Physics 514,  Problems in Theoretical Physics II, Spring 2024

Physics 514 is a Web-based physics course for first-year graduate students at UTK and UTSI.  The physical concepts, principles, and relations introduced in 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 514 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:

Dr. Marianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: MW 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm and online by appointment
Phone: (865) 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 10 modules.  Each modules has a one or more physics themes.  It reviews concepts and formulas associated with these 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 - 1:45 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 should be submitted on Canvas.  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 March 6 - 16, and a final exam, due during the exam period.  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. 

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.

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