Syllabus Physics 9D section A, Fall 2007

Dr. Randy Harris 249 Phys/Geo, 752-8897

RESOURCES: The text for the course is Modern Physics, 2nd Edition, Harris (ISBN-13: 978-0805303087 ). You are responsible for all assigned sections of the text in addition to lecture material that may not be covered in the text. Additional references are on reserve in Shields Library. Particularly helpful are Quantum Physics of Atoms, Molecules, Solids, Nuclei, and Particles by Eisberg and Resnick, and Modern Physics texts by P. Tipler, A. Beiser, R. Serway et al, and others.

HOMEWORK AND QUIZZES: Assigned homework problems will be listed on the website when a chapter is started in lecture. The homework will not be collected. There will instead be five closed-book, closed-note quizzes of ten to fifteen minute duration. (Dates are given in the schedule.) The quizzes will consist of homework problems with the numbers changed, or problems similar enough to the homework that they can easily be solved by a student who has successfully completed the homework. Though a calculator may be needed, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. You will, however, be expected to remember some of the more basic/simple equations. Problem solutions will be made available online AFTER the quiz. Each student's lowest quiz score will be dropped. Make-up quizzes will not be given (except under circumstances such as prolonged illness). However, arrangement may be made to take a quiz EARLY if necessary.

EXAMS: (Dates are given in the schedule.) The exams will be closed-book, and no notes or formula pages will be allowed. BLUE  BOOKS, 8 1/2 x 11 Engineering or Law, are required on midterms; you MUST bring one on exam days. Most useful equations and constants will be provided. Calculators are allowed, though again, NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN FOR ANSWERS WITHOUT WORK SHOWN. Arrangement for make-up exams must be made PRIOR to the day of the exam, with the following exception: If I cannot be reached prior to the exam, and you are sick, obtain written documentation from the health center. Regrades of exams will be accepted within ONE WEEK only of the exam's return. Attach a note with your grievance to the exam. Do not write on it. Regrades should be directed to me, either following class or at my office. You must take the final exam at the time given in the schedule, except in case of emergency (an airline reservation is not an emergency), or if you wish to take the final EARLY because you have THREE or more finals on this day--and can furnish proof.

DISCUSSION: It is imperative that you attend discussion session. The concepts introduced in 9D are profound, yet often confusing and counter-intuitive. The opportunity to ponder questions in an atmosphere more intimate than the lecture hall has proven crucial to students' understanding and success in the course. Among the activities: group problem-solving, discussion of topics in the text, and use of computer graphing and simulation software. Attendance is mandatory. A poor attendance record in discussion may lower your grade a 'half-step', i.e. B- to C+, C+ to C, etc.

GRADING: Each of the midterm exams will count for 20% of your grade. Quizzes will count for 20% and CLASSROOM PARTICIPATION will count for 3%. Participation means responding to questions posed in class with your clicker. Clickers are available at the bookstore, but the one you used in 9C will work. Credit will be assessed as follows: Responding to (simply responding, right or wrong being irrelevant!) 60% of the questions posed will earn the full 3%. Credit decreases linearly from there. In other words, responding to 30% of the questions posed will earn you half the available 3%. For various reasons this policy is subject to change. In fact, there is a small possibility that the clicker component of the grade will be discarded, in which case quizzes will become 23% of the grade. The final exam will be comprehensive and will count for 37% of the total. The class will be graded on a curve. For exams, the mean will be given, as well as a rough breakdown of letter grades. Cases of suspected cheating will without exception be referred to Student Judicial Affairs.

ASSISTANCE: I will hold help/problem-solving sessions Mondays and Thursdays 9:30-10:30am in Roessler 154, and Thursdays 3-4pm in Roe 158. I heartily encourage you to attend at these times if you are having difficulty solving the problems. I am also in my office quite a bit, and if you drop by with a question I can usually spare some time. I am also available by appointment. One of the best times to talk to me is immediately after class, either at the front of the lecture hall or at my office, to which I usually return. One of the WORST times to attempt to discuss anything is immediately BEFORE class, as I am usually too busy or preoccupied. Your discussion leader will hold regular office hours. These should be announced at the first discussion meeting.

MISCELLANEOUS: The website for the course is http://www.physics.ucdavis.edu/Classes/Physics9DsecA/, where you will find much important information: syllabus, schedule, homework assignments, homework solutions, and various important and sometimes late-breaking announcements. Check it often!

(subject to change)

FINAL EXAM (comprehensive): Friday December 14, 8:00am-10:00am