Course Modules in Apparatus Design and Experimental Techniques

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Randall P. Tagg DUE 9552121 U of Colorado Denver FY1995 $ 94,547 Denver, CO 80217-3364 ILI - Leadership in Laboratory Development: Physics Title: Course Modules in Apparatus Design and Experimental Techniques Insufficient attention is given in science curricula to training students, at an early stage, in the practical techniques of laboratory work. When students begin undergraduate research projects, industrial co-ops, and jobs, many are ill-prepared to construct, select, adapt, and use scientific equipment. This project introduces a series of self-contained course modules in practical methods that will come after the first year of college laboratory courses. Six foundation modules form a one year course: (1.) materials, mechanisms & machining; (2.) basic electronic circuits & measurements; (3.) signals & electronics for signal conditioning; (4.) computer-assisted experimentation; (5.) introduction to metrology & transducers; and (6.) optical systems. Upper division elective modules are: (7.) vacuum systems & surface technologies; (8.) feedback control; and (9.) lasers & optoelectronics. In five weeks, each module will cover a small number of the most basic methods and technologies of a topic. There will be 90 minutes of discussion, lecture, and demonstration and four hours of lab per week. Students will document their practical experience through individual portfolios of their projects. The modular form of this course material makes it readily adaptable to other colleges, where further topics can be developed in the same format. Student lab manuals, exercises, suggested projects, lecture transparencies, demonstrations, software, designs, and parts lists will be available and continuously updated over the Internet.