Policy for Physics 340

This course we will be using computers extensively to supplement the theoretical development of the subject and to do problems. The computational tool RLaB will be used as the primary environment for this work. This software package is somewhat like Matlab, except that it can be obtained free. It will be available on TCC Suns and TCC PCs operating under Linux (but not DOS or Windows). The class will be held in Workman 54, which has about 24 TCC PCs. All members of the class must obtain TCC accounts if they don't already have them.

RLaB does linear algebra well. Since quantum mechanics can be expressed most naturally in terms of linear algebra, the match between RLaB and quantum mechanics is excellent. I picked RLaB over its free and commercial competitors (Matlab, Octave, Scilab) for this course for several reasons. First, it is free, so you can easily put it on your own PC if it is running Linux. Second, it has probably the most simple and elegant structure of the lot, and is therefore very easy to use and program. Third, an excellent tutorial is available for it, as is a usable graphics package. You will be expected to use one of the linear algebra tools in doing your homework -- I really don't care which; if you already know Matlab and wish to continue using it, that is fine. In-class work will be done using RLaB.

The grading for this course will be done as follows:

There will be one hourly test. (originally two) (20% of grade) (was 15% each)
You will be required to do a project with both historical and technical content. Dates and procedures for this project will be specified later. (35% of grade) (was 30%)
Homework will be assigned. (15% of grade)
There will be a final exam. (30% of grade) (was 25%)

Notice that grading is distributed across a number of activities. You can't simply show up for the tests in this course, disappear otherwise, and expect to pass. This is intentional --- the computational aspect of this course is essential, and this requires a great deal of in-class participation.

As noted, the use of computers in this course is experimental. I solicit feedback at any time as to how it is working and how things can be improved. My office is Workman 214A, my telephone extension is 5610, and my e-mail address (probably your best bet for rapid communication) is raymond@kestrel.nmt.edu.