We propose an integrated curriculum to establish essential abilities of computer programming for the freshmen of a physics department. The implementation of the graphical-based interfaces from Scratch to LabVIEW then to LabVIEW for Arduino in the curriculum "Computer-Assisted Instrumentation in the Design of Physics Laboratories" brings…

In this paper we describe the recent changes to the curriculum of the second year practical laboratory course in the School of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Nottingham. In particular, we describe how Matlab has been implemented as a teaching tool and discuss both its pedagogical advantages and disadvantages in teaching undergraduate…

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)

Describes a pre-calculus, freshman-level modern physics course for prospective physics majors. The problems and goals which led to the course are discussed. Course objectives, content, laboratory projects, text and reference materials and evaluaton procedures used are reported. (LC)

Summarizes the early discussion results in the development of a physics project in higher education. Indicates that the first-year experience concentrates on the following aspects: laboratory work, tutorial programs, and individualized instruction. (CC)

Describes teaching schemes and apparatus designed to give the teacher and the student a range of reliable, workable experiments to explore the world of small static charges. (GS)

Brief descriptions of several of the laboratory experiments which have been incorporated into an acoustics course for music majors. Includes vibratory motion and sound generation, nature, speed, and pitch of sound, spectrum analysis and electronic synthesis of musical sound and some conventional sound experiments. (Author/TS)

Assesses the broader aspects of the roles of the physics teacher and the physicist in the Third World, and discusses some of the problems they face in general administration, teaching, and research. (GA)

Describes the development and provides an example of the type of student investigation that is now considered sufficient for the practical part of the 'A' level physics examination. (GS)

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)

Members of the Physics Department and the Science Education Department have combined their efforts to implement an audio-tutorial (A-T) mode of instruction in an introductory physics course for non-physical science majors. In the A-T approach, a tape-guided discussion is integrated with various student activities such as laboratory work, viewing…

A DISCUSSION OF THE GENERAL PHILOSOPHY AND PRINCIPLES OF SCIENCE EDUCATION WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO LABORATORY WORK AND SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF SCIENCE TEACHING ARE PRESENTED. THE DISCUSSION OF GENERAL PRINCIPLES INCLUDES SUCH TOPICS AS (1) THE PURPOSE OF THE LABORATORY IN SCIENCE TEACHING, (2) THE NATURE OF THE CURRENT SCIENTIFIC…

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 advantages and disadvantages associated with the canned computer lab from the educational and software aspects. Summarizes two years of experience with canned labs and gives an example of a program and a typical student output. (GS)

Proposes that science teaching be based upon experimental work of the students, but most Italian schools are not equipped for this. This implies the development of inexpensive kits and syllabuses which can realistically be used in the schools. Provides one example of a suitable kit for individual experiments on electricity and magnetism. (GS)