Level Physics Courses Research Articles

PSI for low-enrollment junior–senior physics courses

We have recently completed the preparation of PSI materials (study guides and unit tests) for seven junior–senior level physics courses: Mechanics, Electricity and Magnetism, Atomic Physics, Mathematical Physics, Physics and Computers, Astrophysics, and Relativity. Three additional courses—Solid State Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Quantum Physics—have been prepared by our colleagues. These are all elective courses at our institution and tend to have relatively low enrollments. By preparing them in the PSI format we are able to offer all ten courses every semester for any number of students with efficient use of faculty. A description of our materials, our mode of operation, and the reactions of students, faculty, and administrators are presented.

Solution of the Schrodinger equation for the hydrogen atom using a modular analogue computing system

A procedure is outlined for the solution of the Schrodinger equation by an analogue computing system. It may provide a useful teaching method since certain aspects of the electronics in unit 6 are combined with the wave mechanics in unit 10 of the Nuffield advanced level physics course. The construction of the computer is discussed in some detail.

Some uses for a sigital computer in an A level physics course

Digital computing facilities are now available in many schools, usually under the auspices of the mathematics department. Science teachers are now engaged in finding ways in which they can make use of a computer in their disciplines. The authors discuss some of the ideas they have tried, which can be used in an A level physics course.

The Nuffield physicist in the university

The authors discuss the Nuffield A level physics course and the ways in which it differs from the standard A level course in physics. Emphasis is placed on its application to the varying careers which students taking physics at A level might follow.