Sir Isaac Newton
 Physics 496
 Introduction to Physics Research
 Spring 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 January 31

  2. Understanding a Paper       Due February 7

  3. Abstract and Title      Due February 14

  4. Proper Referencing      Due February 21
    "Superconducting Proximity Effect in Topological Insulators"     (MS Word)    (PDF)

  5. Explaining Physics Concepts to a General Audience     Due

  6. Peer Reviews      Due        Review Criteria

  7. Evaluating Figures and Captions      Due

  8. Making Your Own Figures and Captions      Due

  9. Short (5-min) Science Talk      Draft Due , 2:00 p.m.; Final Slides Due , 1:00 p.m.

  10. Resume and Statement of Purpose     Due

  11. Journal Club Presentation      Present during class on
    (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 four departmental colloquia or suitable special lectures (check with Professor Shelton 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 14; rewrites due by March 6
Report #2—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, March 13; rewrites due by April 3
Report #3—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, April 10; rewrites due by May 1
Report #4—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, May 8; no rewrites will be accepted for this report

Late reports will be downgraded. No colloquium reports (initial or rewrites) will be accepted after May 10.

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