Physics 306 is a course in the theoretical methods of physics. Its primary purpose is to train you in the application of mathematics to the solution of complex problems of physical interest. As an outcome of this training, you should be well-prepared for the challenges of the 400- and 500-level courses we offer in physics. Physics 306 should be taken after Phy 231 (Mechanics), Phy 228 (Relativity, Optics, and Thermal Physics), and Phy 232 (Electricity & Magnetism) and concurrently with Phy 361 (Modern Physics). Moreover, it is essential to have completed Ma 113, 114, and 213 prior to taking Phy 306; Ma 214 is also essential, but it may be taken as a corequisite. Thus we hope that some of the mathematical methods you shall study will not be entirely unfamiliar and that you are comfortable with the physical principles taught in the 200-level physics courses. Here our goal is to weave these threads of knowledge together, so that you can become skilled in identifying the mathematical method which is most appropriate to apply in a particular physical context, to enable the solution of more challenging physical problems.

Course Topics

Components of PHY306

Lecture

The lectures will roughly follow the course of the two textbooks, yet it is important that you attend every lecture. The lectures flesh out the text and will enable you to digest the material. Reading the assigned portions of the textbooks prior to class is an essential step towards this end. You will also be asked to work in-class exercises on a regular basis.

Homework

Homework will be given each week.

Grading Policy:

Your grade will be based on the following criteria. There will be a midterm examination, as well as a final examination, for a total of two written examinations. The examinations are comprehensive in nature. Moreover, they are in-class, closed-book tests.

You can also earn points based on your performance on the homework. Your homework points are based on 10 out of a total of 12 (anticipated) homeworks; your two lowest homework scores will be dropped. This allows you to miss two homework deadlines due to unanticipated reasons without penalty. Use these dates wisely. Much of the grade in the course is associated with the problem sets, and rightly so. Working significant problem sets is necessary to develop a genuine understanding of the material. You may discuss the problems with others, and even collaborate, but you are required to write out your solutions independently. Late work will not be accepted. In the event that our class is large, I reserve the right to institute ``die'' homework; that is, for each problem set, the homework problem(s) that are actually graded will be determined by the roll of a die. Note that complete problem set solutions will be available on reserve in the Chem/Phys library.

You can also receive points for your performance on exercises given during the lectures. These will be problems chosen at random, possibly from the assigned homework exercises, worked collectively in class. As on the homework itself, your two lowest scores will be dropped. This allows you to miss two lecture exercises due to unanticipated reasons without penalty. Use these dates wisely.

Your final grade will be based on your total performance with respect to the other members of the class.

Your homework grade will be determined as follows. Your lowest two weekly homework scores will be dropped before calculating the semester's homework score. Late homework is unacceptable. Note: The total weight of the homework is 30% or 300 points out of 1000 points. The total points earned on homework will be rescaled relative to a maximum of 300 points at the end of the semester.

Our emphasis is on an understanding of the underlying physics concepts as well as on problem-solving skills. In addition to being able to solve all of the assigned problems, you are expected to be able to apply the concepts involved in these problems to somewhat different situations. You are encouraged to focus on gaining an understanding of the mathematical methods involved rather than merely memorizing formulas and plugging in numbers. It is thus good practice if you do try to solve additional problems from the textbooks.

Your in-class grade will be determined as follows. Every so often a problem will be given; you are encouraged to solve your problem in groups. The exercises are meant to give you more help on topics deemed to be especially challenging, so that you can digest the new topics more easily. You are encouraged to discuss the questions posed with your peers and with your instructor, but the end of the exercises is to understand the principles involved for yourself. You are asked, then, to write down your solutions independently, in your own words. The work sheets will be collected near the end of the session and will be graded for a maximum total of 3 points. The total number of in-class points will be rescaled to 100 points at the end of the semester.

Your final grade will be based on a curve, yet it seems reasonable to guarantee that an appropriate grade will be received for a certain absolute level of performance. Thus, obtaining the following percentages will grant you no worse than the grade indicated.

The above standard allows you to estimate your lowest possible grade in the course throughout the semester. Irrespective of your total earned points, in order to pass the class, you must earn a passing grade on the final examination.

If you miss either the midterm or the final examination, with a valid excuse, you will be obliged to take a make-up examination. If you miss the final examation with a valid excuse, you will receive a grade of incomplete (I) and be obliged to complete it in the next semester.

Examples of excusable absences are (University Senate Rule 5.2.4.2):

(i) Illness of the student or serious illness of a member of the student's immediate family. Written verification required.
(ii) The death of a member of the student's immediate family. Written verification required.
(iii) Trips for members of student organizations sponsored by an academic unit, trips for University classes, and trips for participation in intercollegiate athletic events.
(iv) Major religious holidays. Students are responsible for notifying the instructor in writing of anticipated absences due to their observance of such holidays no later than the last day for adding a class. For all excusable absences, when feasible, the student must notify the instructor prior to the occurrence of such absences, but in no case shall such notification occur more than one week after the absence.

You are not allowed to consult any text book, reference book, class notes, or any other written materials during either the midterm or the final examination. You have to provide your own calculator, but you cannot use any program stored in the memory of the calculator. You are to use your calculator for simple numerical operations only.

It is good for you to discuss the course material with others, but you really must perform all your course work independently. Copying homework does not make sense --- it will serve you poorly at test time. Cheating and plagiarism in tests or exams, indeed, in all aspects of the course, are very serious academic offenses. Violators of the academic code are subject to punishment in accordance to University Senate Rules section 6.3 and 6.4.

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