PHYSICS 107
Topics in Contemporary Physics
Fall 2013, Tentative Syllabus
Instructor: Dr. Justin M. Sanders, ILB 109; jsanders@southalabama.edu
Office Hours: MTWF 8:00-9:00; 10:00-11:30; and by appointment
Text: Articles on reserve at library (if any).
Course objective: A familiarity with current topics of research in physics (particularly at USA) and development of
basic problem solving skills.
Date:
Tues, Aug 20
Tues, Aug 27
Tues, Sep 3
Tues, Sep 10
Tues, Sep 17
Tues, Sep 24
Tues, Oct 1
Tues, Oct 8
Tues, Oct 15
Tues, Oct 22
Tues, Oct 29
Tues, Nov 5
Tues, Nov 12
Tues, Nov 19
Tues, Nov 26
Tues, Dec 3
Tues, Dec 11
Topic:
Introduction, Careers in Physics
Order-of-magnitude estimates
Waves & Interference
Faculty research presentation— Dr. Clark
Measuring Wavelength of Light
Faculty research presentation— Dr. Sanders
Spectroscopy
FALL BREAK—no class!
Faculty research presentation— Dr. Burress
Wave/Particle Duality
Faculty research presentation— Dr. Godang
Special Relativity
Faculty research presentation— Dr. Jenkins
Radioactivity
Faculty research presentation— Dr. Gapud
Review
FINAL EXAM, 1:00-3:00 pm
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT OUTCOMES: Homework problems, participation in class discussions, and a
comprehensive final examination will be used to assess the degree to which the course objectives have been met.
Grades will be determined as shown below:
GRADING
The course grade will be determined by:
Homework
60%
Participation
20%
Final
20%
GRADE SCALE:
90 - 100%
A
80 - 89
B
70 - 79
C
60 - 69
D
0 - 59
F
ATTENDANCE
Since much of the course will consist of presentations by the faculty, attendance in class is absolutely necessary.
Roll will be taken at each class, and absences will count against the participation part of the course (each absence will
reduce your grade by about 1.3 points).
HOMEWORK
Homework problems will be assigned each week. Due the next week. Homework problems will be based on topics
discussed in class. Late homework will be assessed a penalty of 10% per day (unless other arrangements have been
made).
FINAL
The exam will consist of questions and problems based upon topics discussed in class. NO ALPHANUMERIC
CALCULATORS will be allowed.
JagAlert: JagAlert is an academic program intended to help students be successful in 100 and 200 level courses. If
you are not doing well, you will receive an email instructing you to see your professor and academic advisor. Watch
for the JagAlert email around week 6 of this semester.
Policy Statement on Students with Disabilities: In accordance with the Americans for Disabilities Act, students
with bona fide disabilities will be afforded reasonable accommodation. The Office of Special Student Services will
certify a disability and advise faculty members of reasonable accommodation.
Policy Statement Regarding Changes in Course Requirements: Since all classes do not progress at the same rate,
the instructor may wish to modify the above requirements or their timing as circumstances may dictate. For example,
the instructor may wish to change the number and frequency of exams, or the number and sequence of assignments.
However, students will be given adequate notification.