Teaching
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Physics 271, Fall 2022: Honors Physics 1
01:750:271: H1
Rutgers University Fall 2022
Prof. Ananda Roy
Class meetings: Tuesday/Thursday 3:50pm-5:10pm, PHY-LH,
Study Sessions:
1) Wednesday: 11am – 12pm
2) Friday: 10:30am – 11:30am
3) Friday: 3pm – 4pm.Office hours: Zoom, Tuesdays, 12pm – 1pm,
Zoom details:
https://rutgers.zoom.us/j/95834340121?pwd=Tzl1Nk1DN3J2S21zVGl3UXcvWU1nZz09
Meeting ID: 958 3434 0121
Password: 032186
Learning management system: Canvas
Course overview
In Physics 271 (Honors Physics 1), you will learn fundamental concepts in Classical Mechanics. We will cover topics ranging from vectors and kinematics, Newton’s laws to Rigid body rotation. If time permits, we will cover also advanced topics such as non-inertial systems and central force motion.
Topics
Here is a more detailed list of topics we will learn about in this semester.
Core topics:
- Vectors
- Kinematics
- Newton’s Laws with applications
- Forces and equations of motion
- Momentum
- Energy
- Oscillations and stability
- Angular momentum and fixed axis rotation
- Rigid body motion
Advanced topics:
- Non-inertial systems
- Central force motion
The detailed class schedule can be found in Canvas.
Learning goals
This course meets the SAS natural science goals:
- Understand and apply basic principles and concepts in the physical sciences.
- Explain and be able to assess the relationship among assumptions, method, evidence, arguments, and theory in scientific analysis.
Specific learning goals for this course:
- Understand basic principles of classical mechanics and apply these concepts to problems
- Acquire basic understanding of physicist’s approach to problem-solving
Course structure
This class will meet in person Tuesday/Thursday 3:50-5:10pm in PHY-LH. Office hours will be offered over Zoom at a time to be determined.
Students with disabilities requesting accommodations must follow the procedures outlined at https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/getting-registered. Full disability policies and procedures are at https://ods.rutgers.edu/.
Prerequisites
Calculus 1 (differential) can be taken in parallel with this course. I will cover the relevant concepts of Calculus that will be required to understand the concepts and solve the problems.
Course materials
Lectures will be based on the textbook An Introduction to MechanicsLinks to an external site. (second edition, ISBN 13: 9780521198110) by Daniel Kleppner and Robert Kolenkow.
Assessment
We will have weekly homework assignments due at the beginning of class on Tuesdays. In working on the problems, you are encouraged to talk with others in the class, but you must write up your own solution, and you must list your collaborators on your write-up. You are allowed to consult outside reference material (which must be cited), but you may not examine homeworks or solutions from previous years of Physics 271 or other similar courses online, nor are you allowed to post homework or exam questions online. No late homeworks will be accepted! The two lowest homework scores will be dropped in calculating the course score. That means you can miss or skip two homeworks for any reason and still get a perfect score; however, experience has shown that it is typically better for your mastery of physics (and grade) to turn in all of them and have the two lowest scores dropped.
There will be one midterm exam in class, and a final exam during the scheduled final exam period. Details about the exams will be provided as the semester progresses.
Your course score will be calculated as follows:
40% problem sets
30% midterm exam
30% final exam
Course scores will translate to letter grades as follows:
90-100 = A
85-90 = B+
80-85 = B
75-80 = C+
70-75 = C
60-70 = D
below 60 = F
Policies
Changes: The course schedule and guidelines are subject to change. I will communicate any changes promptly and clearly. Still, it is your responsibility to make yourself aware of any and all changes by attending class and maintaining communication with me.
Face coverings: Following university policyLinks to an external site., face coverings are required in all indoor teaching spaces, libraries, and clinical settings.
Absences: Students are expected to attend all classes; if you expect to miss one or two classes, please use the University absence reporting websiteLinks to an external site.to indicate the date and reason for your absence. An email is automatically sent to your instructors.
If you have been told to quarantine, or are experiencing symptoms of any transmissable disease, please do not attend in-person class meetings. Contact me to make arrangements for handling such absences.
Resources for student success
The faculty and staff at Rutgers are committed to your success. Students who are successful tend to seek out resources that enable them to excel academically, maintain their health and wellness, prepare for future careers, navigate college life and finances, and connect with the RU community. Helpful resources include the Rutgers Learning CentersLinks to an external site. and school-based advising (for SASLinks to an external site., SOELinks to an external site., SEBSLinks to an external site., and RBSLinks to an external site.). Additional resources that can help you succeed and connect with the Rutgers community can be found at https://success.rutgers.eduLinks to an external site. .
