Syllabus

Physics 421, Modern Optics, Section 001, Fall 2008

Physics 421 is a Web-enhanced physics course for students interested in optics who have completed an introductory, two-semester, calculus-based physics course. Physics 421 is a four-hour course.

The course uses a textbook and Web-based class modules. Registered students meet twice weekly for in-class discussions. Students must complete a 3-hour laboratory every week.

Instructor:

Marianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: MF 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, W 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Phone: 974-7842
Email: mbreinig@utk.edu

Texts:

Web-based class modules

Some interactive material requires Internet Explorer 5 or higher.

Eugene Hecht, Optics, Fourth Edition

Class Structure:

Registered students meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:20 PM in room PHY 306 for in-class discussions. Questions about the material covered in the Web-based modules and the reading assignments will be addressed during these meetings.
Discussion schedule

Homework assignments:

Homework assignments are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules and reading assignments. Students are expected to submit the assignments associated with each module on time.
Assignment schedule

Laboratories:

Students must complete a 3-hour laboratory on Mondays, 3:35 - 6:35 PM in PHY 511.
Laboratory schedule

Exams:

There will be one in-class exams on Wednesday, October 22, during the scheduled class period and a final exam during the exam period on Tuesday December 9, 2:45 - 4:45 PM. The exams will be given in PHY 306. The exams are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules, the reading assignments and the laboratories.

Grades:

Each exam is worth a maximum of 100 points. The homework assignments are worth a maximum of 100 points and the lab reports are also worth a maximum of 100 points.

360 and above	90% and above	A
348-359	87% - 89%	A-
332-347	83% - 86%	B+
320-331	80% - 82%	B
308-319	77% - 79%	B-
292-307	73% - 76%	C+
280-291	70% - 72%	C
268-279	67% - 769%	C-
252-267	63% - 66%	D+
240-251	60% - 62%	D
228-239	57% - 59%	D-

Announcements:

Special announcements will be distributed via Blackboard. Please check the class pages on Blackboard regularly.

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, please contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS). This will ensure that you are properly registered for the services provided by ODS.

Disability Services
2227 Dunford Hall
Knoxville, TN 37996-4020
Phone: (865) 974-6087 (v/tty)
Fax: (865) 974-9552
Email: ods@utk.edu
Website: http://ods.utk.edu/