PH 429/529: Reference Frames
Spring 2011

Course Description,   Syllabus,   Flow Chart

Instructor: Tevian Dray

Office hours: MWF 9:30–11:30 AM in Kidder 298A (and by appt)

Phone: (541) 737-5159 (email is more reliable)

Email: tevian@math.oregonstate.edu or tevian@physics.oregonstate.edu

TA: Zlatko Dimcovic

Office hours: TR in Wngr 215 (and most other times when in his office)

Email: dimcoviz@onid.orst.edu

Class Meetings:

MWF 1–2 PM and TR 12–2 PM in Wngr 304 (March 28 – April 15 only)

Texts:

Tevian Dray, The Geometry of Special Relativity.

John R. Taylor, Classical Mechanics, University Science Books, 2005. (Chapters 9 and 15)

David J. Griffiths, Introduction to Electrodynamics, 3rd edition, Prentice-Hall, 1999. (Chapter 12)

Some additional books have been placed on reserve at the library.

Web Site: http://physics.oregonstate.edu/ph429

(Direct link: http://www.physics.oregonstate.edu/~tevian/COURSES/ph429)

Check the syllabus frequently for updates.

Grades:

HW:    50%

Final:  50%

Please also see the general Paradigms evaluation guide, on which this is based.

Homework:

There will be weekly homework assignments, consisting of both graded and ungraded work. All assignments may be done in groups, but must be turned in in your own writing (or, for computer-based assignments, with your own printout). All resources used must be cited and may affect the amount of credit given. (Library work counts in your favor; copying someone else's work does not...)

Assignments should be turned in to the box in Weniger 304F by 4 PM on the due date.

Group activities and computer lab activities will usually be accompanied by a worksheet. You should complete the worksheet and keep them in a notebook, to be turned in at the final exam. Satisfactory completion of these worksheets will contribute to your homework grade. In particular, each such completed worksheet should contain a clear, coherent statement of what you learned in the activity.

Please see the Ground Rules for more details.

Final:

Mon April 18, 7:00–8:50 PM in Wngr 304

The final exam will be closed book. Calculators are permitted.
An equation sheet will be provided; a copy is available here.

Prerequisites:

Students are expected to have some familiarity with Newton's equations of motion and Maxwell's equations as well as the underlying (basic) vector calculus.

Add/drop and withdrawal dates:

The last day to add/drop this class is Thursday of Week 1 (3/31).

The last day to withdraw is Friday of Week 2 (4/08).

Students with special needs:

Students with documented disabilities who may need accommodations, who have any medical information which the instructor should know of, or who need special arrangements in the event of evacuation, should discuss this with the instructor as soon as possible.

Further information:

Additional information can be found on the Paradigms homepage, including information about the special add/drop and withdrawal policy, access to computers, getting keys, a calendar for Paradigms classes (which may not be current), and much more.