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PHYS 237, Introduction to Modern Physics

Course InformationCredits: 3.0

Location: 358 Willard Bldg

Time: Mon., Wed., Fri. 10:10 AM - 11:00 AM

Course Faculty

Assistant Professor Alex Kozhevnikov

Office Phone 865-6873

Office 124 Davey Lab

Office Hours Mon. 1:00 2:15 pm and by appointment

E-mail aak10@.psu.edu

Required TextModern Physics, 6th edition, by Paul Tipler and Ralph Llewelyn.

Other editions of the textbook are OK, but please make sure you check the homeworkproblems in the 6t

hedition.

Suggested Additional Texts

Modern Physicsby Bernstein, Fishbane and Gasiorowicz

Modern Physicsby Krane

Modern Physicsby Serway, Moses and Moyer

Course Format

Lectures will augment and extend on material covered in assigned readings, which must

be completed commensurate with lectures. The reading is required although most

material will be discussed in class, it is absolutely necessary to read the textbook and

work through the examples discussed in the textbook. Falling behind on reading thetextbook is not a good way to excel in this course.

Prerequisites

PHYS 212 or equivalent, also, prerequisites to PHYS 212 (MATH 140, PHYS 211, MATH 141).This course (PHYS 237) is mathematically intensive and requires solid math background - all

students must have good working knowledge of calculus. Some familiarity with differential

equations is expected.Co-requisite: PHYS 214

Course Description

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We will start by studying special relativity, topics include Lorentz transformations,

interval invariance, space-time diagrams and relativistic energy and momentum. After

that, we will study the foundations of quantum theory, including the quantization ofcharge, light and energy, the Bohr model of atom, the wavelike properties of particles and

the wave-particle duality, followed by a more rigorous study of quantum mechanics

(Schrodinger equation and its application to description of simple quantum mechanicalsystems: one-dimensional well, harmonic oscillator, hydrogen atom, spin). In the last part

of the course, we will discuss classical and quantum statistical physics.

Attendance Policy

Attendance of lectures is VERY strongly encouraged. Extended absence should be

discussed with instructor ahead of time.

Grading Policy

The grade is derived from homework (50%) and 3 exams (Midterm I 15%, Midterm II 15%,Final Exam 20%). Late homework will not be graded; however, it is a good idea to solve home

problem sets even if you cannot turn them in on time. It is essential to show your reasoning and

intermediate steps in order to get full credit on homework and exams (and partial credit if the

final answer is incorrect). Use of Mathematica, Maple, MATLAB etc to do integrals is permitted

(although not necessary), but, if you choose to use these packages, you have to state what you

were using (e.g. I used MATLAB to take this integral).

Academic Integrity Policy

Working together on the homework is allowed, but the finished product should be your own and

should cite any sources (for example, if you used a table of integrals or Mathematicato do theintegral, you should explicitly state that).

Copying or other violations of the PSU code of conduct may result in zero credit for the

assignment, a failing grade in the class, expulsion from PSU, or other penalties.

Exam Policy

The two midterm exams are in-class they will be on February 21 and March 28. All exams

are closed-book. A brief list of equations will be provided at each exam.

Penn State welcomes students with disabilities into the University's educational

programs. If you have a disability-related need for reasonable academic adjustments inthis course, contact the Office for Disability Services (ODS) at814-863-1807(V/TTY).For further information regarding ODS, please visit the Office for Disability Services

Web site at http://equity.psu.edu/ods/.

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