This project produced an online astronomy course based on the free, online OpenStax textbook. When this project was conceived, about a year before the COVID-19 pandemic, the authors had no idea that in a short period of time, most college and university classes would be online. This abrupt change in modalities of courses, from traditional,…

Numerical simulations are playing an increasingly important role in modern science. In this work it is suggested to use a numerical study of the famous perihelion motion of the planet Mercury (one of the prime observables supporting Einsteins general relativity) as a test case to teach numerical simulations to high school students. The paper…

In recent years the realisation that children make decisions and choices about subjects they like in primary school became widely accepted. The role of the primary school teacher as the main ambassador for a subject is therefore crucial in inspiring and enthusing the younger generation towards STEM. However, in most European countries, primary…

This article presents an approach to integrating public e-lectures on contemporary physics into a traditional high-school syllabus. This approach was used in a long-distance professional development course for in-service physics teachers. Each lecture was related to a specific obligatory syllabus chapter, and was accompanied by learner-centred…

Introduces the development of the interdisciplinary course The Atomic Era which features a unique combination of physics, sociology, and German studies taught jointly by a physicist, a sociologist and a germanist. Addresses and analyzes the objectives of the course, laboratories and demonstrations, instructional goals, assignments, organization,…

This article reports the status of an undergraduate course in introductory physics at the University of Ulster and its success over the past 11 years. The original plan, problems, changes, and an assessment of the course are discussed. Lists 11 references. (YP)

Lists the following information about physics courses in 121 colleges and universities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and miscellaneous notes. (CS)

Lists the following information about physics courses in eight colleges and universities in Scotland: honors degree courses, special entry requirements, course structure, and miscellaneous notes. (CS)

Suggests using thematic approach for physics instruction based on the broad theme of energy resources. Presents physics pathways from student and lecturer viewpoints, and describes how the course operates. (SK)

Examines several areas to be considered in developing physics syllabi. They include (1) the objectives of physics teaching and learning; (2) physics as an experience, based on realistic expectations of what 14- to 16-year-olds are capable of; and (3) the kinds of experiences in which students can succeed (including computer experiences). (JN)

Describes the evolution of the seven major physics syllabi used in all secondary schools in China and analyzes the shifts of these syllabi in terms of objectives, content, instructional hours and teaching methods. Suggests changes for China's future secondary-physics education, including the need for modern experimental equipment such as computers…

Describes the first course of a new physics curriculum developed at the Karlsruke Institute for the Didactics of Physics. The basic idea, energy flow, is introduced at the beginning of the course and illustrated by examples from everyday life. Highlights selected topics which introduce concepts unique to the approach. (Author/JN)

Describes the physics program at Saudi Arabia's University of Petroleum and Minerals, including the physics curriculum, examinations, and future plans. Includes comments on the development and operation of the University as a whole. (SK)

Describes characteristics of and instructional strategies related to an applied physics course offered by the New South Wales Institute of Technology in Sydney. The course has a number of unique features which enable its students to be of immediate use to industry upon graduation. (JN)

Describes an optional course in "computational physics" offered at the University of Birmingham. Includes an introduction to numerical methods and presents exercises involving fast-Fourier transforms, non-linear least-squares, Monte Carlo methods, and the three-body problem. Recommends adding laboratory work into the course in the…