Presents the results of a survey of (n=81) colleges of pharmacy affiliated with the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) regarding physics requirements for the pre-pharmacy major. Describes strengths and weaknesses as reported by the college representatives. (Contains 16 references.) (Author/YDS)

Argues that physics education reform has been focused on classroom-based innovation rather than on the more political and institutional conditions required for long-lasting change. Stresses that reformers should pay attention to exogenous variables that get in the way of real reform. (Author/CCM)

Following an historical sketch of the development of relativistic quantum mechanics, a discussion of the still unresolved difficulties of the currently accepted theories is presented. This review is designed to complement and update the discussion of relativistic quantum mechanics presented in many texts used in college physics courses. (Author/SK)

Describes a new curriculum for the final two years of a B.S. program in physics. Defines junior progress from a descriptive, lower-division understanding to an advanced analysis of a topic by phenomenon rather than discipline. (Contains 17 references.) (Author/YDS)

Describes a two-semester physics course developed at the University of Alberta, Canada to present the development of some of the major theories in physics and their interaction with the prevailing cultures, religions, and philosophies. (HM)

Explains the effect of students' epistemological beliefs on their approach to physics courses. Discusses instructional practices and curricular elements suitable for both college and high school that help students develop substantially more sophisticated beliefs about knowledge and learning as measured by the Maryland Physics Expectations Survey…

Describes two laboratory courses in electronics designed for nonscience students. The courses require no prerequisites in physics or in mathematics, and emphasis is put on the laboratory aspect of electronics, such as building and testing various electronic circuits. (GA)

Describes a course in which students completed physics projects using the computer. Includes rationale for the course, list of student projects, as well as some concerns and difficulties noted by the instructors. (JN)

Discusses the lateral magnification-angular magnification relationship in the case of a simple magnifying lens. This discussion intends to show how the relationship can be treated in undergraduate optics courses as well as in many general physics courses. (HM)

Describes the master's degree program in medical physics developed at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center. Required courses for the program, and requirements for admission are included in the appendices. (HM)

An analogy, which has been drawn between black hole physics and thermodynamics, is mathematically broadened in this article. Equations similar to the standard partial differential relations of thermodynamics are found for black holes. The results can be used to supplement an undergraduate thermodynamics course. (Author/SK)

Discusses how holography can be used as part of undergraduate physics laboratories. The authors propose a single beam technique of holography, which will reduce the recording scheme as well as relax the isolation requirements. (HM)

Presents the philosophy and mechanics of a professionally oriented astronomy laboratory for nonscience majors. Design of the laboratory, description of the exercises, and the results of using this approach at the University of Kansas are also described. (HM)

Presents the results of the evaluation of a self-paced freshman physics laboratory and its assessment procedures used in the first-year physics course at the University of Adelaide, South Australia. (HM)

Describes a proposal for a new physics program for geology majors at the University of Rome based on a problem-oriented approach and extending the range of physics concepts covered by more traditional courses. Emphasis is put on applying physical concepts to geological problems. (Author/SK)