The objectives and methods of a free undergraduate laboratory are set forth. The main features are a close connection between the students and the research groups, a large amount of student freedom and responsibility, and no grading of the students. (Author/TS)

A minicomputer recently introduced in a senior modern physics laboratory, and operating in a conversational mode, has been an excellent way both of teaching students computing and of encouraging them to use a computer routinely. The choice of computer languages is discussed, and the advantages and possible disadvantages of a minicomputer are…

Describes a one-year program in which students are given lectures on instrumentation topics, acquire experience participating in campus and community laboratories, and complete individual projects to receive the master's degree. Indicates a high ability of attacking laboratory problems in students' achievement. (CC)

A three-year general physics program which uses a single text from which a sequence of one-year courses have been constructed is described. It is organized on a modified spiral approach and requires laboratory work culminating in an experimental project during the sixth semester. Discussion includes implementation and administration of the…

Outlines an optics course, designed for science and nonscience majors, which emphasizes phenomena rather than mathematics. Indicates that the new curriculum permits liberal arts students to learn physics as well as the relationship of physics to society. (CC)