Last edit: 24 Dec 1998
Prof. Thomas Coan (x8-2497)         
coan@mail.physics.smu.edu
Office: 4B Fondren Science
Intellectually, PHYS 3345 has two major goals. The first goal is to finish our task of learning a substantial subset of classical mechanics. We will learn about the behavior of coupled oscillators, the properties of continuous systems, special relativity and a substantial amount of wave phenomena.
The second goal of PHYS 3345 is for you to learn some practical mathematical techniques useful for understanding physics related phenomena, including those that you are likely to see in other courses and in a technical career after graduation. Math topics we will cover include matrix manipulation and elementary linear algebra, methods for solving differential equations and an introduction to Fourier analysis. We may cover other topics, depending on my mood.
Your final letter grade will be based on a weighted sum of your performance on
homework, tests, quizzes and the final exam according to the
following proportions:
This relative weighting is my attempt to gauge your mastery of the material using a variety of "probes" that have different features. Demonstrated effort counts in determining your final grade. Demonstrated effort means, for example, that homework solutions are legibly and coherently written. Scribbled or sloppily written homework indicates a distinct lack of effort and no partial credit should be expected by the student. My test and exam problem regrading policy is straightforward. If you suspect that your solution to a particular problem is correct and mine is incorrect, then this implies the grading quality of your entire test or exam is suspect. I will therefore regrade the entire test or exam to verify that I have not made additional errors. Hence, your final score may increase or decrease!
In summary, the motto for this course is, "If you can't show it, you
don't know it."