Instructor:
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Prof.
David Vanderbilt Office: Serin E291 Email: dhv@physics.rutgers.edu Phone: 445-9049 Office hours: TBA |
Textbook and Syllabus:
In the fall semester, we will cover Shankar Chapters 1-7 and 9-15 (see Syllabus).
Lectures: Monday and Thursday, 11:00-12:20pm,
SEC-203.
Lecture should be as interactive as possible; you are definitely
encouraged to ask questions, or express what is confusing you, in
the lecture. Also, I strongly recommend that you read the
corresponding textbook material
Note that the schedule at the beginning of the semester is strange:
Homeworks: Since people usually "learn by doing," the homeworks are an extremely important part of the course experience. Homeworks will be assigned at intervals of 1 or 1.5 weeks; they will be graded and returned to you. See the guidelines for submitting homeworks.
Exams: There will be a midterm and a final. The midterm will be given in class, probably in late October. The final will be a two-hour exam during finals period; the date and time are yet to be determined.
Web site: If you are looking at a paper copy of this document, it is actually a printout of the course public home page located at http://www.physics.rutgers.edu/grad/501. However, you will probably make much more use of the course Canvas page, where homework assignments and other materials will be posted.
Communication: My "posted office hours" are as listed above, but you are free to see me at other times as well. If it's a quick question, just drop in; otherwise it might be advisable to phone or email ahead to make an appointment. Also, feel free to contact me by email about any aspect of the course.
Grades: To arrive at the final grade I will do a numerical calculation first (with weights of approximately 40% for homeworks, 25% for the midterm, and 35% for the final). This will then be adjusted, based on factors like class participation, to arrive at a final letter grade.
Course Policies and Student Resources: Please read here for departmental and university information on various topics including