Introduction to Electrodynamics (PHYS320) - Spring Semester 2005 - ODU


Instructor: Sebastian Kuhn (Phone: 683-5804 or 639-6640 (cell); email: skuhn@odu.edu)
Class meetings: Mo, We, Fr 9:00 - 9:50 a.m. Room 202 OCNPS

Syllabus

Preliminary Schedule


Important Announcements

Watch this spot for future announcements!

  1. Our first Midterm Test will be on Friday, February 18, at the usual time and place (9:00 Room 202). It will cover chapters 1 through 3.2 (inclusive).
  2. I apologize for missing class on Monday, February 14. Because we are so far behind, I will skip the topic "Separation of Variables in Cartesian Coordinates" (Chapter 3.3.1 in Griffiths). It won't be required knowledge on any test or exam, but for your own sake, please read this chapter on your own and try to get as much out of it as you can (I'm happy to answer questions).
  3. For the same reason, the deadline for HW Problem Set #5 has been extended to Monday, February 21.

General Instructions for Tests:

Here is how you should prepare:
  1. Don't fall behind in class - go to all lectures, and then read up on the material discussed in class. Ask someone (another student or me) immediately if something is unclear.
  2. Do your homework regularly. It's the best training! Also, read my solutions to each homework problem and my comments on your returned homework - this should tell you how to solve a given kind of problem (better) in the future if you had difficulties.
  3. For the test itself, re-read all the chapters in the book that will be covered. Follow all the examples in details and attempt to solve all the problems that are embedded in the text (at least think long enough about them so you feel you know how to solve them). Also, look at least at some of the end-of-chapter problems - I usually pick one of those (or something similar) for tests. If you can't figure out a problem, again ask somebody (another student or me).
  4. Look over the past homework problems to remind yourself how to solve specific situations. Try to figure out how to generalize the result of a given problem to similar situations. (Example: Electric field and potential of a coaxial cable -> electric field and potential of a line charge).
  5. Study the Exam Formula Sheet. Not only does that help you to retrieve a needed formula (you'll know what's in it and where), it also helps to remind yourself what the important results from the lecture were. For each formula or statement, think about when it is appropriate to apply them, and how.
You may (should) bring the following items to the test:
  1. Plenty of writing paper, pen, pencil, straightedge (ruler)
  2. Calculator
  3. The exam formula sheet
  4. Nothing else
In general, I expect that a good grade in this course requires several hours per week of studying, in addition to working on the homework problems. Form study groups, and come and see me (in the Learning Center from 10 - 11 on Mondays, before or after class, or with an appointment over email) if you have any questions.

Physics Colloquium

Please attend the Physics Colloquia! Schedules will be posted as they become available

Some good web sites

Society of Physics Students

ODU Experimental Nuclear Physics Group

Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab)

The Hubble Space Telescope

Physics Central

Physics Links

"Physics Success Stories" (Applications of Physics)

The American Physical Society has many interesting web pages to look at (and you are strongly encouraged to become members!). In particular, have a look at the "Physical Review Focus" website, which summarizes recently published original results in Physics for the scientifically interested public (YOU!).

How to land your first job (unpaid advertising by the American Institute of Physics - not necessarily my own opinion):

The American Institute of Physics has published a comprehensive job hunting and career preparation guide entitled Landing Your First Job: A Guide for Physics Students. The book provides physics students with the skills they need to make their way in today's job market.

This book, written by Dr. John Ridgen, is indispensable for all students of physics. The volume contains information about the job search, cover letters, resume writing, interview preparation, and salary negotiation.  It also includes the latest employment statistics and vignettes of physicists in the workplace.

To order Landing Your First Job, visit http://store.aip.org/newjob, call 301-209-3190, or email pmelnick@aip.org.  Enter or mention code 193451 to receive 5% off.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,
Bonnie Feldman
Career Services Supervisor
American Institute of Physics
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740

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