Physics III - Modern Physics

Instructor: Paulo Acioli

Spring 2009

Course Description

Introduction to the physics of the twentieth century, including applications to related fields such as biology, chemistry, earth science, and engineering. Fundamental concepts of special relativity, quantum mechanics, and statistical physics as applied to atomic, molecular, nuclear and solid state physics. Prereq.: PHYS-202 or PHYS-207. course description. 4.0 Credits.

Textbook

Bernstein J., Fishbane P. M., and Gasiorowicz S. G., Modern Physics, Addison-Wesley , 2000.

Other Useful References:

• Modern Physics,
by Tipler & Llewellyn, Fifth edition, W.H. Freeman.
• Feynman, Lectures - vol III
• Harris, Modern Physics, 2nd Edition
• Serway, Moses & Moyer, Modern Physics, 3rd Edition
• Taylor, Zafiratos, Dubson, Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 2nd Edition
• Thornton & Rex, Modern Physics for Scientists and Engineers, 3rd Edition

Lectures

MW at 7:05 - 8:45 PM, in SCI-S233.

Problem Sets

Problem sets will be assigned here. Problem Sets should be completed by the following week, and graded and returned within a few class meetings. You are expected to be able to work the problems without the aid of the solutions, and are welcome to seek my help. Homework counts towards 25 % of the final grade.

Exams

This course has two one-hour midterm exams and a two-hour final. The exams are largely based on material from lectures and problems similar to those found in the weekly assignments. Exam policies can be found here.

Grading

The final grade will be based on:
Two midterms (25% each) + Homework (25%) + Final (25%)

Any student who achieves a percentile score of above 90%, 80%, 70%, 60% is guaranteed to receive an A, B, C, or D respectively. These percentile scores may be adjusted downwards based on a class curve and other considerations.

Office Hours

Posted here and by appointment in room 217C SCI.

Academic Integrity

The NEIU policy on academic integrity can be found here.

Expectations

In addition to regular attendance students are expected to work at least 6 hours a week reading the materials and solving the assigned problem sets. Students are strongly encouraged to seek the tutors, attend the instructor's office hours, and form study groups to maximize the outcomes of this class.