Physics 513,  Problems in Theoretical Physics I, Fall 2024

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 online for in-class discussions.  Students must complete a weekly homework assignment.

Instructor:

Marianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: MW 2 pm - 3 pm and by appointment, face-to-face or online
Phone: (865) 974-7842
Email: mbreinig@utk.edu 

Grader:

Yulin Shen
Email: yshen31@vols.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, 10:30 AM - 12:35 PM Knoxville time 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 are submitted on Canvas  They should be typed or or legibly handwritten.  There are 11 homework assignments with 5 problems each.
Assignment schedule

Exams:

There will be one take-home exam during the week Oct 9 - 13, and a final take-home exam  during the week Dec 1 - Dec 6.  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 40 points.  The homework assignments are worth a maximum of 100 points.  In-class participation is worth 20 points.

Announcements:

Special announcements appear on Canvas. 

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment for all students.  If you anticipate or experience a barrier in this course due to a chronic health condition, a learning, hearing, neurological, mental health, vision, physical, or other kind of disability, or a temporary injury, you are encouraged to contact Student Disability Services (SDS) at 865-974-6087 or sds@utk.edu.  An SDS Coordinator will meet with you to develop a plan to ensure you have equitable access to this course.  If you are already registered with SDS, please contact your instructor to discuss implementing accommodations included in your course access letter.

Please review the Campus Syllabus for information that is common across all courses at UTK.