PHYS 137 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers III

1. Students will be able to explain a variety of physical phenomena in the fields of modern physics, thermodynamics, and waves using models developed in class.
2. Students will apply the principles of physics to solve basic problems, often very similar to those demonstrated in class and in lecture, learning the techniques and systematic approach which is the required groundwork for solving novel and complex problems.  Order-of-magnitude estimates, dimensional analysis, and scaling behavior are emphasized.  Being able to evaluate if a solution makes intuitive physical sense is stressed.
3. Students will develop strategies for learning technical subjects and practice active reading and listening skills.
4. The Laboratory component of the course has the following student learning outcomes: Students taking the Physics 137 Lab component will develop the ability to: Devise and assemble an experiment to test a physical principle or specific hypothesis using the Scientific Method.
5. Maintain a professional quality laboratory notebook recording their experimental work, data, and observations in a clear and organized format
6. Analyze and plot the data from their experiments and properly apply rigorous error analysis techniques.
7. Effectively use common experimental tools and equipment.
8. Formulate a reasonable and meaningful conclusion or summary based on the experimental evidence they have collected.  A “Claim-Evidence-Reasoning” based summary strategy will be emphasized.