PHYS 225 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Course Description

Relativity & Math Applications

Credit: 2 hours.

Prerequisite: Credit or concurrent registration in PHYS 212.

Theory of Special Relativity, with applications to kinematics and dynamics. Key mathematical methods as they apply to aspects of electromagnetic theory and classical mechanics, including vector analysis, series expansions, matrices, Fourier analysis, partial differentiation, three-dimensional calculus, and simple differential equations.

Course Goals

By the end of this course the student will be able to:

• describe the physics concepts in problems involving:
  • special relativity 
  • the importance of the speed of light
  • important mathematical methods used in physics problem-solving
• execute basic problem-solving strategy for problems in
  • special relativity 
  • the importance of the speed of light
  • important mathematical methods used in physics problem-solving

Course Components

All students are required to participate in all course components. Credit is granted in each course component. All course components are subject to the Academic Integrity Policy.

Learning Strategy

To effectively learn new material, students need a wide array of experiences. The learning philosophy is intended to help students efficiently process problems in physics by providing the necessary experiences.

The learning philosophy is summarized as follows:

1. Untangle It! (lectures)
2. Challenge! (homework)
3. Close the Loop! (discussion)

This course covers a large amount of new material. Each concept builds on previous course concepts. Mastery of previous material is essential. This is the student's responsibility. In order to succeed the student must not fall behind!

Component Description

For all components of this course, the Course Attendance Policy explains the tardiness and missed class policies.

 

Untangle It: Lecture

Participation is required (technically, although there is no credit for attendance or penalty for non-attendance).

• Attend the lecture in person. 
• Students will be expected to participate by:
  • Completing the 2, one-minute papers per lecture
  • Answering questions
  • Working with a partner student
  • Taking good notes

Each lecture will focus on a topic of the day as described in the course schedule. Notes from each lecture will be posted in their complete form after class is over.

Challenge: Homework

Homework is assigned and distributed within our Canvas course.  Follow the instructions in our Canvas course exactly.

You must work the problems before the deadline in canvas to receive full credit for the homework.

Homework problems are designed to:

• Evaluate conceptual understanding.
• Develop problem-solving skills.

Late Homework Rules:

• Up to 80% credit will be awarded for finishing a problem up to one week late.
• Contact Dr. Schulte if you are struggling with the homework assignments.

 

Close the Loop: Discussion

Weekly two (2) hour discussion sections are required. Students select a discussion section during registration.

Each discussion session will consist of the following:

• In-discussion work:
  • Each student within their small group will work together to complete a single problem set solution.
  • Each group should work together to resolve differences.
  • Each group will submit one document with their team solution set to Canvas for your TA to evaluate.  This document should include:
    • The final solution set for all problems.
    • All work must be shown for participation credit.
    • All work must be in the group's own words--no copying other solutions.
    • The effort from each student must be identified on the final packet.
    • Students will take turns submitting the problem set for each week.

Bonus Points and Dropped Assignments

• Automatically dropped assignments: See the  Course Grading page for detailes about dropped assignments. 
• Bonus points: Up to 20 bonus points for the semester that can be applied to all scores in the class except for exams. You can earn bonus points:
  • by attending lecture
  • attending office hours 

More information can be found in the Bonus Points section of the  Course Grading page.

Office Hours

There will be open office hours every week to give students one-on-one assistance if they need more help. These are a great place to get assistance working through difficult topics, figuring out homework questions, or addressing other concerns about the class. You do not need to have a “good” question for office hours – any question where you are working on your understanding is welcome!

Exams

The purpose of exams in this course is to assess your mastery of concepts and related problem-solving skills. In physics classes we consider that you have ‘mastered’ a topic when you remember the rules of how a concept or physical phenomenon works and can apply those rules to unfamiliar situations.

You will be assessed in this course using one mid-term exam and one final exam. The specific mid-exam date is available in the Schedule.

Academic Integrity

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Code should also be considered as a part of this syllabus. Students should pay particular attention to Article 1, Part 4: Academic Integrity. Read the Code at the following URL: http://studentcode.illinois.edu/.

Academic dishonesty may result in a failing grade. Every student is expected to review and abide by the Academic Integrity Policy. Ignorance is not an excuse for any academic dishonesty.

It is your responsibility to read this policy to avoid any misunderstanding. Do not hesitate to ask the instructor(s) if you are ever in doubt about what constitutes plagiarism, cheating, or any other breach of academic integrity.

Infractions include, but are not limited to:

• cheating
• plagiarism
• fabrication
• academic interference
• computer-related infractions
• unauthorized use of university resources
• sale of class materials or notes
• surrender of class materials to a third-party
• facilitating infractions of academic integrity.

Violations of any of these rules will be prosecuted and reported to the student's home college.

All aspects of the course are covered by these rules, including:

• quizzes
• homework
• exams
• documentation submitted for petition for an excused absence