Physics IV [2704]: Spring 2017

Instructor:

Jasper S. Halekas

Office:

414 Van Allen Hall

Phone:

(319) 335-1929

E-mail:

jasper-halekas@uiowa.edu

Office Hours:

10:30-11:30am Monday, 2:00-3:00 Wednesday, 3:00-4:00 Thursday, Or by Appointment

Department:

Physics and Astronomy, 203 Van Allen Hall, DEO Fred Skiff

Description:

This course will introduce students to modern physics. We will focus on building a strong conceptual understanding of special relativity and quantum mechanics, and developing skills and experience in problem solving. This is the final course of a four-semester sequence intended primarily for physics and astronomy majors, or science majors who want an in-depth introduction to physics. This course uses calculus extensively. We will cover material approximately corresponding to Ch. 1-10 in the book. Reading and homework assignments will be given in class and on the course web page. Three weekly lectures are given by Prof. Halekas, with a weekly lab conducted by a TA.

Lectures:

MWF 12:30-1:20, 70 Van Allen Hall

Labs:

Individual by Section

Requred Texts:

Modern Physics (Third Edition), Kenneth Krane

Lab Manual will be provided in electronic form

Web Pages:

Main Web Page, ICON

Student Response Systems ("Clickers"):

This course will make extensive use of Student Response Systems (formerly known as "clickers", now based on personal-device response). Student response systems will be utilized for every class lecture, and extra credit will be assigned for participation. You must register your TurningPoint account on ICON by selecting Turning Account Registration from the Student Response course module. Detailed information and FAQs are available from ITS.