Please visit the Rutgers Student Tech GuideLinks to an external site. for resources available to all students. If you do not have the appropriate technology for financial reasons, please email the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu ) for assistance. If you are facing other financial hardships please visit the Office of Financial AidLinks to an external site..
Academic integrity
Rutgers University takes academic dishonesty very seriously. By enrolling in this course, you assume responsibility for familiarizing yourself with the Academic Integrity PolicyLinks to an external site. and the possible penalties (including suspension and expulsion) for violating the policy. As per the policy, all suspected violations will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to):
Cheating Plagiarism
Aiding others in committing a violation or allowing others to use your work Failure to cite sources correctly
Fabrication
Using another person’s ideas or words without attribution–re-using a previous assignment Unauthorized collaboration
Sabotaging another student’s work
If in doubt, please contact me. Also review the Academic Integrity PolicyLinks to an external site. and Academic Integrity Resources for StudentsLinks to an external site..
Use of external website resources (such as Chegg.com or others) to obtain solutions to homework assignments or exams is cheating and a violation of the University Academic Integrity policy. Cheating in the course may result in grade penalties, disciplinary sanctions or educational sanctions. Posting homework assignments or exams to external sites without the instructor’s permission may be a violation of copyright and may constitute the facilitation of dishonesty, which may result in the same penalties as cheating.
The Rutgers honor pledge will be included on all major assignments for you to sign: On my honor, I have neither received nor given any unauthorized assistance on this examination/assignment.
Almost all original work is the intellectual property of its authors. This includes not just books and articles, but the syllabi, lectures, slides, recordings, course materials, presentations, homework problems, exams, and other materials used in this course, in either printed or electronic form. You may not copy this work, post it online, or disseminate it in any way without the explicit permission of the instructor. Respect for an author’s efforts and intellectual property rights is an important value that members of the university community are expected to take seriously.
Student Wellness Services
The university provides a number of resources to support your physical and mental well-being. I list several valuable resources here and encourage you to contact me for more guidance about university resources.
Report a Bias Incident If you experience or witness an act of bias or hate, report it to someone in authority. You may file a report online and you will be contacted within 24 hours. The bias reporting page is hereLinks to an external site..
Bias is defined by the University as an act, verbal, written, physical, psychological, that threatens, or harms a person or group on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, civil union status, domestic partnership status, atypical heredity or cellular blood trait, military service or veteran status.
Click here to report a bias incidentLinks to an external site.
Counseling, ADAP & Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
(848) 932-7884 / 17 Senior Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/Links to an external site.
CAPS is a University mental health support service that includes counseling, alcohol and other drug assistance, and psychiatric services staffed by a team of professionals within Rutgers Health services to support students’ efforts to succeed at Rutgers University. CAPS offers a variety of services that include: individual therapy, group therapy and workshops, crisis intervention, referral to specialists in the community, and consultation and collaboration with campus partners.
Crisis Intervention: http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/crisis-intervention/Links to an external site.
Report a Concern: http://health.rutgers.edu/do-something-to-help/Links to an external site.
Violence Prevention & Victim Assistance (VPVA)
(848) 932-1181 / 3 Bartlett Street, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, http://vpva.rutgers.edu/Links to an external site.
The Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance provides confidential crisis intervention, counseling and advocacy for victims of sexual and relationship violence and stalking to students, staff and faculty. To reach staff during office hours when the university is open or to reach an advocate after hours, call 848-932-1181.
Disability Services
(848) 445-6800 / Lucy Stone Hall, Suite A145, Livingston Campus, 54 Joyce Kilmer Avenue, Piscataway, NJ 08854, https://ods.rutgers.edu/Links to an external site.
Rutgers University welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University’s educational programs. In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation: https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/documentation-guidelinesLinks to an external site.. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with a Letter of Accommodations. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. To begin this process, please complete the Registration form on the ODS web site at: https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/getting-registeredLinks to an external site.
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Physics 681, Fall 2023: Quantum Computation
16:750:681:01
Rutgers University Fall 2023
Class meetings: Monday/Wednesday, 2:00pm-3:20pm, Serin E287
Learning management system: Canvas (course website)
Instructor: Ananda Roy, Office: Serin E260, Email: ananda.roy@physics.rutgers.edu
Course overview
The course focuses on introductory concepts in Quantum Computation. The focus will be on general aspects, without emphasis on any platform or architecture. For a more quantum circuit hardware oriented course, consider the oneLinks to an external site. taught by Prof. Chakram.
