PHYS-305

Modern Physics I

College of Arts and Sciences Syllabus

Course Information

Course Description: This course covers the advances made in the discipline of physics during the first half of the twentieth century that continue to drive the technologies we use today. Topics that will be covered include an introduction to the theory of relativity, elementary quantum theory, and its applications to atomic, molecular and nuclear physics. 3.0 Credits.; Expanded description: This course covers the advances made in the discipline of physics during the first half of the twentieth century. These advances lead to revolutionary paradigm shifts in our understanding of nature and these advances continue to drive the technologies we use today. Topics that will be covered include an introduction to the theory of relativity, elementary quantum theory, and its applications to atomic, molecular and nuclear physics.
Prerequisites: PHYS 207L or PHYS 202L, minimum grade of C. MATH 202 minimum grade of C.
Lectures: TR, from 5:40 - 6:55, in BBH-237.

Faculty Information

Instructor: Dr. Greg Anderson, Professor of Physics.
Office Hours: Posted here and by appointment in 217C BBH.
Contact Information: Email: g-anderson@neiu.edu, Phone extension: 5753

Course Materials

Required Textbook

Modern Physics, by Tipler & Llewellyn, Sixth edition, Fifth edition, Student Resources.

Other Useful References:

Study Materials

Your study materials for this course include the required textbook, any lecture notes that I may provide, laboratory handouts, notes that you take. Lecture assignments and materials can be found on the study guide. As you use these materials, be an active learner. Either take notes during lecture, or annotate the notes that I have provided for you. Numerous academic studies on learning have repeatedly shown that active learning beats passive learning. If you make your own synopsis - you are an active learner. If you uses someone else's summary - you are engaging in passive learning. Summarizing the course material and organizing your thinking about the content provided is an essential part of the learning process. No one can do this for you without compromising your learning.

Assignments and Expectations

Goals and Learning Outcomes: The Learning Outcomes for this course are derived from the Physics Program Learning Outcomes which align with NEIU's Baccalaureate Goals.; Regular class attendance is expected, and attendance at the first class and lab sessions are mandatory.
Time Commitment: For university courses, the canonical expectation is that students should spend at least two to three hours per week outside of class for every hour of class time during regular terms. That means you should spend at least six to nine hours a week outside of class on just this course. There is a very large correlation between study time and performance on exams. Students who do not devote enough time to outside of class study should not expect to perform well on tests and quizzes.
Problem Sets: Problems are assigned for each chapter. Assigned problems can be found here. Problem sets should be completed by week after they first appear on the schedule. Problem set assignments can be found here.
Exams: This course has seven in class exams, one for each chapter. 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 seven exams each worth 100 points.

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.

Additional Information

Electronics Policy: Any use of electronic devices during quizzes or exams will be considered cheating.
Academic Integrity: By enrolling in this course, you are bound by the NEIU Student Code of Conduct (HTML), (PDF).
ADA Statement: Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in making reasonable accommodations for qualified students with disabilities. To request accommodations, students with special needs should make arrangements with the Student Disability Services (SDS) office, located on the main campus in room D104. Contact SDS via (773) 442-4595 or this link.
Campus Safety: Emergency Procedures and Safety Information can be found here, or on NEIUport on the MyNEIU tab.

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