The basic ideas of the Special Theory of Relativity: Einstein’s two big ideas, the Lorentz Transformations, relativistic kinematics and how to remember the signs.
Relativity

This week: two state qunatum mechanical systems. Spin 1/2 and rotations, time independent perturbations, time dependent perturbations leading to emission and absorption, NMR and MASERS. Music: “Summer Wind” by Lyle Lovett, “Frank’s Wild Years” by Tom Waits and “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Two State Systems

This week, we think about different time scales: atomic, cosmological, sub-atomic, geological and human. We also think about how to make your computer go faster. Music: Theme from James Bond, “Only You” and “Kawika” from The Sunday Manoa.
Time Scales

The first of a mini series which focuses on specific topics in physics. This week, the Simple Harmonic Oscillator, classical and quantum mechanical.
SHO

Making outlines, useful textbooks and more. To start: sit down with your notes or the text from your undergraduate class and make an outline.

Outlines

Things you may not know about the exam and how to overcome the most common pitfall in approaching it. THE KEY: start now, eighteen weeks before the exam and study 1/2 hour each day until further notice.
Religiously