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Physics 421,  Modern Optics,  Spring 2015

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 web-based class modules and a textbook.  Registered students meet twice weekly for in-class discussions.  Students must complete a 2-hour laboratory every week.

bulletInstructor:
bulletMarianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: MF 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, W 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Phone: 974-7842
Email: mbreinig@utk.edu
bulletLab Instructor: 
bulletShiyu Fan
Email: sfan1@vols.utk.edu
bulletTexts:
bulletWeb-based class modules
bulletGermain Chartier, Introduction to Optics
bulletThis textbook is online at the UT library.
http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-0-387-40346-5/contents/
You can also find the chapters as PDF files at the Blackboard site of this course, under Books.
bulletKarl Dieter Moeller, Optics
bulletThis textbook is online at the UT library
http://www.springerlink.com/content/978-0-387-26168-3/contents/
You can also find the chapters as PDF files at the Blackboard site of this course, under Course Materials.
bulletClass Structure:
bulletRegistered students meet Mondays and Wednesdays, 2:30 - 3:20 PM in room PHY 203 for in-class discussions.  Attendance is required.  Students should study the associated web-based class module before the class meeting.  In class we will address questions about the material covered in the web-based modules and the upcoming laboratories and solve problems individually and in groups. 
Discussion schedule
bulletHomework assignments:
bulletHomework 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
bulletLaboratories:
bulletStudents must complete a 2-hour laboratory on Wednesdays or Thursdays, 3:35 - 5:30 PM in PHY 511.
Laboratory schedule
bulletExams:
bulletThere will be two in-class exams on Wednesday, February 25, and on Wednesday, April 8, during the scheduled class period.  The exams are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules, the reading assignments and the laboratories.
bulletGrades:
bulletEach exam is worth a maximum of 80 points.  The homework assignments are worth a maximum of 80 points and in-class activities are worth a maximum of 40 points.  The lab reports are also worth a maximum of 80 points.  A final project report and presentation are worth a maximum of 40 points.  The presentation is scheduled during the final exam period, Monday, May 4, 2:45 pm.  Up to 25 extra credit points are available.
 
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% - 69% C-
252-267 63% - 66% D+
240-251 60% - 62% D
228-239 57% - 59% D-

 

bulletAnnouncements:
bulletSpecial announcements will be distributed via Blackboard.  Please check the class pages on Blackboard regularly.

For important additional information please see the Campus Syllabus.