Physics 421, Modern Optics aims to provide a practical introduction to modern optics. The course has a lecture and a laboratory component and covers the fundamental principles of modern physical optics and optical systems. It has a strict schedule. The class material is divided into 11 modules. For each module students are expected to submit an assignments and a lab report online on time.
Dr. Marianne Breinig (Physics)
Office: 202 Nielsen Physics Bldg.
Office Hours: MW 1:45 pm - 2:45 pm and online by appointment
Phone: (865) 974-7842
Email: mbreinig@utk.edu
Dessie Durham
Email: ddurham5@vols.utk.edu
The class meets in person Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm, with is a weekly in-person lab on Thursdays, 9:00 am - 10:55 am. Students are expected to study the online class material before each class meeting. The class material is divide into 11 modules. Questions about the material and applications will be addressed during the class meetings. We will also have reading quizzes during the class meetings.
In-class exercises and quizzes and homework assignments are based on the material covered in the online modules. The homework assignments are found under Assignments on Canvas and must be submitted on time. Each homework assignment can be submitted twice, and the highest score counts.
The lab instructor will help students with the laboratories and grade the lab reports. Students cannot earn passing grade for the course, unless they earn a passing grade for the lab.
There are no formal exams.
Up to 50 points extra credit will be available for completing some extra credit assignments.
All homework assignments together are worth a maximum of 150 points, all exercises and quizzes together are worth a maximum of 100 points and all lab reports together are also worth a maximum of 150 points. The final project is worth 100 points. Extra credit points are added to the total score from homework assignments, laboratories, and in-class quizzes and exercises..
| 450 and above | 90% and above | A |
| 435-449 | 87% - 89% | A- |
| 415-434 | 83% - 86% | B+ |
| 400-414 | 80% - 82% | B |
| 385-399 | 77% - 79% | B- |
| 365-384 | 73% - 76% | C+ |
| 350-364 | 70% - 72% | C |
| 335-349 | 67% - 69% | C- |
| 315-334 | 63% - 66% | D+ |
| 300-314 | 60% - 62% | D |
| 285-299 | 57% - 59% | D- |
Students must notify the instructor promptly and submit documentation if they miss an assignment or lab with a valid excuse and request an extension. Late notifications will not be accepted.
In Canvas, please go to "Account", "Notifications", and set your notification preferences so that you receive announcements notifications and conversations immediately. Review the announcements in Canvas regularly.
If you need course adaptations or accommodations please let me know how I can
help you.
If you have a documented
disability, please contact Student Disability Services (SDS). This will
ensure that you are properly registered for the services provided by SDS.
Please review the Campus Syllabus for information that is common across all courses at UTK.