Modern Physics II (PHY 306.001)-Spring Semester, 1999

Text:

Elementary Modern Physics, by Paul A. Tipler (Worth Publishers, ISBN 0-87901-569-1)

Meets at:

10:50-12:05 TR, Willet Science Center (WSC) Room 106

Prerequisites:

Phy 171,2 and Phy 305.

Instructor:

Dr. Randall D. Peters

Office:

WSC Room 115, Office phone: 752-2747 (home phone: 745-6963)

Office hours:

M-F 2:00-3:00 except W 9:00-10:00, or by appointment.

e-mail:

peters_rd@mercer.edu

personal homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu/petepag/nonlin.htm

physics department homepage:

http://physics.mercer.edu

                     Expectations
Incoming-Students should already have mastered:
(i) essential elements of reading and writing at the college level,
(ii) basic algebra and trigonometry with emphasis on vectors,
(iii) graphical representation of functions, including semi-log and log-log plots,
(iv) calculus as used in phy 170 and 171, with a basic understanding of partial differential equations,
(v) elements of scientific convention as indicated in the front and back covers of the text, and
(vi) the selected mathematical relations of Appendix A of the text, along with the material of Appendix B.
Outgoing-By the end of this course, the student should be able to:
(i) demonstrate improvements in scientific communication, both
verbal and written, through self-consistent integration of mathematical
formulae and English language sentence structures,
(ii) understand coordinate transformations,
(iii) know the difference between estimating the state of an observable when viewed from the perspective of classical mechanics as opposed to that of quantum mechanics,
(iv) appreciate the molecular and nuclear properties of matter
as influenced by differing quantum properties, and
(v) provide quasi-intelligent input into discussions of astrophysics and cosmology.

Ch. 5 Molecules
Appendix C (Statistical Distributions) & Ch. 6 Solids
Ch. 7 Nuclei
Ch. 8 Elementary Particles
Ch. 9 Astrophysics and Cosmology

Final Exam: 3 May, 2-5.

Grading Scale: 60-D-70-C-80-B-90-A-100
(based on: randomly given Quizzes-20%, 3 Exams-50%, and Final-30%)

Note: Homework problems will be assigned at the beginning of a chapter- solutions will be provided after you've had time to attempt the problems. You should attempt each problem, even though none will be graded. Along with other information concerning this course (periodically updated), these problems will be found on the internet, at URL (non-public) address:
http://physics.mercer.edu/hpage/....

Policies

• I don't have a formal attendance policy-be forewarned, however, that students with more than an occasional absence usually do poorly.
• Quizzes and exams may be made-up if the student has an official excuse. There is no extra-credit work.
• The College of Liberal Arts academic misconduct policy will be followed.
• Any student who receives failing grades during the course is urged to meet with the instructor and discuss such work.
• All requests for reasonable accomodation of disabilities are welcome.
• If you have a problem of any kind, my door is open to you. (If your schedule should be in conflict with my office hours, then attempt to arrange an appointment either: (i) during class, or (ii) by a chance meeting using the information posted on my door.)
• Reasonable accommodation will be provided for this course as required under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act and subject to the criteria and procedures used by the Student Development office.