A. Xie, fall 2002 OSU
SYLLABUS FOR PHYSICS 3313
Course Title:
Modern Physics for Engineers
Lectures:
Tuesday and Thursday 12:30 – 1:45 pm at 110 PS
Instructor:
Aihua Xie, Associate Professor of Physics
Office: 231 Physical Sciences
Telephone: 405 744-6589
E-mail: xaihua@okstate.edu
Teaching Assistant:
Qinan Bao, Ph.D. student of Physics
E-mail: qinan@westlake.phy.okstate.edu
Office hours:
(1) Tuesday 2:30 –4:30 pm by Qinan Bao at 052 PS
(2) Tuesday 3:30 – 5:00 pm by Aihua Xie at 231 PS
(3) Wednesday 1:30 – 3:00 pm by Aihua Xie at 231 PS
Web Site:
www.physics.okstate.edu/axie/phys3313/home.htm
Prerequisites:
Physics 2114 or equivalent
Textbook:
Modern Physics (second edition) by Kenneth Krane (Wiley, New York,
ISBN 0-471-82872-6)
Course descriptions: Modern physics is the foundation of most new technologies. We will study
special relativity, quantum phenomenology, atomic, molecular and solid state
physics. Lectures will be giving in interactive learning style, with emphasis
on understanding the concepts, laws, and applications of physics.
Examinations:
There will be two hour-examinations and one final examination in this
course. The hour examinations will be held on September 19 and October 29
during the normal lecture time. The final examination will be held on
Tuesday December 3 at 5:30 pm to 7:20 pm during the prefinal week.
Homework:
Homework is due on Wednesday at 3:00 pm and should be placed in a box in
front of 231 PS. To be graded the homework must be presented clearly and
neatly. If the problem is assigned from the textbook, identify the problem
being worked by the chapter and problem number. A brief statement of the
problem should be written. A brief statement of the solution method or
concept(s) used should be given. Make sketches, or free body diagrams as
appropriate for the problem. Identify the quantities with appropriate units to
be used. Solve the equations for the desired quantities, and plug in
appropriate quantities to get your solution with appropriate units. Each
problem will be graded having equal weight. One homework of the lowest
grade will be dropped for your grade calculation.
A. Xie, fall 2002 OSU
Grading policy:
Grades in this course will be determined from homework (30%), two hour
examinations (20% each), and one final examination (30%).
Student Vitae:
In an effort to learn more about individual students, you are asked to write a
one page vitae. This should include your name, local address, home address,
local phone number, email address, major of study, career goal, your favorite
course(s), and information which makes you unusual or interesting (such as
hobbies). Please include the previous math and physics courses you have
completed for the purpose of tailoring this course. This information should be
written on a single typed page in any style you wish and turn in with your
homework on Wednesday August 28. The vitae will be given the weight of 3
homework problems in determining grades.
Late work:
Late homework and missed examinations will be assigned a zero. Only one
late homework will be accepted per student throughout the semester. For
exceptional circumstances, when accompanied by an acceptable written
excuse, may accommodation be made. In this case, a missed examination
score may be replaced by the average score on the remaining examinations.
Class Schedule
I.
The special theory of relativity
August 20 – August 29, 2002
II.
Quantum nature of light and wave nature of matter
September 3 – September 20, 2002
III.
Schrodinger’s equation, atomic and molecular physics
September 23 – November 1, 2002
IV.
Statistical physics, and solid state physics
October 31 – December 3, 2002
Examinations
1. First examination (covers parts I & II): Thursday September 19, 12:30 – 1:45 pm at 110 PS
2. Second examination (covers part III): Tuesday October 29, 12:30 – 1:45 pm at 110 PS
3. Final examination (covers all four parts with emphasis on part IV) Tuesday December 3, 5:30 –
7:20 pm at 110 PS