PHYS 325 :: Physics Illinois :: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Course Description

General overview

PHYS 325 is the first half of a 2-semester sequence on Classical Mechanics, with PHYS 326 being the second half. You will learn about Newtonian kinematics and dynamics, including gravitation, in three dimensions, conservation laws, damped and periodically driven oscillations, motion in rotating reference frames, and Lagrangian and Hamiltonian mechanics.

PHYS 325 is one of the first upper-level physics courses students take, and you'll notice ways that it's different from the 200-level physics courses. We're building on the classical mechanics you learned in Phys211, but now you'll be solving problems that are longer, more complex, and more mathematically involved. You will be deriving analytic expressions, and learning to critique, interpret and apply them.

For this class, you'll need to be fluent with a lot of mathematical tools. I expect that you'll have taken Calc I, II, and III, and that you're at least enrolled in a differential equations course (like Math285). It's not expected that you know everything about vector calculus (or any other class you've taken before) by heart, but it is expected that you will be able to review and refresh familiar math/physics topics on your own as they appear in our class. Everyone has things that they could use a refresher on or things that they could learn better. It's your responsibility to monitor your own understanding and seek out extra practice and help when you need it.

If you plan on taking Physics 326, I strongly encourage you to take a linear algebra class (e.g. Math 415) this semester.

Prelecture Readings and Checkpoint

Before class, you will be responsible for completing a pre-lecture reading and answering checkpoint questions about what you understood and what you have questions about. As you get further in your college career, the ability to learn independently becomes more and more important, so we'll practice some of the skills you'll need for learning how to apply what you read in math/physics texts. In lecture, I'll answer questions people submit about the readings, and we'll practice applying those ideas to problems. I expect that, once you get used to it, each prelecture reading and checkpoint should take ~30 minutes (or about 1 hour a week).

Textbooks

There is no required textbook for this course, but "Classical Mechanics" by John R. Taylor is recommended and on reserve at the Grainger Engineering Library. This and additional (optional) references for further reading, and links to extra material are listed under Required and Optional Materials.

Lectures

Lectures take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-2:20 PM, in 151 Loomis. In lecture, I'll answer checkpoint questions about the prelecture reading, and we'll practice applying what you've read to iClicker questions.

During the lecture you are strongly advised to take your own notes. I will post my lecture slides on the course website after class, but sometimes that doesn't always capture what was important or meaningful to you from class. Also, some people benefit from writing things down on their own.

Discussion sessions

When registering for this course, you registered for a discussion session, which will take place weekly. Because space is limited, please go to the section for which you are registered. Please review the section information for discussion sessions scheduled this semester.

You will be able to access the material for the discussion session online. Discussion sessions take place on Mondays.

You will work in groups of 3-4 to answer a series of questions as a group on a whiteboard. The purpose of discussion sections is to learn and...discuss! After you work out a problem, you can record your work by taking a picture of the whiteboard or by copying the work down on your own. Discussions are graded on attendance and effort. TA may reduce attendance points if you do something else. Late policy: if you are more than 10 minutes late, your score will be reduced by 20%. Being more than 30 minutes late counts as absence.

Homework

Homework is an essential part of this course. This is where you will have the time you need to practice and develop your problem-solving skills. It's highly recommended that you work with other people on the homework, because the homework can be hard and it's always easier when you're working with others. The work you had in has to be your own. A good method is to discuss the problems with your group, and then write out your homework explanations on your own without talking to anyone else. The point of doing the homework is to learn how to solve future, similar problems. If you ever write something down in your homework that you don't yourself understand and know how to do on your own, then you missed the point.

Homework sets will be due on Thursday at 1:00 PM (right at the start of lecture). You should upload your completed homework to gradescope. The entry code for the course is XVK26Z. You must log in with your Illinois email, so that your homework grades can be matched with your netID.

Late homework is accepted before the next midterm exam for 75% credit or at any time after that for 60% credit. If you have a reasonable reason why you were unable to submit the homework on-time, you can ask for an extension.

Grading: The best homework submissions would explain to a reader why you are doing what you are doing. The worst homework solutions write a series of equations with no explanations as to what is going on. Your homework should be an explanation of how to think about a problem. This shows the graders that you know how to think about the problem, and it will also make for a good study reference for you. Write the solutions that you would want to read. Make sure your homework is neat and legible. Be nice to the graders and make it easy for them to read and understand. Since the homework is graded for your process and explanation, there is partial credit.

I strongly recommend that you and/or your study group thoroughly struggle with the problems on your own before you seek out help. You'll learn more this way and you'll do better on the exams when you're on your own. Trust me on this one.

In general, you are allowed (in fact, encouraged!) to use computer software such as Mathematica, Maple, or Matlab to help you on the homework problems, but you have to at least explain (if not show) how you would solve the problem without a computer. All the homework can be done without computational software, and you'll have to be able to do similar problems on your own on the exams, so don't use Mathematica as a way to avoid the math practice that you need.

Exams

There will be two midterm exams, taking place in class in our usual lecture location and time. There is a final exam. See more details on the Exams page.

 

Course Rules and Procedures

Anti-Racism and Inclusivity

The Grainger College of Engineering is committed to the creation of an anti-racist, inclusive community that welcomes diversity along a number of dimensions, including, but not limited to, race, ethnicity and national origins, gender and gender identity, sexuality, disability status, class, age, or religious beliefs. The College recognizes that we are learning together in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, that Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous voices and contributions have largely either been excluded from, or not recognized in, science and engineering, and that both overt racism and micro-aggressions threaten the well-being of our students and our university community.

