Physics 313R-003
Integrative Review in Physics

Fall 2009
TTh 12:00 - 12:50 PM
C261 ESC

Instructor:   David Neilsen
david.neilsen@byu.edu

CONTACT INFORMATION
Office: N147 ESC
Office Hours: TTh 4:00--5:00 PM
Telephone: 422-6078
Email: david.neilsen@byu.edu

INTRODUCTION
In this course we will review the fundamental ideas and laws encountered in the primary branches of physics. We will be especially interested in identifying the common threads across different physical fields, seeking a more unified view of physics as a whole. The level of the course is that usually assumed of a graduating senior in physics, as exemplified in the GRE Physics Subject test. This consists primarily of the material usually encountered in the 100- and 200-level physics courses, but requires a more mature understanding in combining the different elements together. Some material from upper division courses will also be included. On completion of this course, students should have a larger view of the unifying ideas in physics. They should be able to demonstrate mastery of the undergraduate physics curriculum, in that they are prepared for standardized exams, such as the GRE subject test.

QUIZZES
Each class period will begin with a quiz covering the material from the previous homework assignment. These quizzes will typically have 3 questions to be done in five minutes. This will give practice in working problems at the rate expected on the GRE subject test. Please be on time to class so that you may use the entire time allotted for the quiz. No make-up quizzes given, although the two lowest quiz scores will be dropped.

READING JOURNAL
Each student will keep a reading journal as they study for the class. This is a bound notebook, such as a laboratory notebook, that is used only for this purpose. As you study for the course, write down the things that you learn in your reading journal. This act of writing helps you process and retain the material that you are learning. The reading journal may contain summaries of book chapters, equations to be memorized, worked-through derivations, sample problems, etc. The reading journal should be complete enough that it could be used alone as a last-minute review for the GRE. Reading journals will be handed in once a week in class to be graded.

HOMEWORK
Homework will be assigned every class period, and it will be collected at the beginning of the next class period. Homework will consist of problems similar to those found on GRE subject tests. Late homework will be accepted for reduced credit for up to one week after the original deadline. Homework received by the next class period after the original deadline will be penalized 20%, and homework received during the remaining week will be penalized 50%.

EXAMS
There will be two exams given in the testing center, and together they comprise 30% of the final grade. The exams will be timed, and the questions be similar to those on the GRE Physics exams.

EVALUATION
Grades will be calculated using the categories and weights given in the table below.

Quizzes 20%
Reading Journal 30%
Homework 20%
Practice Exam 1 10%
Practice Exam 2 20%

HELP
Feel free to visit with me during my office hours (TTh 4:00--5:00 PM) or at other times by arrangement.

ACADEMIC HONESTY
The first injunction of the BYU Honor Code is the call to be honest. Students come to the university not only to improve their minds, gain knowledge, and develop skills that will assist them in their life’s work, but also to build character. President David O. McKay taught that “character is the highest aim of education” (The Aims of a BYU Education, p. 6). It is the purpose of the BYU Academic Honesty Policy to assist in fulfilling that aim. BYU students should seek to be totally honest in their dealings with others. They should complete their own work and be evaluated based upon that work. They should avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.

HONOR CODE
In keeping with the principles of the BYU Honor Code, students are expected to be honest in all of their academic work. Academic honesty means, most fundamentally, that any work you present as your own must in fact be your own work and not that of another. Violations of this principle may result in a failing grade in the course and additional disciplinary action by the university. Students are also expected to adhere to the Dress and Grooming Standards. Adherence demonstrates respect for yourself and others and ensures an effective learning and working environment. It is the university’s expectation, and my own expectation in class, that each student will abide by all Honor Code standards. Please call the Honor Code Office at 422-2847 if you have questions about those standards.

PREVENTING SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, activities, and student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university, but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender-based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere that reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete this course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (422-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have qualified, documented disabilities. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures by contacting the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-285 ASB.

CHILDREN IN THE CLASSROOM
The serious study of the physical and mathematical sciences requires uninterrupted concentration and focus in the classroom. Having small children in class is often a distraction that degrades the educational experience for the entire class. Please make other arrangements for child care rather than bringing children to class with you. If there are extenuating circumstances, please talk with your instructor in advance.