Physics 408

Fall Quarter 2003

Course Syllabus

Instructor: Dr. Echols, rechols@calpoly.edu, 756-2656, www.calpoly.edu/~rechols

Office Hours: M 2:00-3:00 p.m., T 1:00-2:00 p.m., W 9:00-10:00 a.m., F 9-10:00 a.m. in my office, 52-E36 and R 1:00-2:00 p.m. in the Learning Center 52-C20

Schedule: MWF 10:50-12:00 noon in 10-220

Textbook: Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3^rd Edition.

Additional References: Good, Classical Electromagnetism.

Wangsness, Electromagnetic Fields, 2^nd Edition.

Pollack and Stump, Electromagnetism.

Jackson, Classical Electrodynamics. (Those of you heading off to

graduate school will most likely encounter this classic text).

Course Outline:

For the entire sequence (Physics 408 and 409), we will cover the majority of the material in the text. In Physics 408, I expect to cover most of the material in chapters 1-7.

Homework:

As you know working physics problems is critical to understanding the material. I encourage you to discuss solutions of problems with each other and myself but I expect that the homework you hand in to be individually prepared. We will be having a homework assignment approximately every class.

Exams and Quizzes:

We will be having two exams and a comprehensive final exam.

Extra Credit:

Using the mathematical tools and material developed in this course, I encourage you to research a physics problem that interests you. Feel free to discuss your ideas with me.

Grading:

Your final grade will be based on your overall performance in the class with the following approximate percentages: exams (20/25% each), homework (20%) and the final exam (40-30%).