This course is meant to be taken by those who are familiar with quantum mechanics and want to learn about quantum computation.
This course is not for students who have no prior knowledge of quantum mechanics. A more elementary course on Quantum Computation is Phys 421.
Topics
The course is split into following modules:
Module 0: States and Operations
Module 1: Quantum Circuits
Module 2: Quantum Algorithms
Module 3: Quantum Error Correction
Module 4: Alternative approaches
Course structure
This class will meet in person Monday/Wednesday 2:00pm-3:20pm in Serin E287.
Students with disabilities requesting accommodations must follow the procedures outlined at https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/getting-registered. Full disability policies and procedures are at https://ods.rutgers.edu/.
Prerequisites
Phys 501/502: Graduate quantum mechanics or Phys 417: Intermediate Quantum Mechanics or an equivalent course.
Course materials
Textbook: Quantum Computation and Quantum Information by Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
Additional reference: Lecture Notes of John PreskillLinks to an external site.
Another good book (more formal): Classical and Quantum Computation, Kitaev, Shen and Vyali
There are lots of online resources on quantum computation, especially those that come integrated with quantum software development platforms, examples include QiskitLinks to an external site., CirqLinks to an external site., PennylaneLinks to an external site. and many more. Pick your favorite and dive in.
Assessment
There will be a few (one every few weeks) homeworks and a final presentation on a topic of your choice. The topic has to be related to quantum computation, broadly construed.
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Physics 421, Spring 2024: Introduction to Quantum Computing
01:750:421
Rutgers University
Spring 2024
Contact Information:
Prof. Ananda Roy, email: ananda.roy@physics.rutgers.edu, office: Serin E260
Class location:
ARC 204
Class timing:
Monday and Thursday, 12:10pm – 1:30pm
Learning management system:
Canvas
Course description:
Phys 421 is an introductory course on Quantum Computing. The course is designed for Physics majors as well as Computer Science, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering majors who have the necessary background in Physics (see below for prerequisites).
The course aims to introduce students to basics of quantum computing, covering several topics ranging from elementary notions of quantum states and measurements to more advanced concepts of quantum algorithms and quantum error correction.
Prerequisites:
- Introductory calculus-level course on modern physics (Physics 228 or Physics 273)
- Linear algebra (Math 244 or Math 250)
References:
- Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, Michael Nielsen and Isaac Chuang
- An Undergraduate Course on Quantum Computing, Peter Young
- Lecture notes of John Preskill
- Classical and Quantum Computation, Alexei Kitaev et al
The course will cover also more advanced or recent topics that are not present in the above textbooks and lecture notes. Relevant references (research/review articles) will be provided.
Learning Goals:
- Understand the basic principles of quantum computing.
- Acquire proficiency in state-of-the-art concepts in quantum algorithms, quantum codes, and quantum hardware.
Topics
- Basics of quantum mechanics
- Quantum states, entanglement measures
- Quantum Circuits: gates and measurements
- Quantum Algorithms
- Quantum Error Correction
If time permits, we will cover advanced topics on:
- Physical Realizations
- Alternative Approaches
Grading scheme:
90-100 = A
85-90 = B+
80-85 = B
75-80 = C+
70-75 = C
60-70 = D
below 60 = F
Assessment
Homeworks 30%
Midterm #1 25%
Midterm #2 25%
Final presentation 20%
While attendance is not mandatory, students are highly recommended to attend the lectures.
Policies
Changes: The course schedule and guidelines are subject to change. Any changes will be communicated promptly and clearly.
Absences: Students are expected to attend all classes; if you expect to miss one or two classes, please use the University absence reporting website to indicate the date and reason for your absence. An email is automatically sent to your instructors.
If you have been told to quarantine, or are experiencing symptoms of any transmissible disease, please do not attend in-person class meetings. Contact the Professor to make arrangements for handling such absences.
Fostering an equitable and inclusive classroom. All instructors, students, and staff associated with the Physics and Astronomy Department are expected to follow the Department’s Policy against Discrimination and Harassment https://physics.rutgers.edu/about-us/about-us-policy-affirmation. As stated in this policy, “The Rutgers Department of Physics & Astronomy strives to foster an academic, work, and living environment that is respectful and free from discrimination and harassment. The Department recognizes the human dignity of each member of the community and believes that each member has a responsibility to promote respect and dignity for others so that all community members are free to pursue their educational and work goals in an open environment, to participate in the free exchange of ideas, and to share equally in opportunities.”
