2:30pm to 3:20pm |
| Text Books | Modern Physics 3rd Ed. Thornton & Rex |
| Suggested Text | Mathmatical Handbook of Formulas and Tables, 2nd ed. Spiegel, McGraw Hill |
| Topics | (0)Classical Physics, Relativity, and Unsolved Problems c1900 (1) Atoms and Quantum Theory (2) Sub-Atomic Fundamental Particles |
| Math Prerequisites | Trigonometry, Geometry, Algebra, Calculus |
| Course Objective | A topical overview of 20/21st Century Physics. |
| Grading Schedule | Grade / Coursework 40 % / Homework Assignments 40 % / Two Mid-Term Exams 20 % / Cumulative Final Exam | |
| Honors Grading Schedule | Grade / Coursework 30 % / Homework Assignments 10 % / Honors Project, Thursday Class 40 % / Two Mid-Term Exams 20 % / Cumulative Final Exam | |
| Grading | A>85%, A- > 82, B+ >78, B>75%, B->71%, C+ >68, C >65%, C- > 61, D+ >58, D > 55%, D- > 51 | |
| Since all assignments and tests are not equal, 5% curving of the final grade distribution is discretionary. | ||
| Instructor Evaluations | At end of semester. Comments are always welcome. | |
| Student code | see rules and responsibilities at U.Del | |
| Classical Physics and Relativity - Large Bodies | Topic Classical Physics Problems in Physics Special Relativity Quantization Wave Properties of Matter | Class Text Chapter 1 Chapter 2 |
| Quantum Theory - Atomic Level | Topic Atom Quantum Theory Spin | Class Text Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 |
| Fundamental Particles - Subatomic Systems | Topic Atomic Nucleus Nuclear Applications | Class Text Chapter 11 Chapter 12 |
| Honors - Lecture (10 min) | TopicsTBD |
Honors Talks
SAVE THE DATE - Tuesday Dec 8, 2008 - 6:00 PM SHL Room TBD
- Dark Energy
- Geomagnetic Storms
- Earth's Magnetic Field
- Slow Light
- Atomic Clocks
- High Tc Superconductors
- Space Weather
- BEC
Information for Fall 309 course
http://www.physics.udel.edu/~bcwalker
Last updated 2009.
Copyright Univ. of Delaware, 2008
