A Computer-Based Modern Physics Laboratory

许多理工科学生在没有现代物理实验室的情况下学习现代物理课程。这种对现代物理学实验基础的阐述是远远不够的。为了纠正这个问题，我们建议在现代物理课程中增加一个互动组件：一组旨在模拟关键现代物理实验的计算机练习。 量化中的模拟实验（例如，光电效应），散射（例如，卢瑟福）和量子力学（例如，Stern-Gerlach）将在UTEP设计和开发。模拟将使学生直接控制输入变量，访问输出数据和分析工具，以快速研究结果。将编写一份手册以随附软件。 模拟的使用将在UTEP和新墨西哥州州立大学进行测试。这些模块稍后将在UTEP的现代物理课程中实施。模拟的评估和评价将在学生和教师层面进行，并由顾问进行。 服务于理工科院校的物理系将从这一建议的产品中受益。为了更好的兼容性，将为MacIntosh和PC系统开发模拟。特别是，社区学院和具有小型实验室设施的机构将发现模拟有用。在UTEP实施教学工具将使少数民族学生受益匪浅。

Many science and engineering students take a course on modern physics without taking the modern physics laboratory. This exposition to the experimental foundations of modern physics is far from adequate. To correct this problem, we propose to add an interactive component to the modern physics class: a set of computer exercises designed to simulate key modern physics experiments. Simulated experiments in quantization (e.g., photoelectric effect), scattering (e.g., Rutherford), and quantum mechanics (e.g., Stern-Gerlach) will be designed and developed at UTEP. The simulations will give students direct control of input variables, access to output data and to analysis tools for a rapid study of the results. A manual will be written to accompany the software. The use of the simulations will be tested at UTEP and New Mexico State University. The modules will be later implemented in UTEP's modern physics course. Assessment and evaluation of the simulations will be done at the student and faculty level and by a consultant. Physics departments serving science and engineering colleges will benefit from the product of this proposal. For greater compatibility, the simulations will be developed for MacIntosh and PC systems. In particular, community colleges and institutions with small laboratory facilities will find the simulations useful. Implementing the teaching tools at UTEP will greatly benefit minority students.