Computer Assisted General Physics Laboratory

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This project has the goal of improving the introductory physics laboratory courses taken by scientists and engineers. The physics department is replacing the computer-based data- acquisition and analysis equipment used in these courses so that students learn to use general purpose computer data- acquisition hardware, general purpose data-acquisition software, data analysis software based on a spreadsheet, and report preparation software as part of a first semester general physics laboratory course. Having acquired the ability to use these and other essential laboratory tools, students use these general purpose tools and work more independently in the second semester laboratory course. This two semester laboratory course sequence builds on student knowledge of computer hardware and software; it also prepares students for upper division laboratory courses and for research participation. The major software package used is LabVIEW, a graphic based language which allows students to easily program the computer interface to deal with each experimental problem.NSF grant funds are being matched with funds from non-federal sources.