Required Text

Course Prerequisites

Course Structure

GOALS:
This is the second of a two course sequence (Physics 160 & 260) introducing fundamental physics concepts. Physics 260 provides a rigorous introduction to electricity and magnetism. It will prepare you to go on to take other courses required for a concentration in physics. The course covers the same material as Physics 240, but involves more student participation and interaction.

HOMEWORK: 
As in all physics courses, homework is very important. There will be homework assignments nearly every week, to be turned in normally at the beginning of the hour on Mondays. A random subset of assigned problems will be graded. 
In addition, you are responsible for completing the same computer-based homework assignments (usually two per week) as Physics 240 which will also be graded. Questions about the homework are welcome at any time, but time will be reserved on Tuesdays to go over concepts helpful for solving it. 

MATHEMATICS BACKGROUND:
Calculus is required for this course, and experience with differential equations and linear algebra is useful, although it is not required. The official prerequisite is Math 116. 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 260. We will usually devote some time every week to talk about a mathematical topic which is important to physics. Much of this material is not in our textbook, but can be found in books such as Mathematical Methods for Physicists, by G. Arfken (Academic Press, NY, 1966-95). Copies of this and other books will be on reserve in the Undergraduate Library. 

LAB:
Those planning a physics major should also be enrolled in the lab course, Physics 241. The lab is also highly recommended for anyone who would like a ``hands-on'' understanding of the major topics covered in Physics 260.

Exams

Because the material covered in this course matches that covered in Physics 240, you will take the same exams as the Physics 240 course, at the same times, with the same restrictions on note cards, etc. There will be three, 75 minute mid-term examinations, given on Thursday evenings, and a two hour comprehensive final exam at the end of the course. The dates, times and rooms of the exams are: 

Please note these dates now. There will be no makeup or alternate midterms.

Grading 

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:

General Remarks

• Lectures:

  • You are required to read the assigned sections before class. 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.  
• 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.