Physics 450
Professor Lynn Cominsky
Fall 2000

Course Outline and Policies:

The topics covered in this course are essential for understanding how physics relates to chemistry, and how to apply physical laws to everyday systems. This was one of my favorite courses when I was in college, as it brought together lots of things I had learned in many different courses. We will be discussing such subjects as probability theory, quantum statistics and thermodynamics. A more detailed outline is given below.

REQUIRED TEXT: Thermal Physics by Daniel V. Schroeder

COURSE POLICIES:

1) Physics 314 is a prerequisite for this course. I will be giving a short (not graded) quiz during the first class to determine the knowledge level of the typical student population, and I will use the results of this quiz to ensure that these requirements have been met.

2) I am a firm believer in homework problems as the most effective route to learning Physics (or related subjects). Therefore, the homework for this course will be assigned almost weekly, for a total of 9 problem sets. The score of the lowest homework set will be dropped.

3) Except for the first week and near Thanksgiving and the end of the term, homework assignments will be distributed on Mondays during class. Completed homework will be due on the second Wednesday following by 4 PM (at the end of the problem session or maybe the class.)
No late homework will be accepted.

4) Problem sessions (to help you complete your homework) will be held in Darwin 329, on Wednesday from Noon - 1 PM and 3 - 4 PM (immediately after class, unless class is at that time). If you are having trouble with your homework or if you would like to discuss some of your work with me, this is your best chance! Due to lack of space, private office hours are by appointment only.

5) Solutions to the homework assignments will be handed out in class the Monday after the homework was due, which is when I also expect to hand back your graded homework.

6) Grades: The grade for this course will be based on: 40% homework, 15% each of two mid-term tests, 20% on comprehensive final and 10% for in class participation on the in-class problems.

7) Material - the course will cover the indicated portions of the required text. However I will not be lecturing strictly from the text, so it will be your responsibility to read the information. You have paid good money for this textbook, so use it!

8) The format of this class will be different than other physics classes that you may have had in the past. I will not be lecturing for an entire hour, rather we will be spending about half of each lecture solving problems in class in small groups. The success of this format depends on the effort that you put into problem solving. There are approximately 10 in class problems for you to solve that should clarify the important material, but if you do not participate, I will not know what you find confusing. These problems will not be graded, but your efforts in solving them will count towards the 10% of the grade based on in-class participation.

I can be reached in Darwin 329A (inside of 329), at 664-2655, through the Department office (664-2119) or most easily via my e-mail address: lynnc@charmian.sonoma.edu.

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