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
OUTLINE |
CHAPTERS |
Energy
in Thermal Physics |
1
(no 1.7) |
The
Second Law |
2
(all) |
FIRST
QUIZ -Sept. 27 |
(HW's
1 - 3) |
Interactions
and Implications |
3
(all) |
Engines
and Refrigerators |
4
(no 4.4) |
Boltzmann
Statistics |
6
(all) |
SECOND
QUIZ -Nov. 8 |
(HW's
4 - 7) |
Quantum
Statistics 7 TAKE HOME FINAL EXAM (All HWs
with a little more on #8 and #9) |
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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