California Institute of Technology

Division of Physics, Mathematics, and Astronomy


Physics 12 - Waves, Quantum Physics, and Statistical Mechanics, 2007-2008

A full-year introduction to the physics of waves, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics, for students planning to major in physics, astronomy, or related fields. This course covers in 3 quarters what Physics 2 now covers in 2 quarters. It will be more in-depth, more geared towards physics majors, with more challenging problem sets and exams, etc.


Physics 12a - Waves, Fall Term, 2007


Message Board:

-The final examination is due on Friday, December 14 at 5:00PM Sharp in the Ph12 box outside 269 LAU

-Download the cover page posted in the examinations portion of this webpage before downloading the final examination.

Lectures: reading and homework (updated: Fri, 14 Dec 06:25:31 PST 2007)
Materials from class and Links (updated: 
  Thu, 6 Dec 12:14:37 PST 2007)
Examinations  (updated:
Wed, 30 Jan 08:49:47 PST 2007)


Professor:

H. Jeff Kimble
Office: 12-B E. Bridge
Mail Code: 12-33
Phone: x8340
e-mail: hjkimble@caltech.edu
Office Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, 1:30-3:00pm, or by appointment (email is best!)

Prerequisites:

- Math 1abc and Physics 1abc, or the equivalents
(differential equations, complex numbers, mechanics, special relativity, electromagnetism).

Lectures:

- Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30-11:55 am, 269 Lauritsen
- Other special lecture times as announced here and in class during the term.

Textbook for Phys 12c:

-Waves, Frank S. Crawford, Jr.

Available in the Caltech bookstore. Note that this book is out of print, but that permission was received to have it reproduced.

Recitation leaders:

Timothy Dulaney: dulaney@caltech.edu
Office: 457 LAU
Office hours: Monday, 2:30-3:30pm


Prabha Mandayam:  prabhamd@its.caltech.edu
Office:  449 LAU
Office hours: Tuesday, 1:30-2:30pm

Recitation sessions:

Prabha: Wednesday, 3-4 PM, Location: 107 DWN
Timothy: Wednesday, 8-9 PM, Location: 269 LAU

Graders:

Miguel Bandres, bandres@caltech.edu

Nate Bode, nbode@caltech.edu
Please email requests for extensions to the appropriate grader, before the assignment is due.  Meetings with the graders to discuss questions about grading should also be arranged via email.

Problem Sets:

-Posted on the class web page on Thursday of each week.

The assignments are due in the Physics 12a IN box in 264 Lauritsen by 5:00pm on the following Thursday, and will be returned to the Physics 12a OUT box in 264 Lauritsen by the following Monday morning. Solution sets will be posted on the web. You are strongly encouraged to check your work when it is returned to you. Problem sets are essential for mastering the material in this class.

Exams:

- Times for the midterm and final exams will be posted here. Both exams will be take-home and limited open-book (only the text and class notes allowed). The final exam will be comprehensive.
- Please do not plan to leave campus for the Christmas Holiday until your final exam is completed.

Grading:

- The overall course grade will be determined according to the following weighting: 30% problem sets, 30% midterm exam, 40% final exam.

Extensions:

OFFICIAL policy: Work will be accepted up to one week late at 1/2 credit, with no credit thereafter. Students may request extensions from the grader; extension requests are governed by the honor system!

- One extension is allowed without question (your silver bullet).
- Extension requests should be accompanied by a GOOD excuse (e.g., illness).

- Late papers make far more work for the graders, who have their own set of pressures and deadlines as graduate students. There is no entitlement to extensions, so please do not be demanding.

Honor Code:

- Work is governed by the honor system. You may not use sources that contain the answer to a problem or to a very similar problem. Discussion with others is encouraged, but the work you hand in must be your own. In particular, do not use solution sets from previous years, or problem/solution books.

Ombudsfolk:

- Ombudsfolk are student volunteers who represent the students of each of the undergraduate houses. They collect suggestions, comments, complaints, etc., and present them to Professor Kimble at periodic meetings (free lunches!). Please communicate your concerns to your ombudsperson.

Supplemental materials:

- Supplemental lecture material will be handed out in class and posted on the class web site.


Last Updated:  Wed, 30 Jan 08:50:34 PST 2007, Timothy R. Dulaney.