Physics 496
 Communicating in Physics
  Spring 2024

Homework Assignments

All assignments have posted due dates and times, and extensions will not be granted except in extraordinary circumstances. Points will be deducted for assignments turned in after the posted deadline. Some assignments, as noted, will be eligible for additional rewrite points if they have been submitted by the deadline. An assignment summary lists the course components and points for each assignment.

Turn in homework assignments by uploading to the my.physics secure portal by the posted deadline.  

Scroll down the page for instructions for Colloquium Reports.

1. Evaluating Titles       Due January 26


2. Understanding a Paper using Active Reading       Due February 2


3. Title and Abstract      Due February 9


4. Best Practices for Technical Presentations      Due February 16


5. Explaining Physics Concepts to Non-Scientists—Draft      Due February 23


6. Explaining Physics Concepts to Non-Scientists—FINAL     Due March 1


7. Peer Reviews     Due March 8     Review Criteria


8. Short Science Talk—Draft Slides      Due March 22


9. Short Science Talk      Present during class on March 29


10. Evaluating Figures & Figure Captions     Due April 5


11. Making Your Own Figures and Captions      Due April 12


12. Resume and Statement of Purpose/Cover Letter      Due April 19


13. Team Journal-Club Presentation      Present during class on April 26
    
    (note that this assignment consists of multiple parts, each having separate due dates)
    March 22—submit title of JC paper to PHYS496@physics.illinois.edu
    April 4—last day for team to meet with Professor Grosse Perdekamp
    April 22—submit draft slides for feedback to Celia by NOON
    April 26—present journal club talk in class
    
    Example of a Student JC Presentation

All homework assignments are due by 9:00 p.m. on the due date, unless otherwise indicated, and are to be uploaded to the portal on my.physics. Consult the instructions for individual assignments for exact deadlines and eligibility for rewrite points.

Colloquium Reports

In addition to the homework assignments shown above, students are required to attend two departmental colloquia or appropriate  special lectures (check with Celia on suitability of lectures other than Physics or Astronomy colloquia) of their choice during the semester and submit a written report of each.

The deadlines for receipt of colloquium reports are as follows:

Report #1—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, February 16; rewrites will not be accepted after Friday, March 22  
Report #2—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 29; rewrites will not be accepted after Thursday, May 2

Late reports will be downgraded. No colloquium reports (initial or rewrites) will be accepted after May 22..

The reports are worth 50 points each. Reports should be uploaded to the portal on my.physics when complete. Early submissions will be gratefully accepted.

Colloquium report template

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