Physics 3730/6720 Syllabus

• Course Objectives:
  
  This course provides an introduction to computing tools for science and engineering work on modern workstations. Topics include Unix (file structures, commands, scripts, etc.), editing (especially with emacs), an introduction to programming in C++, symbolic math (Maple/Matlab), technical document preparation (LaTeX, Postscript), use of library routines (LAPACk, etc.), compiling and linking programs (make files, etc.), and computer modeling. These tools will be illustrated by applying them to scientific and engineering problems.
  
  
• Optional text:
  
  There is no specific assigned text. Most of the material you need is available online. The only text you should need is a C++ reference book. There are very many on the market, appealing to the wide variety of skill sets and pedagogical needs, so find one that suits you. Here is one suggestion:
  • Steve Oualline Practical C++ Programming (O'Reilly & Associates, 1995).
  • errata.
  • On-line version
  • DirectTextbook or Chambal or Booksprice for online purchase.
  
  
• References
  
  
  References are listed separately .
  
  
• Prerequisites
  
  
  MATH 1220, 2270 or equivalent.
  
  
• Lectures
  
  
  MW 3:20 - 4:05 PM --- 205 S PHYS (overflow lab)
  MW 4:10 - 4:40 PM --- JFB 102 or the lab per announcement
  MW 4:45 - 5:30 PM --- 205 S PHYS (lab)
  
  
  
• Help
  
  
  • C. DeTar : MW 2 - 3 PM 212 INSCC.
  • Teaching Assistants:
    • TA/Grader: Song-haeng Lee. Please make appointment.
    • Lab Assistant: Chris Winterowd. During lab hours.
  
  
• Computer Accounts

  All students should have a Physics computer account. If you have an existing account, you should use it. If not, and you enrolled in the course before Monday, August 24, an account should have been automatically created for you. See the instructor for your account information.

• Course Computer Environment

  If your account was not created specifically for this class, you will not be able to run some of the course utilities until you copy the file ~p6720/dotfiles/.customs.cshrc into your home directory. The next time you log in the changes will take effect. If you already have a file of the same name, see the instructor.

• Computer Lab

  The computer lab is in 205 S Physics and is open whenever the building is open. Entry is controlled by a card RFID scanner. See Hours and Access Instructions . and Your First Lab Session .

• Remote Access

  You can access your physics department account and files from a home PC or from elsewhere on campus. You can also transfer files to and from your home PC. We recommend the PuTTY, WinSCP, and X-Win32 utilities for this purpose.

• Homework Assignments

  Homework assignment files are available on-line . Most homework is to be submitted electronically. Instructions are given on the main assignments page.

• In-class Exercises

  Daily in-class exercises are available on-line . The purpose of these exercises is to provide a quick check of your understanding of the lecture material. They count for a portion of the course grade.

• On-Line Information

  Course information and handouts, where possible, are made available through the web at the URL http://www.physics.utah.edu/~detar/phys6720/

• Announcements

  Important announcements will be posted on the course web page and sent to students via e-mail. Students are responsible for checking for these announcements on a regular basis.

• Grading Scheme

  The course grade is based on daily lab exercises, weekly homework, a midterm exam, a project, and a final exam. The greatest emphasis is placed on homework and lab exercises. Grading formula: Lab exercises 25%, homework 30%, midterm 15%, class project 15%, final 15%. Physics 6720 students have a more advanced project assignment appropriate for graduate-level credit.

• Honor System and Collaboration Policy

  Collaboration on tests is not permitted. Collaboration on homework and project assignments is encouraged, provided the collaboration involves roughly the same amount of give and take. However, students may submit only their own work for grading and this work must be written solo, without copying from any other sources. Students are on their honor to adhere to this policy.

• ADA Compliance

  The University of Utah Physics Department seeks to provide equal access to its programs, services and activities for people with disabilities. If you will need special accommodations in this class, reasonable prior notice needs to be given to the instructor and to the Center for Disability Services, http://disability.utah.edu/ 162 Olpin Union Bldg, 581-5020 (V/TDD) to make arrangements for accommodations.

• Physics Department Home Page