Physics 418 (Spring 2012): Nuclei and Particles


People & Coordinates

Instructor: Prof. John Paul Chou
e-mail: johnpaul -at- physics.rutgers.edu
Office: Serin W314, 732-445-5500 x4456

Grader: Jonathan Sloane
e-mail: jdsloane -at- physics.rutgers.edu

Undergraduate Director: Prof. Mohan Kalelkar
e-mail: kalelkar -at- physics.rutgers.edu
Office: Serin W301, 732-445-5500 x3878

Course Summary

This is the course website for Physics 418 for the spring 2012 semester. The course prerequisites are either
  • Physics 361: Quantum Mechanics and Atomic Physics, or
  • Physics 417: Intermediate Quantum Mechanics
    • A familiarity with special relativity, vector calculus, and differential equations is important. Topics from classical mechanics and electromagnetism will also appear.

    We will cover a range of topics in particle and nuclear physics. This includes nuclear models, classification of elementary particles and their interactions, experimental techniques, and an introduction to symmetries.

    The course syllabus will be worked out in detail as we go along. This flexibility is one reason why hearing from you on a continual basis is extremely important. Feedback (before/after class, in my office, etc.) will allow me to tune the structure and material of this class.

    Lecture

    Date/Time: Monday and Wednesday, 1:40 to 3:00pm
    Location: SEC-206

    Office Hours

    Date/Time: Tuesdays, 1:00 to 3:00pm
    Location: Serin W314

    I will keep the above time open, but I am also available to talk to students during the rest of the week, as well. Occassionally I will be away on Tuesdays because of my travel schedule. I will attempt to let you know if this happens, but a friendly e-mail before you plan to come by could prevent an unnecessary trip.

    Textbook

    Our textbook will be Introduction to Nuclear and Particle Physics by Das and Ferbel, 2nd Ed. (World Scientific, 2005).

    A copy of Introduction to Elementary Particles by David Griffiths is also on reserve in the physics library.

    Grading

    Here is how the grading breaks down:
  • Homework: 30%
  • Midterm Exam: 30%
  • Final Exam: 40%

    • Homework assignments will be due in class on Mondays. I will drop the lowest grade. The midterm exam will be held in class on Wednesday, Februrary 29th, 2012. Please let me know now if there are problems or conflicts. The final exam will be a 24-hour open-book take home exam. We will discuss the parameters of the final exam as exam week approaches.

    Students with Disabilities

    If you have a disability, you are urged to speak to me early in the semester to make the necessary arrangements to support a successful learning experience. Also, you must arrange a letter from your College's Disabilities Coordinator verifying that you have a disability. A list of the College Coordinators can be found by clicking here.

    Homework Assignments

  • Assignment 1
  • Assignment 2
  • Assignment 3