Syllabus

Syllabus Modules Schedule Assignments

Physics 514,  Problems in Theoretical Physics II, Sections 1 and 2, Spring 2008

Physics 514 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 514 uses Web-based class modules and a textbook.  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: TWR  12:30 PM - 1:30 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 Electrodynamics textbook for review of selected topics
Example: David J. Griffiths: Introduction to Electrodynamics
Any junior/senior level Quantum Mechanics textbook for review of selected topics
Example: David J. Griffiths: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics
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 the 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.
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.  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  March 5 - 12, and a final exam during the exam period, Friday, May 2, 10:15 - 12:15.  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.  Please send your e-mail address to the instructor after you have registered.