Expanding the role of computers in physics education: a computer-based first-year course on computational physics and data analysis

Abstract

We describe the design and implementation of a new first-year physics course introduced at Memorial University. This course makes extensive use of computers for the collection and analysis of experimental data and for modeling of physical phenomena. Major goals of the course are to educate students in the use of computers as a tool for doing science, to emphasize the interplay between theory and experiment in physics, and to enhance the students' learning of physics through inquiry-based and collaborative learning. Some preliminary results as to the effectiveness of the course in meeting these goals are presented. PACS Nos.: 01.50.Ht, 01.40.Di, 01.50.Lc