Resources for student success
The faculty and staff at Rutgers are committed to your success. Students who are successful tend to seek out resources that enable them to excel academically, maintain their health and wellness, prepare for future careers, navigate college life and finances, and connect with the RU community. Helpful resources include the Rutgers Learning Centers and school-based advising (for SAS, SOE, SEBS, and RBS). Additional resources that can help you succeed and connect with the Rutgers community can be found at https://success.rutgers.edu .
Please visit the Rutgers Student Tech Guide for resources available to all students. If you do not have the appropriate technology for financial reasons, please email the Dean of Students (deanofstudents@echo.rutgers.edu ) for assistance. If you are facing other financial hardships, please visit the Office of Financial Aid.
Disability Accommodations: Rutgers University welcomes students with disabilities into all of the University’s educational programs. In order to receive consideration for reasonable accommodations, a student with a disability must contact the appropriate disability services office at the campus where you are officially enrolled, participate in an intake interview, and provide documentation: https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/documentation-guidelines. If the documentation supports your request for reasonable accommodations, your campus’s disability services office will provide you with a Letter of Accommodations. Please share this letter with your instructors and discuss the accommodations with them as early in your courses as possible. To begin this process, please complete the Registration form on the ODS web site at: https://ods.rutgers.edu/students/getting-registered
Academic integrity
Rutgers University takes academic dishonesty very seriously. By enrolling in this course, you assume responsibility for familiarizing yourself with the Academic Integrity Policy and the possible penalties (including suspension and expulsion) for violating the policy. As per the policy, all suspected violations will be reported to the Office of Student Conduct. Academic dishonesty includes (but is not limited to):
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Aiding others in committing a violation or allowing others to use your work
- Failure to cite sources correctly
- Fabrication
- Using another person’s ideas or words without attribution–re-using a previous assignment Unauthorized collaboration
- Sabotaging another student’s work
If in doubt, please contact the Professor. Also review the Academic Integrity Policy and Academic Integrity Resources for Students.
Use of external website resources (such as Chegg.com or others) to obtain solutions to homework assignments or exams is cheating and a violation of the University Academic Integrity policy. Cheating in the course may result in grade penalties, disciplinary sanctions, or educational sanctions. Posting homework assignments or exams to external sites without the instructor’s permission may be a violation of copyright and may constitute the facilitation of dishonesty, which may result in the same penalties as cheating.
The Rutgers honor pledge will be included on all major assignments for you to sign: “On my honor, I have neither received nor given any unauthorized assistance on this examination/assignment.”
Almost all original work is the intellectual property of its authors. This includes not just books and articles, but the syllabi, lectures, slides, recordings, course materials, presentations, homework problems, exams, and other materials used in this course, in either printed or electronic form. You may not copy this work, post it online, or disseminate it in any way without the explicit permission of the instructor. Respect for an author’s efforts and intellectual property rights is an important value that members of the university community are expected to take seriously.
Student Wellness Services
The university provides a number of resources to support your physical and mental well-being. Several valuable resources and listed here and you are encouraged to contact the Professor for more guidance about university resources.
- Student Success Essentials: https://success.rutgers.edu
- Student Support Services: https://www.rutgers.edu/academics/student-support
- The Learning Centers: https://rlc.rutgers.edu/
- Rutgers Libraries: https://www.libraries.rutgers.edu/
- Bias Incident Reporting: https://studentaffairs.rutgers.edu/bias-incident-reporting
- Dean of Students – Student Support Office: https://success.rutgers.edu/resource/dean-students-student-support-office
- Office of Veteran and Military Programs and Services: https://veterans.rutgers.edu
- Student Health Services: http://health.rutgers.edu/
- Counseling, Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/
- UWill: free immediate access to teletherapy; you can choose a therapist based on your preferences including issue, gender, language, ethnicity. http://health.rutgers.edu/uwill/
- Office for Violence Prevention and Victim Assistance: vpva.rutgers.edu/
- Office of Disability Services: https://ods.rutgers.edu/
- Basic Needs Assistance (food, housing, and other essentials): https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/basic-needs
- Rutgers Student Food Pantry: https://ruoffcampus.rutgers.edu/food-pantry