Syllabus

Physics 513, Problems in Theoretical Physics I, Sections 1 and 2, Fall 2009

Physics 513 is a Web-based physics course for first-year graduate students at UTK and UTSI. The physical concepts, principles, and relations introduced in junior/senior-level physics classes are reviewed as students analyze and solve simple and advanced physics problems. Many of the problems to be analyzed and solved involve multiple core physics concepts. Physics 513 uses Web-based class modules. It is a three-hour course. Registered students meet once each week for in-class discussions. Students must complete a weekly homework assignment.

Instructor:

Marianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: MF 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, W 12:45 PM - 1:35 PM
Phone: 974-7842
Email: mbreinig@utk.edu

Texts:

Web-based class modules

Benjamin F. Bayman, Morton Hamermesh: A Review of Undergraduate Physics

Any junior/senior level Classical Mechanics textbook for review of selected topics

Example: Marion, Jerry B. and Thornton, Stephen. T., Classical Dynamics

Any junior/senior level Electrodynamics textbook for review of selected topics

Example: David J. Griffiths: Introduction to Electrodynamics

Class Structure:

	The Web-based material is divided into 13 modules. Each modules has a physics theme. It reviews concepts and formulas associated with this theme and presents 10 solved problems. Students are expected to work through the modules and the corresponding material in undergraduate textbook on a schedule and hand in homework assignments on time.
	Registered students meet Wednesdays, 11:15 AM - 12:30 PM for in-class discussions. Classrooms at UT and UTSI will be connected via a video link. Questions about the material covered in the Web-based modules and the reading assignments will be addressed during these meetings. UTK classroom: 107 South College Discussion schedule

Homework assignments:

Homework assignments are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules and in the textbook. Students are expected to submit the assignments associated with each module on time. Assignments can be handed in via email or deposited into the instructors mailbox. They should be typed or or legibly handwritten. There are 13 homework assignments. Expect to solve approximately one problem per day.
Assignment schedule

Exams:

There will be one proctored exam during the week Oct 19 - 23, and a final exam during the exam period on Wednesday, December 9, 12:30 - 3:30. The exams are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules and the reading assignments.

Grades:

Each exam is worth a maximum of 50 points. The homework assignments are worth a maximum of 100 points.

180 and above	90% and above	A
170-179	85% - 89%	B+
160-169	80% - 84%	B
150-159	75% - 79%	C+
140-149	70% - 74%	C
120-139	60% - 69%	D

Announcements:

Special announcements will be distributed via e-mail.

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/