Instructor information:

Dr. Lei Guo
Email: leguo@fiu.edu, Office phone: 305-348-0234
Class Times: Tu 9:30 AM -- 10: 45AM (at CP197)

Office Hours  (subject to change):

            Mon through  Thur 13:00-14:00PM (or by appointment) CP 212

Goal/Overview:
This is a course for physics majors, and physics will become truly interesting, amazing, and sometimes non-intuitive. Modern Physics is offered in two parts. PHY3106 is the first part. A range of topics will be discussed, such as special relativity, quantum mechanics, atomic physics, nuclear and particle physics, and others. Your are expected to have already mastered PHY2048/2049, Calculus I and II. Again, this is a class for physics majors, and it will be rigorous and challenging. If you thought physics is about plugging numbers into a formula, you need to drop that now. Timely completion of homework is a must if you want to have any chance of passing the exams and the class. If you ever fall behind, your chance of passing will be dramatically reduced. A smart schedule that allows you to devote at least 12 hours to this class per week, outside of the classroom, is expected and a must to achieve a good grade.

Requirement:

Read each of the assigned chapter sections (listed below) before the lecture, and again immediately after. The schedule is tentative and subject to change. Suggested problems from the book will be listed on the whiteboard and the lecture notes, which will be available online. Do not hesitate to ask questions. Make use of my office hour!

Textbook:

We will be using Modern Physics (third edition) by Serway/Moses/Moyer. You can purchase this book in the school bookstore, or online at http://www.cengagebrain.com/shop/en/US/storefront/US?cmd=CLHeaderSearch&fieldValue=9780534493394

Homework:

Although I have used CAPA for online hmwk, I have decided against it this time. All HMWK must be turned in to me. You should make a copy of your hmwk just in case. 50% of the problems from each assignment will be graded. Which of those problems that will be selected for grading will not be announced in advance. They will be posted on the class website, and you will be notified by emails.

Honor code:

It is important to complete the homework by yourself, in order to pass the class.  You are, however, encouraged to collaborate in teams. The homework you turn in, must be your work whether you received help or not. Copying answers simply means trouble for yourself, as you will not be able to pass the exam.

Office Hour:

You are always welcome to come to my office hour when you need help. You can always make individual appointments with me when you have questions.

Grading:

There will be three in-class examinations (two midterm and one final). No make-up examinations will be given. If you miss an examination you will receive a grade of zero for that examination. The course grade will be determined using the grades obtained in the final exam, three in-class exams, and the homework. The weighting of the grades will be 28% each the three exams, including the final exam, which is not cumulative, and 16% for the homework, (i.e. 28%x3+16%=100%). Grading Scale is given below.  If there is any question about grading mistake, you have the responsibility of notifying me within two days after you have received your score/grade. Otherwise, the score and grade will not be changed.

Math concepts needed:

Vectors, some simple linear algebra, simple differential equations, trigonometry!!

If you feel that you need a bit a refreshing, start early!

Extra credits:

The extra credits might come in the form of take-home-challenge-problem or mini research projects that are linked to your modern lab tasks.

Schedules and Exams:

At the bottom of this page is the class schedule and it may change as the course progresses.

Exams: There will be two midterm exams and a final exam. The final exam is not cumulative. A classroom could be reserved outside of the lectures, prior to each exams, so that I can provide an overview for the exam and help you prepare for the exams, if there is enough interest and demand.

Make-up exams:

It is absolutely necessary that the students show up for the exams on time. There will be NO make-up exams to be given. Exception can only be given when there is hospitalization involved, and relevant evidence should be provided. Vacation/Family reunion/lack-of-transportation/car-broke-down will not be considered as valid reasons. Arrange carpools if necessary. If you have already made travel plans at the exam times, your need to change your travel plan now. The exams will not be rescheduled just for you, and you will not have a chance for make up because of your travel plan.

Checking FIU emails:

In the past, some students claim that they never received communications from me via emails. All class notifications are sent to your FIU email address. You have the responsibility of checking them.

 Important dates:

(The first two exams starts 15 minutes earlier than class time, and ends 10 minutes after the normal class time. The extensions are given for your benefit, and does not mean you NEED that much more time for the actual exam. Please make sure that you take advantage of the extensions)

  Exam I: Sep 27, Tuesday 09:15-10:55AM at CP197 (CH1,2, and first half of CH3)  

  Exam II: Nov 8, Tuesday 09:15-10:55AM at CP197 (Second half of CH3, and CH 4,5)

  Final Exam: Dec 6,  Tuesday 9:45-11:45 AM at CP197 (CH6,7) 

(Exactly which chapters are covered in the exams depend on how fast the lecture progresses,    and are subject to change)
Other important dates, including deadlines for dropping classes, can be found at

https://calendar.fiu.edu/events/index/calendar:academic/

 

Expected Grade Scale

(subjected to change):

    F    0 -- 40     
    D    40 -- 59   

    C    60 -- 64

    C+   65 -- 69   

    B-  70 -- 74
    B    75 -- 79    

    B+  80 -- 84
    A-   85-- 89     

    A    >90