Homework Assignments
All assignments have posted due dates and times, and extensions will not be granted except in extraordinary circumstances. Points will be deducted for assignments turned in after the posted deadline. Some assignments, as noted, will be eligible for additional rewrite points if they have been submitted by the deadline. An assignment matrix summarizes the course components and points for each assignment.
Scroll down the page for instructions for Colloquium Reports.
- Evaluating Titles Due Sept 7
- Understanding a Paper Due Sept 21
- Abstract and Title Due Sept 28
- Proper Referencing Due Oct 5
"Superconducting Proximity Effect in Topological Insulators" (MS Word) (PDF) - Writing about Physics for a General Audience Due Oct 12
- Peer Reviews Due Oct 19
Review Criteria - Evaluating Figures and Captions Due Oct 26
- Short Science Talk Due Nov 2
- Telling Your Story in Figures and Figure Captions Due Nov 9
- Resume and Statement of Purpose Due Nov 16
- Journal Club Presentation Present during class on Nov 30
(note that this assignment consists of multiple parts, each having separate due dates)
Example of a Student JC Presentation
All homework assignments are due by 9:00 p.m. on the due date, unless otherwise indicated, and are to be emailed to phys496@physics.illinois.edu. Consult the instructions for individual assignments for exact deadlines and eligibility for rewrite points.
Colloquium Reports
In addition to the homework assignments shown above, students are required to attend four departmental colloquia or suitable special lectures (check with Professor Shelton on suitability of lectures other than Physics or Astronomy colloquia) of their choice during the semester and submit a written report of each.
The deadlines for receipt of colloquium reports are as follows:
Report #1—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, September 21; rewrites due by October 5
Report #2—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, October 19; rewrites due by November 2
Report #3—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, November 16; rewrites due by November 30
Report #4—Due by 9:00 p.m., Friday, December 7; no rewrites will be accepted
Late reports will be downgraded. No colloquium reports (initial or rewrites) will be accepted after December 10.
The reports are worth 50 points each. Reports should be emailed to Celia Elliott when complete. Early submissions will be gratefully accepted.
Colloquium report template