Course Overview
Course Description
Objectives
The goals of this course are to teach you the basic concepts of classical mechanics and to
make you adept in solving relevant problems.
Textbook
Physics, Volume I, 5th edition, by Resnik, Halliday, and Krane
Chapters to be covered: 1-14,17 (in part)
Additional material: The portable T.A., A physics problem solving guide, Volume I, by Andrew Elby).
Recommended reading: R. P. Feynman, R. B. Leighton, M. Sands, The Feynman Lectures on Physics (Addison-Wesley 1963).
Online Resources
Physics Education Technology: Interactive Physics Simulations
Java Applets on Physics
by Walter Fendt
Instructor Information
Research Fields
Theoretical Atomic Physics and Quantum Information
Marianna Safronova's Research web site
Instructor's travel
September 13 - 16 Notre Dame University, collaborative work
September 18 - 23 Seattle, Invited talk a the Workshop on Rare Isotopes and Fundamental Symmetries
October 16 - 17 Boston, Invited talk at the ITAMP seminar series,
Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Harvard Physics Department
Course Requirements
Assignments
Homework
Homework is generally assigned each Friday. It is due next Friday. The exceptions are noted in the lecture schedule. The homework is to be brought to
the discussion section and placed in a homework box at the beginning of the lecture.
Homework will consist of 10 multiple-choice questions, 1-2 recommended problems from “The portable T.A.” book,
and several (about 4-5) problems. You do not have to turn in the problems from the T.A. book.
The homework will only contain the material that has already been covered in class.
Quizzes
Graded quizzes (20-25 minutes, 5 multiple-choice questions and 1 problem)
will be given at all of the discussion sections.
Exceptions will be noted in the lecture schedule. All quiz problems are always taken from the current homework.
One lowest quiz grade will be dropped when the final quiz grade is determined.
Interactive quizzes
I will frequently give “interactive quiz” questions during lectures (not graded).
The answer from the entire class is expected. Each student will be given A, B, C, D flashcards during
which you will bring to each lecture. There will be a stack of empty cards and a marker on the desk
during each lecture. If you forgot your cards make new ones (write in LARGE letters).
Exams
Format
There will be three closed book midterm exams during the course. Each exam will generally
cover the material taught in the relevant section of the course. There will be a final exam that
will cover material from the whole semester. This will be a closed book exam as well.
Dates & Locations
Midterm # 1 September 21, 10:10 - 11:00, SHL 123
Midterm # 2 October 17, 10:10 - 11:00, SHL 123
Midterm # 3 November 30, 10:10 - 11:00, SHL 123
Final Exam: December 14, 10:30 - 12:30
Course Policies & Grading
Course Policies
Making up a quiz or exam and Late homework
Only excused absences are eligible for making up a quiz, exam, or submitting late homework.
If you miss quiz or exam or are unable to submit homework on time due to an excused absence
you have to notify me by e-mail and schedule a make up as soon as you can.
No make ups (and late homework returns) will be scheduled after one week passes
from the day of your absence unless special circumstances are present.
If you anticipate a conflict ahead of time, then you should let me know in advance that you will or may be absent.
University policies ( http://www.udel.edu/provost/fachb/III-1-l-attendance.html )
outline the criteria for an excused absence.
Academic Honesty
Student Guide to University Policies: Code of Student Conduct
Homework and Quiz Grading Policy
1) Multiple choice questions are graded on 0/1 scale: 1 if the answer is correct and 0 if it is not.
2) The problems are graded on the 3 point scale described below.
Explanation |
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| The problem is solved correctly and correct answer is obtained. | |
| Substantial portion of the solution, which is in the direction of the correct answer is given or complete (in principle correct) solution is given but some mistake is made which lead to incorrect answer. | |
| An attempt to solve problem has been made and an understanding of how such problem may be solved is demonstrated (some work in the direction of the correct solution is present). | |
| No solution is provided or no understanding of how such problem may be solved is demonstrated. |
Course Grade
Your final grade for Physics 207H will be based on your total score for all the components of the course (exams, quizzes, homework assignments, and labs). The grade is determined as following:Percentage Assigned |
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