Physics 250,  Modern Physics    Summer 2012

Modern Physics focuses on the exciting developments in physics during the 20^th century.  It is a map of the reality of the world around us on the microscopic scale.  In this course students explore the world of atoms, nuclei, and elementary particles.  The course uses a textbook and interactive, web-based class modules.  Lectures, demonstrations, experiments and computer simulation are part of the course.  Attendance is required.
The course carries 4 semester hours of credit.  Scores on homework assignments, lab reports, exams, extra credit assignments and in-class activities determine a student’s final grade.  Students having a mathematical background in high-school algebra and trigonometry and having taken a high-school physics or physical science course can successfully complete the course.  Emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding.  Topics covered include the behavior of light, the essential features of quantum mechanics, atomic and molecular structure, the conduction of electricity in solids, nuclear physics, and elementary particle physics.

• Instructor:
  • Marianne Breinig (Physics)
    Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
    Phone: (865) 974-7842
    Email: mbreinig@utk.edu
• Co-instructor:
  • James Hitchcock
    Email: jhitchc3@utk.edu
• Texts:
  • Web-based, interactive class modules
  • Taylor/Zafiratos/Dubson, Modern Physics, 2nd edition
    ISBN 0-13-805715-X
• Class Structure:
  • Students meet Monday through Friday 1:30 - 4:30 pm in the Nielsen Physics Building, room 207.  Students will listen to lectures, engage in discussions, help with lecture demonstrations, complete laboratories, work with computer simulations and solve problems with and without computers.  Students should read through each of the web-based class module before the associated class period.  They should explore the links in bold text that are embedded in the web material. 
    Class schedule
• Homework:
  • Students must complete 18 homework assignments.  Homework assignments are based on the material covered in class.  They are available on Blackboard.  Students must hand in the assignments on time.
    Assignment schedule
• Laboratories:
  • Students will complete 10 in-class laboratory exercises.  Lab reports must be handed in on time.
• Exams:
  • There will be two in-class exams.
    Exam schedule
• Extra credit:
  • There are 5 extra credit assignments.  Each extra credit assignment is worth up to 5 points.  Extra credit assignments must be handed in on time in class or via e-mail.
  • Extra credit assignment schedule
• Grades:
  • Each exam is worth a maximum of 100 points.  The homework assignments are worth a maximum of 100 points and the in-class activities a maximum of 20 points.  The lab reports are worth a maximum of 80 points.  Extra credit points are added to the total score from tests, homework assignments, in-class activities and laboratories.

    360 and above    90% and above    A 348-359 87% - 89% A- 332-347 83% - 86% B+ 320-331 80% - 82% B 308-319 77% - 79% B- 292-307 73% - 76% C+ 280-291 70% - 72% C 268-279 67% - 69% C- 252-267 63% - 66% D+ 240-251 60% - 62% D 228-239 57% - 59% D-