Physics J784 Syllabus
Spring 2009
Professor in charge: Dr. E. R. Jones
PSC 507- tel. 7-6714
e-mail: rjones@physics.sc.edu
Welcome to PHYS J784. I hope that you will find this course to be both
interesting and challenging. This is a course in optics and includes both light and
radiations that we cannot see. Frequent demonstrations are included in each video lesson.
If you approach the class in the proper
spirit and give it good effort you will find it to be very rewarding. You will learn new things about
yourself, especially regarding visual perception, as well as things about the world around you. Please note
that even though the course is delivered via distance edcation, it is not exactly a self-paced class. You will
not have the burden of regular class or laboratory meetings at specified times, but you will be required to
progress at a pace that matches what you would do for a regular class. It is similar to a self-paced class in
tht you can get ahead of schedule if you wish. However, there are closing dates for the submission of
homework and laboratory work for each lesson.
The text for the course is Light Science: Physics and the Visual Arts by Tom
Rossing and Chris Chiaverina (Springer, New York, 1999). The textbook is available at the local textbook stores. Used copies
should be in stock. A schedule
is available. Also, remember to check the PHYS 784 Home Page.
It contains a link to the schedule as well as other useful links including updates and selected review
notes to accompany the DVD lessons.
All homework and laboratory work will be submitted via the Internet through our LONCAPA software. You may
use any available computer and you may submit work at any time prior to the closing time set for each
assignment. You will need to enter your USC network username (in lower case) as found on VIP. Your
password is your student number. Access to the LONCAPA may be found on the home page of the USC Department of Physics & Astronomy or directly from the LONCAPA log-in page. Instructions on using the LONCAPA will
be given in the mandatory first class meeting. You may communicate with the professor in charge using the
communication feature of the LONCAPA or directly via e-mail to rjones@mail.psc.sc.edu
The Mid-term test and the Final Exam will consist of multiple-choice questions and will be delivered
electronically using the LONCAPA format. A time and site for taking these tests will be arranged through
Distance Education for students not on the Columbia campus.
In addition to the weekly labwork and homework, you are required to submit a short termpaper on an appropriate topic that will be assigned early in the term.
The paper will be due on or before April 1, 2009.
A detailed listing of the contents of the lab kit may be found by following this link. Identifying photos are
also available.
It is important to keep up with the pace of the class, both in reading, watching the lectures,
and in working homework questions/problems.
Grading will be strictly on merit! Need, wishes, looks, age, etc. will
not count. The grades will be derived from the factors below with the
weighting shown:
| Homework | 25% |
| Laboratory Work | 25% |
| Term Paper | 10% |
| Mid-term Test | 15% |
| Final Exam | 25% |
| Total | 100% |
The grade scale will be: A > 90 > B > 80 > C > 70 > D > 60 > F.
Plus grades may be assigned as appropriate.
Note: A passing grade on the final exam is expected for passing the
course.
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Maintained by: rjones@physics.sc.edu
Last Modified 01/12/09