Instructor:
Jim McNeil (MH 325; x3844)
Email: jamcneil@mines.edu
McNeil's Homepage
McNeil's Schedule

Text: "Modern Physics For Scientists and Engineers" by Thornton and Rex (2nd Ed.)

Course Learning Objectives: The purpose of Modern Physics is to introduce engineering and science students to the foundations and principles of modern physics, specifically relativity, quantum mechanics, and their applications. The overall student learning objective is to become "scientifically literate", that is, to have the contextualized knowledge and analytic skills necessary to construct an understanding of phenomena in the domain of modern physics.
Demonstrating this ability in some problem entails (1) recognizing the context and applicable physics concepts and principles, (2) applying appropriate facts, models, and analogies, (3) articulating the concepts and principles using mathematics and logic, (4) analyzing the inquiry to a useful conclusion, and (5) evaluating the results.
To guide, promote, and assess this development a variety of learning activities will be undertaken: text readings, traditional lectures, modeling of problem-solving, peer instruction, group and individual problem-solving exercises, homework, and exams.
A secondary learning objective is for the students to become proficient on some symbolic analysis tool, such as Mathematica. Where appropriate students should do their homework using such tools.

Homework: Homework will be assigned periodically and graded through the web using an updated version of the Computer Assisted Personalized Assignment (CAPA) system. The approximate due dates are given on the Course Schedule. The homework is accessed from the LON-CAPA web site which will require a username and password. The URL is loncapa.mines.edu. You will receive instructions on how to login from the instructor. The Physics Department offers help sessions for the CAPA homework in Meyer Hall 270. The CAPA help schedule will be announced later.

Exams: There will be four examinations given during the course of the term. They will be given in the common exam time slot from 11:00-12:00 on the dates listed on the Course Schedule. According to the academic policy of the school, the exam has the priority and students in normal courses with time conflicts with the common exam hour should make arrangements with their respective course instuctor to make up work missed. Make-up exams will only be offered for excused absenses (e.g. medical, family emergencies, etc.). To receive full credit solutions to exam problems must start from fundamental principles, such as energy conservation. The exams will be graded and returned within one week. If you suspect an error in the grading of your exam, state the reason for your grievance in writing on a separate sheet of paper and return your written grievance with the exam to the instructor by the next class. Do not write on your exam. Your grievance will be considered and returned to you within one week.

Grading:
(A: 90-100%, B: 80-89%, C: 70-79%, D: 60-69%, F: <59%)

1. CAPA: 10%
2. PRS (Quizzes/attendance): 10%
3. Midterm Exams: 60%
5. Final Exam: 20%