Updated 2008 Jan 26

PHYS 499 Physics Seminar: Einstein and Quantum Mechanics -- Spring 2008

Location:  MP-408       Time:  Mondays 1:40 - 2:30pm
Prerequisites:  PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR
Required preparation: PHYS 412 Intro Quantum Mechanics, PHYS 432 Thermal Physics

Required Text: Subtle is the Lord  by Abraham Pais
Secondary Text 1: Introduction to Thermal Physics by Daniel Schroeder, 1st edition
     • Author's corrections to first edition
Secondary Text 2: Introduction to Quantum Mechanics by David Griffiths, 2nd edition
      • Author's corrections to first printing of the second edition, September 1, 2004
      • Author's corrections to third printing of the second edition, February 26, 2006

URL: http://www.boisestate.edu/physics/hanna/phys499
Instructor:  Dr. Hanna     channa@boisestate.edu     (208) 426-4812     MP-423
Office Hours:  MWF 4:30-5:30pm, or by appointment

Week

Mon date

Topics

1. 

1/21 

(Holiday)
Reading:  (No Class)
H1 due 1/28:  

2. 

1/28 

Course structure
Reading:  (Handouts)
H2 due 2/4:  

3. 

2/4

Purpose and Plan
Reading:  Chapter 1 (5-25)
H3 due 2/11:  

4. 

2/11

Relativity, Quantum Theory, Young Einstein
Reading: Chapters 2-3 (26-49)
H4 due 2/20: 

5. 

2/18

(Holiday)
Reading:  Chapters 4a (55-60), 10a (184-187), 11a (192-194), 12a (208-210), 14a  (239-245)
H5 due 2/25: 

6. 

2/25 

Light Quanta
Reading:  Chapters 18-19 (357-386)
H6 due 3/3: 

7. 

3/3

Phonons
Reading:  Chapter 20(389-399); Schroeder 7.5 (307-312)
H7 due 3/10: 

8. 

3/10 

(APS March Meeting)
Reading:  (No Class); Schroeder 7.4 (288-306)
H8 due 3/17: 

9. 

3/17 

Photons
Reading:  Chapters 21-22
H9 due 3/31:  PHYS 499 outlines, with references

 

 

3/24-3/28

 

SPRING BREAK

 

10. 

3/31 

Quantum Statistics; Schroeder Problem 7.41 (293-294)
Reading:  Chapter 23
H10 due 4/7: 

11. 

4/7 

Wave Mechanics
Reading:  Chapters 24-25
H11 due 4/14: 

12. 

4/14 

EPR Paradox and Bell’s Theorem
Reading:  Griffiths 12.0-12.2 (420-428)
H12 due 4/21:  PHYS 499 research papers

13. 

4/21 

Fame
Reading:  Chapter 16 (299-320)
H13 due 4/28: 

 

14. 

4/28

In Closing
Reading:  Chapters 26-28
H14 due 5/5:  PHYS 597 PowerPoint files, 7.3

 

15. 

5/5 

PHYS 499 presentations
Reading: 

 

 

 

 

GOALS: To obtain a basic understanding of Einstein’s contributions to, and stance towards, quantum mechanics.  The course objectives will be accomplished through reading and discussion of selected topics in class, and by students writing a research paper and presenting it in a public talk. Assessment will come from classroom discussions, quizzes on the assigned reading, and a researched paper and associated public presentation.

SYLLABUS: The syllabus describes the intended progression of the course. The syllabus and assignments will be revised as needed. Changes to the syllabus and the homework assignments will be posted on the course web page, http://www.boisestate.edu/physics/hanna/phys499, which should be checked frequently for updates.

PHYS 499 PROJECT: 70% of the PHYS 499 grade is based on a written paper (40% of grade) and PowerPoint presentation of the paper (30% of grade).  PHYS 499 students will write a researched paper, with references, on a topic selected in consultation with the instructor, and will give a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation to the class.  Paper format: Title page (title, author name and information, one-paragraph abstract), at least 8 pages for the main body (12-point font, 1-inch fonts all around), plus references in standard form and figures.

CLASS DISCUSSIONS & ASSIGNED READINGS: 30% of the PHYS 499 grade is based on the level of participation in class discussions and performance on classroom quizzes.  Class discussions relate closely to the assigned readings in the text.  Students are expected to attend all classroom meetings and participate actively in class.  Consult the syllabus and read the assigned pages carefully and thoroughly before the material is covered in class.  As you read, write down any questions you have about the reading and the numbered examples, and ask questions in class.

ACADEMIC HONESTY: Although you are encouraged to discuss the class lectures, readings, and assignments with your classmates, all the work that you turn in must be your own. NO CHEATING OR PLAGIARISM (PRESENTING OTHER PEOPLE'S WORK AS IF IT WERE YOUR OWN) WILL BE TOLERATED, INCLUDING UNREFERENCED USE OF MATERIAL FOUND ON THE INTERNET OR ELSEWHERE. If you make use of sources besides the class lectures or textbooks, you must provide explicit written references to the sources you use.  Researched papers must fully reference all sources, data, figures, and quotes, including any material from the Internet.  Plagiarism of the Internet, or of any other source, is not permitted.   Research papers should have the overwhelming majority of their sources and references from the published literature (books and refereed journals), and the authors of a paper are expected to have read and understood, at an appropriate level, the references sited in their paper. Failure to follow these rules of academic honesty, or any others listed in the Student Code of Conduct, could have drastic consequences, including (but not limited to) ejection from the course with a failing grade.

GRADING SCALE:    A- to A+ = 90 - 100,   B- to B+ = 75 - 90,   C- to C+ = 60 - 75,   D- to D+ = 45 - 60