Physics 171/220 Course Organization and Syllabus

L. R. Fortney

You will have a lab most weeks as indicated below.

We will arrange starting times as needed: the labs will require about 3 hours to complete. The laboratory is in room 104.

The amount of time you need to spend in lab and the value you will get from that time is strongly dependent on your preparation. Most of the lab write-ups contain material that should be worked out in advance, both to speed the lab and to help explain the purpose of the lab. The labs are due at the end of the lab period each week.

The grade for this course will be determined as follows:

Three Exams 300 points total

Lab and homeowork grade 100 points

Final Exam 200 points

The assigned homework problems are due for class period following the day they are assigned. You are encouraged to ask questions in and out of class about those problems that present the most difficulties.

My office is Room 243, and my phone is 660-2580. I am generally available from 8-11:30 and 1:30 -4:00, but it's best to make an appointment first. You can also reach me via email. I'm rarely far from a computer screen during the day and will generally be able to respond quickly.

The Teaching Assistant for this course is Mr. Sean Spicer. He is also doing an independent study with me so will be available in the electronics lab room several afternoons each week. His email address is driver8@phy.duke.edu.

Syllabus for Physics 171/220

Book sections marked R in the table of contents are less important, but should still be read. Sections marked O are in general not relevant to this course and should be read only if specifically assigned.

You should read the assigned sections and make a first attempt at working the indicated problems before the date shown: the homework is due on Thursday of each week and will not be graded if turned in after Friday.