Physics 101 Syllabus
A simulated decay of the Higgs boson at the CMS particle
Physics 101 is an introduction to physics for non-science majors. The
subject matter is the evolution of scientific understanding
of the physical world starting from ancient astronomy to present-day
cosmology and elementary particle physics. The aim is to increase
understanding of the nature of the methods of science and the origin of
scientific knowledge using historical examples. A general list of
My research is in the field of theoretical particle physics and
cosmology, and I hope to infect you with some of the excitement and
passion I feel for my work, and physics in general. I will allow plenty
of time for questions and discussion, and I hope that classes will be
- Ancient astronomy
- The Copernican solar system
- Kepler's laws of planetary motion
- Galileo's analysis of motion
- Newton's laws of motion
- The atomic theory of matter
- Conservation of energy
- Electricity and magnetism
- Quantum mechanics
- Einstein's theories of special and general relativity
- Modern cosmology
- Frontiers of particle physics
The course will make some use of trigonometry and basic algebra, but
will emphasize conceptual rather than calculational aspects. This means
that we will try to answer questions like:
These questions will be made as concrete as possible and you will be
expected to master the concepts involved and apply
them in solving problems. You are also expected to write
coherently about these topics. This is not an "fluff" course! For
additional information about what is expected of you in this
course, see the sections below on homework,
reading assignments and quizzes, the term paper,
- How can we measure things that we cannot see directly?
- How does a theory can explain the measurements?
- What other kinds of things does the theory predict?
- How does this allow us to test the theory?
- What further developments does a theory suggest?
The class will consist of three weekly lectures and one weekly
discussion section. The discussion section is primarily for answering
individual questions, but will sometimes be used to have a class
discussion about a particular topic.
Professor: Markus Luty
Office: PHYS 4119
Phone: (301) 405-6018
After class on Fridays, or by appointment.
I read e-mail frequently (even on weekends), and strongly encourage
contact me in this way.
Please include "101" in the subject line of your e-mail to make my life
a little easier!
TA: to be announced
Physics, the Human Adventure by
Gerald Holton and Stephen G. Brush (Rutgers University Press)
ISBN number 0-8135-2908-5 (paperback edition)
Regular homework problems will be assigned approximately once per week.
Homework problems will be one the following types:
The following rules apply to all homework assignments:
- Analytical problem solving:
You asked to solve a specific problem, usually with a
numerical answer. The solution handed in must include a narrative
explanation and justification of the answer that
the grader can understand. Answers
without justification will not receive credit, even if they are correct.
- Home lab: The student is
asked to measure something using readily available equipment (or no
at all). The student must hand in a brief description of the
measurement and justification of calculations performed along with the
end result. Again,
answers without justification or explanation will not receive credit.
- Mini essay: The
student is asked to write a paragraph in response to a question.
Usually this will involve explaining some scientific concept.
- Homework is to be handed in at the beginning of class on
the day it is due.
- Late homework is accepted only in exceptional circumstances. If
you cannot hand in the homework on time, you must
contact me before the due date.
are accepted only with a signed doctor's note.
- Homework must be legible,
and all sheets must be stapled
- You must work on the homework individually and hand in your own
To help us cover the large amount of material in this course, there
will be a
daily reading assignment. It is important to do the reading
assignment every day. This will make the lecture more meaningful
and the discussion during class more stimulating. To encourage you to
keep up on the reading assignments, there will be
5-minute surprise quizzes
on the reading assignment at the beginning of class, approximately once
These will consist of a single short answer question. The quizzes are
to check whether you have done the reading, rather than testing
detailed understanding of the material.
You will be asked to write a 5 page term paper in the form of a
the lines of Galileo's famous Dialogue
Concerning the Two New Sciences (which we will read as part of
the course). You will pick a scientific controversy, either past or
present, and write a dialogue in which the characters argue the
different sides of the issue. The characters may be historical, or from
the present day. A little humor to enliven the dialogue is welcome, but
not required. The important thing is that your dialogue illustrate
scientific reasoning and the resolution of scientific
controversy. The topic and outline of your dialogue must be approved by
me in advance.
With the permission of the authors, I will share some of the best
exerpts of the dialogues with the rest of the class, and they may be
used as a basis for discussion.
On each midterm and the final exam, you are required to write by
and sign the
University Honor Pledge:
"I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any
unauthorized assistance on
- There will be 2 midterm exams.
- Sample exams will be
handed out ahead of time so that you know what to expect.
- The midterm exam with the lowest score will be dropped when
computing your final grade.
- There are absolutely no makeup exams.
- If class is canceled due to snow or other other unforseen
condition, the exam will automatically be moved to the next class day.
If there is a fire alarm, bomb threat, or other emergency during the
exam, the exam will be immediately moved to another room to be
announced at that time.
- Students are responsible for showing up on time and prepared. No
notes or books are allowed. The instructor
has the right to clear the memory of your calculator at the start of
the exam. You will be given a "cheat sheet" of formulas and other
information to use during the exam.
- The final is comprehensive, meaning all
the material covered in the class is fair game.
- All students must take the final exam to pass the course.
- The final exam is Monday, Dec 19 from 1:30pm-3:30pm. If you
cannot be there for the final exam your only recourse is to register
for another class.
Grades will be assigned as follows:
|Best 1 of 2 midterms
- Schedule at least 1.5 hours ourside of class every day for physics 101.
- Do the reading assignment every day.
- Start work on the homework early. Don't wait until the day
before it is due to start!
- Seek help immediately if you are having difficulty.