Required Text

• Fundamentals of Physics, by Halliday, Resnick and Walker (5^th Edition)    John Wiley & Sons, 1997
  

Course Prerequisites

• Physics 240 or 260, and Math 215. Concurrent election of Physics 341 is strongly
  recommended.

Course Structure

GOALS:
This course provides an introduction to Thermodynamics, Waves, Optics, and the Theory of Relativity. These topics, on the borderline between classical and modern physics, are essential for understanding a large fraction of physical phenomena. In addition to filling out your knowledge of classical physics topics that were not covered in earlier courses, you will be prepared for further study of more modern topics, both for Physics 390 (Modern Physics) and for 400 level courses. The class will meet as a lecture group. 

LAB:
Those planning a physics major should also be enrolled in the lab course, Physics 341. The lab is also highly recommended for anyone who would like a ``hands-on'' understanding of the major topics covered in Physics 340.

MATHEMATICS BACKGROUND:
Calculus is required for this course and the official prerequisite is Math 215. This requirement can be waived by the permission of the instructor if you can demonstrate that you have the necessary background. The best way to know if you do is to see if you can do the Math Review for Physics 340.

Grading (changed on Nov 6, 2000)

Your course grade will be based on your performance on weekly homework problems, three ``mid-term'' examinations, and a final examination.  The relative weighting of each is

Homework

• Must be fully written out and handed in on time for credit, due dates are given in the course schedule.

• All problems are from them "Exercises and Problems" section of the textbook and NOT from the "Questions" section.

• Must be written neatly on stapled paper.

• Solutions will be handed out after the homework is due.

General Remarks

• Lectures:

  • You are required to read the assigned sections before class. The volume of actual reading is tiny compared to a typical university course, so you should consider reading the material twice. The required reading is listed by chapter and section (1:2-5 etc). 
  • If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to learn the material covered during the class.  I am not going to repeat the lecture.
• Exams:
  • There will be three 50-minute midterm exams given during regular class hours on Wednesday, September 27, Monday, October 16, and Wednesday, November 15. There will be no makeup exam. If for any legitimate reason, e.g. illness, you cannot be present for the exam, notify me prior to the examination time.
  • The final exam is currently scheduled for Tuesday, December 19 at 1:30 – 3:30 pm. If you have 3 final exams on the same day or a final exam conflict, please notify me in writing during the next few weeks. If you cannot take the scheduled final exam, you must take the make- up exam in January, 2001.
  • All exams will be closed book. Necessary constants and formulas will  be provided. Bring a calculator to the examinations. Mistakes are made occasionally on grading exams or homework. If you feel that an error was made, you have one week from the day the exam or homework was returned to submit for a re-grade. All requests for  re-grading and questions about grading must be in writing and nothing must be written or changed on your exam or homework.
• Study Groups:
  • I strongly encourage you to work together when you study. It is often the case that you will learn better from one another than you do from me, and what you learn will probably be better retained.
• Help:
  • There are several physics tutoring services available. Most important is the physics department's physics help room, which you will find in 1416 Randall Lab. This room is open  Monday-Thursday 9am-8pm, and Friday 9am-5pm, and there will be tutors there all the time. In addition, the Student Physics Society offers free tutoring every Monday 7-9pm.