Sir Isaac Newton
 Physics 496
 Introduction to Physics Research
 Fall 2020

link to course home page link to course syllabus link to lecture notes link to homework assignments link to writing workshop assignments link to tools and online resources link to Ms. Particular's micro-lectures on style and usage

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.

  1. Evaluating Titles      Due Sept 4

  2. Understanding a Paper       Due Sept 11

  3. Title and Abstract      Due Sept 18

  4. Proper Referencing      Due Sept 25 
    "Superconducting Proximity Effect in Topological Insulators"     (MS Word)    (PDF)

  5. Explaining Physics Concepts to a General Audience—Draft     Due Oct 2

  6. Explaining Physics Concepts—Final Version     Due Oct 9

  7. Peer Reviews     Due Oct 16
    Review Criteria

  8. Short Science Talk—Draft Slides      Due Oct 23

  9. Short Science Talk      Present during class on Oct 30

  10. Evaluating Figures & Figure Captions      Due Nov 6

  11. Making Your Own Figures and Captions      Due Nov 13

  12. Resume and Statement of Purpose/Cover Letter     Due Nov 20

  13. 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.

Colloquium report template