Physics 513,  Problems in Theoretical Physics I, Fall 2020

Physics 513 is a Web-based physics course for first-year graduate students at UTK.  The physical concepts, principles, and relations introduced in introductory and junior/senior-level physics classes are reviewed as students analyze and solve simple and advanced physics problems.  Many of the problems to be analyzed and solved involve multiple core physics concepts.  Physics 513 uses Web-based class modules.  It is a three-hour course.  Registered students meet once each week for in-class discussions.  Students must complete a weekly homework assignment.

Instructor:

Marianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: by appointment
Phone: 974-7842
Email: mbreinig@utk.edu

Text: (required)

• Web-based class modules

Texts: (optional)

• Benjamin F. Bayman, Morton Hamermesh: A Review of Undergraduate Physics
• Any junior/senior level Classical Mechanics textbook for review of selected topics
  Example: Marion, Jerry B. and Thornton, Stephen. T., Classical Dynamics
• Any junior/senior level Electrodynamics textbook for review of selected topics
  Example: David J. Griffiths: Introduction to Electrodynamics
• Any junior/senior level Quantum Mechanics textbook for review of selected topics
  Example: David J. Griffiths: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics

Class Structure:

• The Web-based material is divided into 11 modules.  Each modules has a one or more physics themes.  It reviews concepts and formulas associated with this themes.  Students are expected to work through the modules and the corresponding material in undergraduate textbook on a schedule and hand in homework assignments on time.
• Registered students meet Monday, 11:45 AM - 1:30 PM for in-class discussions.  Questions about the material covered in the Web-based modules and the reading assignments will be addressed during these meetings.  Students also will solve problems in class.
  Discussion schedule

Homework assignments:

Homework assignments are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules and in the textbook.  Students are expected to submit the assignments associated with each module on time.  Assignments can be handed in via email or deposited into the instructors mailbox.  They should be typed or or legibly handwritten.  There are 11 homework assignments.  Expect to solve approximately one problem per day.
Assignment schedule

Exams:

There will be one exam during the week Oct 5 - 12, and a final exam due on Friday, December 4, at 4:45 pm.  The exams are based on the material covered in the Web-based modules and the reading assignments.

Grades:

Each exam is worth a maximum of 30 points.  The homework assignments are worth a maximum of 100 points.  In-class participation is worth 40 points.

Announcements:

Special announcements appear on Canvas. 

If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability, please contact  Student Disability Services (SDS).  This will ensure that you are properly registered for the services provided by SDS.

For important additional information please see the Campus Syllabus.