Homework Assignments
All assignments have posted due dates and times, and extensions will not be granted except in extraordinary circumstances. Points will be deducted for assignments turned in after the posted deadline. Some assignments, as noted, will be eligible for additional rewrite points if they have been submitted by the deadline. An assignment matrix summarizes the course components and points for each assignment.
Scroll down the page for instructions for Colloquium Reports.
- Evaluating Titles Due Sept 4
- Understanding a Paper Due Sept 11
- Title and Abstract Due Sept 18
- Proper Referencing Due Sept 25
"Superconducting Proximity Effect in Topological Insulators" (MS Word) (PDF) - Explaining Physics Concepts to a General Audience—Draft Due Oct 2
- Explaining Physics Concepts—Final Version Due Oct 9
- Peer Reviews Due Oct 16
Review Criteria - Short Science Talk—Draft Slides Due Oct 23
- Short Science Talk Present during class on Oct 30
- Evaluating Figures & Figure Captions Due Nov 6
- Making Your Own Figures and Captions Due Nov 13
- Resume and Statement of Purpose/Cover Letter Due Nov 20
- Team Journal-Club Presentation Present during class on Dec 4
(note that this assignment consists of multiple parts, each having separate due dates)
Example of a Student JC Presentation
All homework assignments are due by 9:00 p.m. on the due date, unless otherwise indicated, and are to be emailed to phys496@physics.illinois.edu. Consult the instructions for individual assignments for exact deadlines and eligibility for rewrite points.
Colloquium Reports
In addition to the homework assignments shown above, students are required to attend two departmental colloquia or suitable special lectures (check with Professor Mason on suitability of lectures other than Physics or Astronomy colloquia) of their choice during the semester and submit a written report of each.
The deadlines for receipt of colloquium reports are as follows:
Report #1—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, Oct 2; rewrites due by Oct 23
Report #2—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, Nov 6; rewrites due by Nov 27
Late reports will be downgraded. No colloquium reports (initial or rewrites) will be accepted after Dec 4.
The reports are worth 50 points each. Reports should be emailed to Celia Elliott when complete. Early submissions will be gratefully accepted.