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Spring 2003, MWF 10-11 3 Le Conte Hall CCN 39481, Exam Group 6 Prof. Cathryn Carson
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LINKS
Course description Reading materials Course mechanics Useful links Road maps Schedule and outlines Worksheets Writing assignments Reading journal Exam preparation Extra credit Reading strategies Reader Books on reserve |
Final grades have been posted to BearFacts
(5/20).
Have a good summer. |
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| Course description | What
The course studies the establishment of the ideas and institutions of modern physics, covering the evolution of the discipline over roughly the last century and a half. This period has witnessed some of the field's most dramatic developments, both intellectual and structural. We begin with the nineteenth-century organization of the discipline and the debates over the classical world picture (mechanics, electromagnetism and optics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics). We then follow the dramatic changes that undid the classical picture, from the discovery of radioactivity and x-rays, through Einstein's theories of relativity, on to the the creation of quantum mechanics and accompanying philosophical disputes. We consider the elucidation of atomic structure, the exploration of the nucleus, and the establishment of the field-theoretic description of natural phenomena. Alongside these conceptual upheavals we will be watching the transformation of the discipline from a small-scale, academic, largely European enterprise to a world-wide profession on an American model, carried out in reliance upon massive state funding and endowed with the power, through its creations (solid-state devices, the atomic bomb), to shape national and international destinies.How As a historical study of a scientific field, the course draws on approaches and materials from both history and science. We deal in some depth with scientific concepts, though in a way that should remain accessible to non-scientists willing to put in a bit of effort. In all this, however, emphasis is placed on the historical development, and one of the course's goals is to practice the skill of thinking historically.Who The course is aimed at two groups of students. First, science and engineering majors will gain an understanding of the structure and functioning of a field they have studied. They should come away from the course with a sense for how modern physics works and hangs together. Equally, non-science/engineering students will get a historical introduction to this scientific discipline. This course fulfills the L&S breadth requirement in physical sciences. A decent high-school level course in physics or chemistry will be adequate preparation. Students concerned about their background should feel free to talk to me individually. All should expect to learn a good deal of science. In past years, the best students in the class have divided equally between science/engineering and non-science/engineering majors. |
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| Reading materials | This is a history course. There is something
to read (usually short) for almost every class meeting, and the readings
are required. For guidance in reading you can refer to two things:
Many of the materials are primary sources written by scientists during the period we are studying. They are found in the reader, which is available for purchase from Copy Central, 2560 Bancroft Way, and on reserve in the Physics Library. Some of the materials in the course reader, marked as such on the schedule, are also available on the web. Several further assignments, likewise marked on the schedule, can be completed only on the web. Two required books (both works of fiction) are available in the bookstores and on reserve in the Physics Library.
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| Course mechanics | The full schedule
of assignments is available separately. You are responsible for keeping
up with it.
Class meetings Lectures will provide the framework within which the readings will make sense. Do not assume that you already know the history of physics (from your physics class, popular reading, or television specials) and so can get by without the lectures. For each class meeting, a brief outline and a list of names and terms will be posted as a link from the schedule. These will also be projected, along with the presentation, during the class. They are designed to supplement, not substitute for, notetaking. I will try to make them available before class. If I cannot, they will be posted afterwards.Discussion section There is no discussion section. If you are looking for classmates to compare notes, please contact me.Worksheets Informal worksheets will help you consolidate your grasp of the scientific material. These will not be graded, and you will not turn them in, but we will briefly discuss them in class. It will be to your advantage to complete them. The exact timing will depend on our progress through the semester, but I anticipate the following (rough) completion dates: Mechanics and thermo 1/31, EM 2/7, new phenomena 2/24, the quantum 2/28, special relativity 3/7, old QT 3/17, QM 3/31, QFT and particle physics (1) 4/7, bomb physics 4/23, QFT and particle physics (2) 5/7.Writing assignments You will have four short writing assignments, two based on books and two based on research. You must do all four .
Written assignments may not be submitted by e-mail or in any other electronic form. Papers are due in class, and late papers will be penalized: each day (or fraction thereof, starting at 11:00 a.m.) that a paper is late will reduce its grade by 2/3 of a mark (e.g., A to B+, B- to C). You have been forewarned.Exams
My exams tend to emphasize questions requiring answers one paragraph in length; sometimes I add a few longer options. I generally give you a choice of which questions to answer. I include a section of short-answer identifications, generally worth about a quarter of the exam.Reading journal option If you choose, you can skip the midterm and take a reduced version of the final (fewer paragraph-answer questions and no identifications). In exchange, you must keep a reading journal. This is a series of responses to the reading assignments, kept in a notebook or (preferably) on your computer. You must write at least three entries per syllabus unit and turn them in on the last day of each unit. You must decide whether to take this option no later than Friday, February 14, when the first unit's entries are due in class. Obviously, you will make it easier for yourself if you write the entries as each assignment comes up.Grading Final grades will be assigned according to the following weighting:
Any work not completed will count as an F. In individual cases (e.g., marked improvement over the course of the semester) I may choose to deviate from this scheme. |
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| Useful links | History of physics on the web
AIP Center for History of PhysicsPhysics reference and information Usenet physics FAQsLocating written sources on the history of physics History of Science Society reading list (guide to printed resources)Library orientation UCB Physics Library |
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| Road maps | Classical
world pictures
Challenges The quantum mechanical era |
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| Back to:
Prof. Carson's home page Department of History Office for History of Science and Technology Last modified 19 January 2003
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