Sir Isaac Newton
 Physics 496
 Introduction to Physics Research
 Spring 2021

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.

Turn in homework assignments by uploading to the my.physics secure portal by the posted deadline.  

Scroll down the page for instructions for Colloquium Reports.

  1. Evaluating Titles      Due Feb 5

  2. Understanding a Paper       Due Feb 12

  3. Title and Abstract      Due Feb 19

  4. Proper Referencing      Due Feb 26  
    "Superconducting Proximity Effect in Topological Insulators"     (MS Word)    (PDF)

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

  6. Explaining Physics Concepts—Final Version     Due Mar 12

  7. Peer Reviews     Due Mar 19
    Review Criteria

  8. Short Science Talk—Draft Slides      Due Mar 26

  9. Short Science Talk      Present during class on Apr 2

  10. Evaluating Figures & Figure Captions      Due Apr 9

  11. Making Your Own Figures and Captions      Due Apr 16

  12. Resume and Statement of Purpose/Cover Letter     Due Apr 23

  13. Team Journal-Club Presentation      Present during class on Apr 30
    (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 uploaded to the portal on my.physics. 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 appropriate  special lectures (check with Professor Madahavan 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, February 26; rewrites will not be accepted after March 19   
Report #2—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 26; rewrites will not be accepted after April 23

Late reports will be downgraded. No colloquium reports (initial or rewrites) will be accepted after April 30.

The reports are worth 50 points each. Reports should be uploaded to the portal on my.physics when complete. Early submissions will be gratefully accepted.

Colloquium report template