Scientific Workstations in Undergraduate Physics

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Sophisticated scientific workstations running powerful software are essential tools for practicing scientists and engineers, but undergraduate curricula nationwide are not responding vigorously to the challenge and opportunity provided by these devices. In response, the Lawrence Department of Physics will construct a computation laboratory to support a major restructuring of its undergraduate physics curriculum. The first phase of this project will build familiarity with computer-based tools by introducing suitable examples and exercises into the intermediate-level core of courses. As the students advance, more sophisticated exercises will be incorporated into advanced offerings. Through curricular revision, a departmental environment will be created within which Lawrence undergraduates will become expert at using state-of-the-art computing tools intelligently, effectively, extensively, and independently. At the same time, the Department will be conducting a pilot project whose results will influence the course of physics instruction at other schools during the coming decades. The grantee institution is matching the NSF award with an equal sum obtained from non-Federal sources.