PHYS 3650 – Modern Physics 
Course Syllabus - Fall 2009

| Course description | Objectives | Outcomes | Term | Instructor information | Class meetings |
| Text | | Evaluation | Grading | Mid-term progress report | Course schedule | Course policies | Important dates |

Individuals with disabilities who need to request accommodations should contact 
the Disability Services Coordinator, Student Center 214, 770-961-3719, disabilityservices@mail.clayton.edu.

Course Description:

Number and Title:

PHYS 3650 (CRN 87222)
Modern Physics 

Credit Hours:

3.0 semester credit hours

Catalog Description:

Physics 3650 is an introductory course which includes material from relativity, quantum mechanics, models of the atom, lasers, solid state physics, nuclear physics and elementary particles. Study is focused on contemporary applications including those to biology and medicine.

Course Prerequisites and Co-requisites:

       Prerequisite: PHYS 1112, Introductory Physics II

Computer Requirement:

Each CSU student is required to have ready access throughout the semester to a notebook computer that meets faculty-approved hardware and software requirements for the student's academic program. Students will sign a statement attesting to such access.  For further information on CSU's Official Notebook Computer Policy, please go to http://itpchoice.clayton.edu/policy.htm.

Computer Skill Prerequisites:

• Able to use the Windows^TM operating system
• Able to use Microsoft Word^TM word processing
• Able to send and receive e-mail using Outlook^TM or Outlook Express^TM
• Able to attach and retrieve attached files via email
• Able to use a Web browser.

In-class Use of Student Notebook Computers:

Student notebook computers will not be used in the classroom in this course. Computers will be required to access course materials and to communicate with your instructor.

Course Objectives:

• To learn the basic laws of modern physics.

• To apply the basic laws of physics to the solution of conceptual and quantitative problems.

• To further develop the ability to solve problems through logical thought and organized reason.

Student Learning Outcomes:

General education outcomes:

The following links provide tabular descriptions of the communications outcome and the critical thinking outcome components  (see PHYS 3650 in the tables):

• Communications outcomes components
• Critical thinking outcomes components

Biology outcomes:

PHYS 3650 supports outcomes 3 and 4 of the biology major:

• Outcome 3.  Apply knowledge of physical sciences, mathematics, and statistics to biological concepts.
• Outcome 4.  Communicate scientific information in a clear and concise manner both orally and in writing.

Term:

Fall Term 2009

Instructor Information:

Instructor:

Dr. Tatiana Krivosheev
phone: (678) 466-4783
fax: (678) 466-4899
e-mail: TatianaKrivosheev@mail.clayton.edu
internet: http://a-s.clayton.edu/krivosheev/index.htm

Office:

Faculty Hall, Room 31-C

Office Hours:

Monday  and Friday:  9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.; 4:00 p.m. - 4:50 p.m.

            Wednesday:   9:00 a.m. - 9:50 a.m.;  2:00 p.m. - 3:50 p.m.

Other times by appointment.

Class Meetings:

        Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00 a.m. - 11:50 a.m., Lecture Hall, Room  B-11  

Textbook Information:

Text:

    Walker , Physics, 3^rd edition, Prentice Hall, 2007

Text Coverage:

Chapters 29 - 32

Evaluation:

In-class examinations: 3 - 50 minute exams @ 100 points	300
In-class quizzes: 10 quizzes @ 15 points*	150
Final examination**	200
TOTAL	650

*Quizzes covering fundamentals of study assignments will be administered. Quizzes will be announced in advance. At least twelve quizzes will be given; ten will count towards the course grade. The lowest quiz scores in excess of the ten required for your evaluation  will be dropped.

**The final examination will be comprehensive.

Grading:

Mid-term Progress Report

The mid-term grade in this course, which will be issued on November 2, reflects approximately 30% of the entire course grade.  Based on this grade, students may choose to withdraw from the course and receive a grade of "W."  Students pursuing this option must fill out an official withdrawal form, available in the Office of the Registrar, by mid-term, which occurs on November 6, 2009.

Course Schedule:

The schedule of lesson topics is provided at in the separate course schedule which also provides links to objectives and homework assignments.

Course Policies:

Students must abide by policies in the Clayton State University Student Handbook, and Basic Undergraduate Student Responsibilities.

Attendance is expected for all class periods.  Attendance is required for quiz and examination periods.  Any absence must be accompanied by a written excuse from a doctor or other competent authority.  Without excuse, a grade of zero points will be assigned for the missed work.  If a valid excuse is provided:

• Make-up quizzes will be given only if they are taken before quiz solutions are posted.  If the make-up quiz cannot be taken before the solutions are posted, the missed quiz will be counted as one of approximately two quizzes which can be dropped (approximately twelve quizzes will be given in the course.  The highest ten quiz scores will be used to calculate the course grade).
• Make-up examinations will be given only if they are taken before graded examinations are returned to students (next class period).  In the event that a make-up examination cannot be taken before exams are returned to students, the missed examination will not count in calculating the course grade.  This means that other graded work will be responsible for a greater weight in determining the course final grade.

Late bonus problems will not be accepted.  Late materials will not be accepted after the final course meeting (December 4, 2009).

Any type of activity that is considered dishonest by reasonable standards may constitute academic misconduct. The most common forms of academic misconduct are cheating and plagiarism.  All instances of academic dishonesty will result in a grade of zero for the work involved. All instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Judicial procedures are described at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentconduct/.

Disruption of the Learning Environment

Behavior which disrupts the teaching–learning process during class activities will not tolerated.  While a variety of behaviors can be disruptive in a classroom setting, more serious examples include belligerent, abusive, profane, and/or threatening behavior.  A student who fails to respond to reasonable faculty direction regarding classroom behavior and/or behavior while participating in classroom activities may be dismissed from class.  A student who is dismissed is entitled to due process and will be afforded such rights as soon as possible following dismissal.  If found in violation, a student may be administratively withdrawn and may receive a grade of WF.

The use of simple calculators is allowed for all quizzes and examinations. All examinations are closed book. No student-produced "memory sheets" or note cards are allowed. An instructor-produced reference data pamphlet will be provided for all quizzes and examinations. No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted at any time in the classroom.

Important dates:

Quizzes: Quizzes will be announced in advance.

Tentative schedule for examinations:

Examination 1: October 28, 2009

Examination 2: November 11, 2009

Examination 3: November 23, 2009

Final Examination: TBA

Last day to withdraw without academic penalty: Friday, November 6, 2009

Last update: October 11, 2009