PARADIGMS IN PHYSICS:    PREFACE

First Day Handout

  • basic linear algebra skills that are important in physics,
    •     i.e. matrix multiplication, determinant, trace, transpose, hermitian adjoint, inverse, etc.
  • about linear transformations, with rotations as the main physical example.
  • the physical interpretation of eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
  • how to find eigenvectors and eigenvalues.
  • special properties of hermitian matrices which are important to quantum mechanics.

    •  
    Syllabus for Winter 2009
     

     
    Office Hours:

    Corinne A. Manogue 
    corinne@physics.oregonstate.edu
    737-1695
    Weniger 493
    W 9:30-10:30, F 2:30-3:30
    Jeffrey Hazboun
    hazbounj@onid.oregonstate.edu
    737-1726
    Weniger 495
    W 2-3, F 9-10

  • This Preface is a required part of PH 424/524, 425/525, and 426/526. Your performance on the various homework assignments and quizzes will contribute a small percentage to your grade in PH 425/525. However, the material we cover is also very important to your understanding of the rest of the winter term Paradigms. This is your chance to master it.
  • There will be two short quizzes (Wednesday and Friday) in this Preface covering basic skills. There will be no tests or exams in this Preface.
  • Practice problems provide simple examples for you to check whether or not you understand the material as we go along. They will not be graded. Usually solutions will be posted. If you are stuck on the Required problems, it may well be faster for you to go back and do the Practice problems than to continue to beat your head against the wall. It may be helpful to invent your own practice problems to make sure that you can perform basic skills such as matrix multiplication quickly and efficiently.
  • Required problems will be graded. Solutions will be posted on the class syllabus, at 5 pm on the due date. Assignments turned in after solutions are posted can earn at most 50% of the total points. Very late assignments will earn less. If necessary, it is acceptable to turn in partial assignments by the due date and the rest later.

    • Required Textbooks & Suggested Reading
    Computers
     

     
    Students with Special Needs:

     

    If you have comments or suggestions, email me at corinne@physics.oregonstate.edu

    Last Update:  1/03/09

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    © Department of Physics, Oregon State University, 2009.