PHYS-3210
Spring2016
PHYS-3210, Spring 2016
Syllabus and Policies
This syllabus is subject to revision; any changes made will be announced to the class. Students
are responsible for knowing the contents of the latest version of this syllabus!
Course info:
When: MWF, 2:00-2:50 PM
Where: Duane G125
Web: http://www.colorado.edu/physics/phys3210/phys3210_sp16/
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Instructor: Prof. Dmitri Uzdensky
E-mail: uzdensky@colorado.edu
Office: Duane F835 (Gamow Tower, 8th floor)
Office hours: Thursdays 1:30 -- 3:30 pm, or by appointment
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Course description:
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Physics topics:
Lagrangian and Hamiltonian dynamics, central force motion, coupled
oscillations, rigid body motion, non-inertial coordinate systems, some additional topics.
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Math topics:
Calculus of variations, partial differential equations, selected
highlights in linear algebra, vector calculus, and complex variables.
Prerequisites:
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Physics:
PHYS 1110, 1120 (calc-based general physics), and 2210 (classical
mechanics/math methods I), or equivalents.
Math: Calculus III (MATH 2400 or APPM 2350), linear algebra (MATH 3130 or APPM 2360).
Required materials:
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Classical Mechanics by John Taylor - main textbook
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iClicker - make sure to register your clicker at myCUinfo, if you haven't yet.
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Mathematica - will be used for some numerical homework assignments. Download a
copy to your own computer, or find an available computer with Mathematica installed.
Mathematica is available as a free download to all CU students here:
(http://sitelic.colorado.edu/mathematica/).
Optional textbook: Mathematical Methods by Mary Boas.
A few copies of both Taylor and Boas texts are on reserve in Math/Engineering library.
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PHYS-3210
Spring2016
In class:
Questions during lecture are strongly encouraged! It's easy for me to go over material quickly,
and it's your responsibility to control the pace of the class by asking questions if you don't
understand something. You are also welcome to ask questions at my office hours or by e-mail.
Lecture notes will be posted to the class website, after every lecture. This is intentionally done
to encourage you to take your own notes; often the best way to reinforce a concept that you've
just learned is to try to rephrase it in your own words! It is recommended that you focus on
important concepts in your notes, rather than trying to get all of the formulae or every line of a
derivation down; those will be available in the posted notes.
We will be using clickers in this class; they are a very useful tool for encouraging discussion
and controlling the pace of the lecture. Make sure you bring your clicker to every lecture.
(They'll also give you an opportunity for some extra credit, as detailed below.)
Homework:
Weekly homework assignments will be due on Fridays at 5:00 PM (starting Jan. 22).
Completed homework can be left in the wooden drop box in the Physics Help Room (Duane
G2B90) or handed in at the lectures. However you choose to submit homework, it is your
responsibility to make sure it is turned in on time and legible! No late homework will be
accepted. However, one lowest homework score will be be dropped, based on clicker
participation - see "Grading" below. Dropped homework is included partly to give you flexibility
in dealing with minor illnesses, short trips, etc.
You are encouraged to collaborate on the homework assignments - collaboration and
communication are both important parts of modern science. However, if you work with other
students on an assignment, please make sure that all collaborators' names are clearly printed
on your submission. You must turn in your own personal write-up for each assignment; the
only exception is for problems that require Mathematica, in which case you may submit a copy
of a jointly written Mathematica notebook as part of your solution. Make sure to explain your
solutions in detail and step-by-step. Partial credit will be given for incorrect answers, but the
graders can only give you credit for what you write down! (This goes for the exams, too.)
Exams:
There will be 2 evening midterm exams and one final exam:
• 1st midterm exam: Thursday, February 11 from 7:30-9:00 PM in ECCR 265
• 2nd midterm exam: Thursday, March 31 from 7:30-9:00 PM in ECCR 265
• Final exam: Thursday, May 5 from 7:30-10:00 PM (location TBA)
Exams will be closed-book, but you may bring two handwritten 8 1/2" x 11" pieces of paper
with you to each exam, containing whatever formulas and other information you think might be
helpful. Calculators and other electronic devices will not be permitted (you won't need them.)
Grading:
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Two Midterm Exams: 20% each
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Final exam: 30%
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Homework: 25% (one lowest homework score is dropped)
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Clickers: 5% (lowest 3 clicker-days are dropped)
Official CU final exam policy is here: http://www.colorado.edu/policies/final-examination-policy
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PHYS-3210
Spring2016
Honor Code:
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the
academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid
of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic
misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (honor@colorado.edu; 303-735-2273).
Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both
academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to
university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Other information on the Honor Code can be found at
http://www.colorado.edu/policies/student-honor-code-policy.
Accommodation for Disabilities:
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to your professor a letter from
Disability Services in a timely manner (for exam accommodations provide your letter at least one week
prior to the exam) so that your needs can be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations
based on documented disabilities. Contact Disability Services at 303-492-8671 or by e-mail at
dsinfo@colorado.edu. If you have a temporary medical condition or injury, see Temporary Medical
Conditions guidelines under Quick Links at the Disability Services website and discuss your needs with
your professor.
Religious Observances:
Campus policy regarding religious observances requires that faculty make every effort to deal
reasonably and fairly with all students who, because of religious obligations, have conflicts with
scheduled exams, assignments or required attendance. Please contact Professor Uzdensky if you find
yourself in such a conflict. See full details at http://www.colorado.edu/policies/observance-religiousholidays-and-absences-classes-andor-exams
Classroom Behavior:
Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment.
Those who fail to adhere to such behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Professional
courtesy and sensitivity are especially important with respect to individuals and topics dealing with
differences of race, color, culture, religion, creed, politics, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender,
gender identity and gender expression, age, disability, and nationalities. Class rosters are provided to
the instructor with the student's legal name. I will gladly honor your request to address you by an
alternate name or gender pronoun. Please advise me of this preference early in the semester so that I
may make appropriate changes to my records. For more information, see the policies on classroom
behavior and the student code.
Discrimination and Harassment:
The University of Colorado Boulder (CU-Boulder) is committed to maintaining a positive learning,
working, and living environment. CU-Boulder will not tolerate acts of discrimination or harassment based
upon Protected Classes or related retaliation against or by any employee or student. For purposes of
this CU-Boulder policy, "Protected Classes" refers to race, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, age,
disability, creed, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, political
affiliation or political philosophy. Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against should
contact the Office of Institutional Equity and Compliance (OIEC) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of
Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution (OSC) at 303-492-5550. Information about the OIEC, the
above referenced policies, and the campus resources available to assist individuals regarding
discrimination or harassment can be found at the OIEC website. The full policy on discrimination and
harassment contains additional information.
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