Multiple Thematic Introductory Calculus-Based Physics Course

在联合学院，以微积分为基础的物理入门课程以小规模讲座/复习课的形式提供。通过这一项目，这些目前紧密联系在一起的章节的传统的、面向历史的内容将被多个没有链接的章节所取代，这些章节的内容将具有不同的指导主题。根据这笔赠款，正在开发两个原型：一个基于空间物理，另一个基于分子生物物理。预计专题方法将澄清基本物理原理的相关性，这些原理是课程的本质。当前实践的其他重要变化是减少对经典分析的重视，加强定性推理。为此，在教室和实验室中使用计算机，特别是现代多媒体技术作为基本工具，是该项目的主要重点。此外，正在修改实验室格式，以鼓励学生进行发现工作。

Introductory, calculus-based physics is offered in a multiple, small lecture/ recitation section format at Union College. Through this project the traditional, historically oriented content of these currently closely linked sections will be replaced by multiple, unlinked sections whose contents will have different guiding themes. Two prototypes are being developed under this grant: one based on space physics, the other on molecular biophysics. The thematic approach is anticipated to clarify relevance of the basic physical principles which are the essence of the courses. Other important changes from current practice are to lower emphasis on classical analysis and enhance qualitative reasoning. To this end, use of computers, particularly modern multimedia technology, in classroom and laboratory as essential tools is a primary focus of the project. Additionally, laboratory format is being reworked to encourage discovery work by the students.