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)

Presents Ausubel's theory of learning and discusses its implication for teaching physics in the classroom and some of the theory's shortcomings. (HM)

This article focuses on discoveries in astronomy during the past 20 years using a wide range of observing techniques. The future is seen as a time when astronomers will learn more about the distribution of mass in the universe, the physics of energetic sources, and the intricate interconnections of astrophysical processes. (Author/SA)

Describes results of a study which examined the interests of secondary students in certain aspects of physics and technology. Presents results on the mean number of student choices of theoretical and practical topics and student preferences for type of physics lesson. Examines student residence and spare-time interests as variables. (GS)

Briefly reviews the history of nuclear energy, artificial transmutations, the fission process, and nuclear energetics. A comparison of magnitude is made between chemical and nuclear energy. (CS)

Some ways to link calculus instruction with the mathematical models used in physics courses are presented. The activity of modelling is presented as a major tool in synchronizing physics and mathematics instruction in undergraduate engineering programs. (MP)

Discussed are two current physics research areas. Solar cell efficiencies are discussed relating to present and future conversion efficiencies. Topics discussed in Astrophysics include the observation of astronomical bodies at different wavelengths, in terms of electromagnetic spectrum, tools of astronomy, compact stars, pulsars X-ray binaries,…

Describes the photodiode array and the electrical connections necessary for it. Also shows a few of the optical demonstration possibilities-shadowgraphs for measuring small objects, interference and diffraction effects, angular resolution of an optical system, and a simple spectrometer. (Author/DS)

Provides historical examples of intuitive discovery applicable to the teaching of physics for majors. Cites details for the discovery of Coulomb's law, emphasizing the roles of Joseph Priestley and Henry Cavendish. Also discusses the career of Ivar Giaever, a Nobel Prize winner of 1973 in solid state physics. (CS)

Described is the interview-about-instances method used to gain insight into children's and adults' views of the world and the meanings people have for the words they use in explaining their views. Physics teachers can utilize this technique to become aware of the various concept understandings pupils bring to physics classrooms. (DS)

Described is an apparatus for determining the Curie temperature of a Ferromagnetic material which enables large specimens to be heated up to a maximum of 1100K in 20 minutes. Included is the theory, magnetic circuit apparatus, electrical circuit, and results using this apparatus. (DS)

Considers several cosmological facts that relate to formulating accurate models about the universe, including the red shift, the unbounded universe, and the curvature of space. (CS)

Describes details of the construction of a simple compact schlieren experimental setup as an instructional aid. This new optical method is easy to apply, noninterfering, nondestructive, free from inertia, and can produce instantaneous records of transient phenomena, and is comparatively inexpensive. (Author/SK)

Describes an apparatus that uses a microcomputer as a timing device in which the Coefficient of Restitution (COR) is measured. Diagrams of a circuit for timing measurements and a flow chart of a program that measures COR are provided. A list of COR for some common objects is also included. (CS)

The cause and effect model of research and application was first discredited in physics by the uncertainty principle. The same dramatic shift in outlook that the uncertainty principle necessitated among physical scientists is long overdue among those committed to the enhancement of the unique world of the person. (Author)