Syllabus for 2022 Computational Physics Lab II

Course name:
Computational Physics Lab
Course number:
PH 366.
Instructor:
David Roundy
Office hours:

TBD in Weniger 401B, or by appointment, either over Zoom or in person.

Zoom room for class

Course credits:
1
Class meeting times:
3 hours of lecture per week
Prerequisites:
PH 213, This course is expected to be taken alongside the Paradigms.
Course description:
A project-driven laboratory experience in computational physics. Includes the use of basic mathematical and numerical techniques in computer calculations leading to solutions for typical physical problems. Topics to be covered will coordinate with the Paradigms in Physics course sequence.
Learning outcomes:
  • 1) Write functions and entire programs in python
  • 2) Apply the python programming language to solve scientific problems
  • 3) Use the matplotlib and numpy packages
  • 4) Model the physical systems studied in the course
Course content:
See also course schedule.
Evaluation of student performance:

The goal of the grading scheme is to ensure that all students have an excellent opportunity to learn in this course. Because it is a lab course, students' presence in class is necessary for their own learning. Because we work in pairs during the lab, absences will affect the learning of other students.

50%
class attendance
50%
class participation
Students will receive one point for attendance in class, and one point for notifying the instructor in advance of their attendance modality (in person, remote or absent), accounting for a total of 38 points in the class (since we have one holiday). The final exam is graded on participation, and is worth an additional two points. In most cases, students will receive a point for attendance for each class session they attend. If the attendance point is docked, the student will be informed of the reason. The point for attendance may be docked for any of the following reasons:
Arriving late, leaving early
These inconvenience your partner, who is forced to work alone for a portion of the class period.
Ignoring partner
If you refuse to listen to and work well with your partner, you may lose your attendance credit for the day. Apart from exceptional cases (e.g. verbal abuse), you will be given a warning.
Not working
If you do not work on class activities during the class, your attendance grade will suffer.

Grading scale
95% A
90% A-
85% B
75% C
65% D
<60% F
This scale means that students can have one unexpected absence or two planned (and informed in advance via the survey) absences while still obtaining an A- grade.

Course Expectations and Policies

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 please consult OSU Quarantine and Isolation guidelines to determine your next steps. Please let me know, and you can attend class remotely.

If you are ill (or caring for someone who is: I am here to support your success during these challenging times, too. Please reach out to me directly if you are concerned about your ability to engage in course activities while you are ill. You can do so by sending me an email. You need not disclose private medical information or provide documentation of your illness. The Office of the Dean of Students can also assist you if you are navigating a range of extenuating life circumstances including but not limited to prolonged illness, hospitalization, financial concerns, etc. They can be reached via Zoom chat or audio Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at https://paradigms.oregonstate.eduhttps://beav.es/4qQ or by email at support.odos@oregonstate.edu.

COVID-19 precautions: During this public health emergency we all have a shared responsibility to each other to take steps to reduce spread and transmission of COVID-19. This includes getting fully vaccinated as soon as you are eligible, following all OSU and public health authority guidance and regulations, including maintaining physical distancing at all times, wearing face coverings in shared spaces, and staying home if you are sick or have been in close contact with a known or suspected COVID-19 case. For the updates from OSU on COVID-19 safety and mitigation measures, visit: https://paradigms.oregonstate.eduhttps://covid.oregonstate.edu/.

Attending class remotely: Students may choose to attend class remotely by logging into the class via Zoom. You will be paired with another student, and will program on one of the class laptops via remote control. Your partner may be either remote or in-person. If you are able to bring a headset (or ear buds with a microphone) to class, please do so, so you can be paired with a remote student or assisted by a remote instructor.

Academic calendar:
All students are subject to the registration and refund deadlines as stated in the Academic Calendar: https://registrar.oregonstate.edu/osu-academic-calendar
Statement regarding students with disabilities:
Accommodations for students with disabilities are determined and approved by Disability Access Services (DAS). If you, as a student, believe you are eligible for accommodations but have not obtained approval please contact DAS immediately at 541-737-4098 or at http://ds.oregonstate.edu. DAS notifies students and faculty members of approved academic accommodations and coordinates implementation of those accommodations. While not required, students and faculty members are encouraged to discuss details of the implementation of individual accommodations.
Expectations of student conduct:
Students are expected to comply with the University code of conduct, available at https://beav.es/codeofconduct.
Student bill of rights

OSU has twelve established student rights. They include due process in all university disciplinary processes, an equal opportunity to learn, and grading in accordance with the course syllabus: https://asosu.oregonstate.edu/advocacy/rights

Reach out for success:
University students encounter setbacks from time to time. If you encounter difficulties and need assistance, it’s important to reach out. Consider discussing the situation with an instructor or academic advisor. Learn about resources that assist with wellness and academic success at oregonstate.edu/ReachOut. If you are in immediate crisis, please contact the Crisis Text Line by texting OREGON to 741-741 or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)