Ph106    Perspectives in Physics

Course Description

The purpose of this course is to assist you in developing basic understanding of concepts and structure of modern physics, and to be informative for you; for this to go effectively your focus and effort are critical. It cannot be emhpasized enough just how much superior learning can be when it happens in an interactive manner. Please do not hesitate to speak up! Ideally, the class would go with yours constantly asking, commenting and discussing the material. Also, you may find it extremely helpful to work together. (Below is the 'formal' description.)
  This course is a descriptive (non-mathematical) study of the concepts of modern physics, their development and perspectives. It is structured around three logical units: classical physics, modern physics, and selected current topics. The first part focuses on the basic physics, as established by the beginning of the 20th century; covered topics include laws of motion and gravitation, concept of energy, thermal physics, electromagnetism and light. The second segment continues into modern physics, looking at quantum mechanics and general and special theories of relativity. The last section consists of examples of current scientific and technological achievements, drawn from a wide range of fields of physics. While these will follow sequentially, the above division is not strict: all along – whenever possible – examples of contemporary physics and its applications will be used. We will be looking at how modern models have been and are developed, what their values and limitations are, and will discuss their likely perspectives and place in the broader context. Effects of the scientific development on the environment will be emphasized throughout. The main goal is that students develop basic understanding of and appreciation for physical concepts and principles, and for their place and role in a modern society; and to get acquainted with a sample of current frontiers and applications. The course is intended primarily for non-science students (Bacc Core Course).

In-class Worksheets

A small number of in-class worksheets will be used during the course of the term. You may work on these individually or in small groups and turn them in for credit.

Paper

Toward the end of the term, once the course is firmly into modern physics, you will write a paper on one of the list of topics provided. (You may chose your own, too; you would need this approved by the instructor.) The paper should be 3-5 pages long (typeset, double-spaced), written entirely by you; it should be a thought-out and well-posed analysis of, or your opinion on, your choice of aspect(s) of the chosen topic. References that you use for preparation must be properly quoted. You are most welcome, and advised, to submit an outline for feedback.

“Science-in-the-News” Summaries

Three times this term, you will turn in a short summary of a science article you have read, either in a newspaper, magazine, science journal, or on the web. These summaries should be one or two paragraphs long, typeset, and will include your name, the title of the article, the author of the article and your comment or a short summary (a paragraph or two), in your own words, of the article. You must attach a copy of the article that you have read and reviewed.

Laboratory

In this lab, you will have an opportunity to perform an experiment or activity related to some of the physical concepts; please use it! You will complete the activity within the allotted time. Lab attendance and satisfactory performance are mandatory. You must attend at least eight labs, and satisfactory work must be submitted on at least seven lab reports to get full credit for the lab and the course. The lab may not follow the lectures; it is rather meant to supplement and add to them.

Examinations

There will be one midterm and a final exam. Both exams are multiple choice. The final exam is comprehensive, i.e., it covers the entire term. The final will be given at the date and time shown in the Schedule of Classes for this term. Exams are closed book and closed notes.

Grading

The course components described above combine for the final grade as follows:
In-Class Work 5%; Paper 10%; Science-in-the-News 15%; Lab 20%; Midterm 20%; Final 30%

The (tentative) grade breakdown is:

90-92% = A-	93-100% = A
80-82% = B-	83-86% = B	87-89% = B+
70-72% = C-	73-76% = C	77-79% = C+
60-62% = D-	63-66% = D	67-69% = D+
(below 60% = F)

Please note    It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from the course if they do not wish to receive a letter grade. The last day to withdraw is listed in the current schedule of classes. An incomplete grade will not be assigned unless a student has discussed it with me in advance and a signed agreement between the student and instructor has been created. The incomplete grade requires the student has a good reason for making the request, has a passing (C) grade on submitted work, and there is only a small amount of coursework that remains to be completed. An incomplete grade will not be given just because a student is not satisfied with their performance in the course.

Special Needs

Students who have any emergency medical information of which I should be aware, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, or who have documented disabilities which may need particular accommodation, should speak with me as early as possible, certainly no later than the second week of the term.

Academic Integrity

All students are expected to uphold the highest standards of honesty and integrity in their academic work. With the exception of in-class group work, all graded work is to be done on an individual basis. Any incidence of academic dishonesty will be dealt with in accordance with OSU policies.