The effectiveness of this course is dependent upon each of us to create a safe and encouraging learning environment that allows for the open exchange of ideas while also ensuring equitable opportunities and respect for all of us. Everyone is expected to help establish and maintain an environment where students, staff, and faculty can contribute without fear of personal ridicule, or intolerant or offensive language.

If you witness or experience racism, discrimination, micro-aggressions, or other offensive behavior, you are encouraged to bring this to the attention of the course director (Eric) if you feel comfortable. You can also report these behaviors to the Bias Assessment and Response Team (BART) (bart.illinois.edu). Based on your report, BART members will follow up and reach out to students to make sure they have the support they need to be healthy and safe. If the reported behavior also violates university policy, staff in the Office for Student Conflict Resolution may respond as well and will take appropriate action.

Excused Absences

Your first 4 lecture absences and 2 discussion absences are automatically excused (no documented excuse needed or wanted). The purpose of this policy is that I know that things come up during the semester, and I'm trying to avoid any work from you or me to get an excused absence (less work is better!). If you miss more classes than this for a good reason, you can email me with documentation of your reason and the date of the class you missed (we are not using the department excused absence online form this semester).

COVID-19 Guidelines

If you ever have to make a choice between health/safety and physics, please choose health/safety. Don't come to class if you are sick. We have good policies for excused absenses and make-up work, so there is no penalty if you have to miss class because of illness. If you are facing challenges that go beyond these, please get in contact with me (Eric) and we'll work it out.

Academic integrity

All activities in this course are subject to the Academic Integrity rules as described in Article 1, Part 4, Academic Integrity, of the Student Code.

In particular, the giving of assistance to or receiving of unauthorized assistance from another person, or the use of unauthorized materials during University Examinations can be grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the University. Course grading will proceed in compliance with University policy.

Please be aware that prior to or during an examination the instructional staff may wish to rearrange the student seating. Such action does not mean that anyone is suspected of inappropriate behavior.

Religious Observances

Illinois law requires the University to reasonably accommodate its students' religious beliefs, observances, and practices in regard to admissions, class attendance, and the scheduling of examinations and work requirements. You should examine this syllabus at the beginning of the semester for potential conflicts between course deadlines and any of your religious observances. If a conflict exists, you should notify your instructor to request appropriate accommodations. This should be done in the first two weeks of classes.

Students with Disabilities

To obtain disability-related academic adjustments and/or auxiliary aids, students with disabilities must contact the course instructor as soon as possible and provide the instructor with a Letter of Academic Accommodations from Disability Resources and Educational Services (DRES). To ensure that disability-related concerns are properly addressed from the beginning, students with disabilities who require assistance to participate in this class should apply for services with DRES and see the instructor as soon as possible. If you need accommodations for any sort of disability, please speak to me after class, or make an appointment to see me or see me during my office hours. DRES provides students with academic accommodations, access, and support services. To contact DRES, you may visit 1207 S. Oak St., Champaign, call 217-333-1970, e-mail disability@illinois.edu or visit the DRES website at http://www.disability.illinois.edu/. Here is the direct link to apply for services at DRES, https://www.disability.illinois.edu/applying-services. 

Mental Health

We care about your mental health. Significant stress, mood changes, excessive worry, substance/alcohol misuse or interferences in eating or sleep can have an impact on academic performance, social development, and emotional wellbeing. The University of Illinois offers a variety of confidential services including individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric services, and specialized screenings which are covered through the Student Health Fee. If you or someone you know experiences any of the above mental health concerns, it is strongly encouraged to contact or visit any of the University’s resources provided below. Getting help is a smart and courageous thing to do for yourself and for those who care about you. 

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Community of Care

As members of the Illinois community, we each have a responsibility to express care and concern for one another. If you come across a classmate whose behavior concerns you, whether in regards to their well-being or yours, we encourage you to refer this behavior to the Student Assistance Center (217-333-0050 or http://odos.illinois.edu/community-of-care/referral/). Based on your report, the staff in the Student Assistance Center reaches out to students to make sure they have the support they need to be healthy and safe.

Further, as a Community of Care, we want to support you in your overall wellness. We know that students sometimes face challenges that can impact academic performance (examples include mental health concerns, food insecurity, homelessness, personal emergencies). Should you find that you are managing such a challenge and that it is interfering with your coursework, you are encouraged to contact the Student Assistance Center (SAC) in the Office of the Dean of Students for support and referrals to campus and/or community resources. 

Sexual Misconduct Reporting Obligation

The University of Illinois is committed to combating sexual misconduct. Faculty and staff members are required to report any instances of sexual misconduct to the University’s Title IX Office. In turn, an individual with the Title IX Office will provide information about rights and options, including accommodations, support services, the campus disciplinary process, and law enforcement options.

A list of the designated University employees who, as counselors, confidential advisors, and medical professionals, do not have this reporting responsibility and can maintain confidentiality, can be found here: wecare.illinois.edu/resources/students/#confidential.

Other information about resources and reporting is available here: wecare.illinois.edu.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Any student who has suppressed their directory information pursuant to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) should self-identify to the instructor to ensure protection of the privacy of their attendance in this course. See https://registrar.illinois.edu/academic-records/ferpa/ for more information on FERPA.

Safety Announcements

The University of Illinois is a safe place to live and learn. However, the university has guidance for what to do in an emergency classroom situation that you can see at the following links: https://police.illinois.edu/em/run-hide-fight and Emergency Response Recommendations.