INFORMATION FOR WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS
Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon
August 6-9, 2006 NOTE DATE CHANGE
Conducted by:
David McIntyre and Corinne Manogue
The Paradigms in Physics Project, begun in 1997 at Oregon State University, is a complete revision of the upper-division physics curriculum. By tying the content of our junior year courses to case studies of paradigmatic physical situations, we have made the curriculum more modern and flexible enough to meet students' diverse career needs. By utilizing more student-centered pedagogies including integrated laboratories, small-group problem-solving, computer simulations, and project-based courses, we have improved students' analytical and problem-solving abilities, as well as their integration of mathematics and physics.
As part of an NSF-supported Educational Materials Development project, the Oregon State University Physics Department is hosting a faculty development workshop during summer 2006. This workshop is focused on the quantum mechanics aspect of the Paradigms curriculum. In our modular curriculum we cover quantum mechanics in four of the nine modules we teach: Spin & Quantum Measurement, Waves, Central Forces, and Periodic Systems. This workshop will provide participants with an overview of the complete Paradigms curriculum, detailed information about the quantum courses, and hands-on experience with the student engagement activities used in these courses. Particular emphasis will be placed on the Spin & Quantum Measurement course, which is an introduction to quantum mechanics through the analysis of sequential Stern-Gerlach spin measurements, and the Central Forces course, which covers both classical and quantum mechanical solutions to the three-dimensional central force problem. The quantum topics covered in this workshop are appropriate for a first semester quantum course in a traditional curriculum.
The costs of housing and meals in Corvallis are provided by an NSF grant. Participants must underwrite transportation costs. Participants will receive course materials and instructor's guides on paper and CD ROM. The workshop begins with dinner and introductions on Sunday evening August 6 and concludes with summary discussions Wednesday evening August 9. Housing will be in a hotel within walking distance of the workshop.
Additional information on the Paradigms project and on the two courses in
particular can be obtained by phone (Corinne Manogue 541-737-1695) or at the
following web sites:
The
Paradigms Program
Spin
& QM
Central
Forces
Workshop
The Spin & Quantum Measurement course is an introduction to quantum mechanics through the analysis of sequential Stern-Gerlach spin measurements. The approach and material are based upon previous presentations of spin systems by Feynman, Sakurai, Cohen-Tannoudji, and Townsend. The postulates of quantum mechanics are illustrated through their manifestation in the simple spin 1/2 Stern-Gerlach experiments. The specific examples covered are: sequential Stern-Gerlach measurements of spin 1/2 and spin 1 systems, spin precession in a magnetic field, spin resonance in an oscillating magnetic field, neutrino oscillations and the EPR experiment. The tools of Dirac notation and matrix notation are used throughout the course. General two- and three-state quantum mechanical systems are also covered as simple extensions of the spin systems. Cross-platform JAVA software has been developed to simulate Stern-Gerlach experiments. The workshop will present the course philosophy and materials, and will provide hands-on work with the software and course materials.
Many, many problems in physics arise from central forces, i.e. forces that
depend only on the distance from the source and not on angle. The two most important
examples are the gravitational force due to a single spherical or pointlike
mass and the electromagnetic force due to a single spherical or pointlike charge.
This course explores features which all such forces have in common, as well
as some special features of the most important examples. The first week focuses
on central forces in classical mechanics especially planetary motion, with emphasis
on the importance of the conservation of angular momentum and the concept of
the effective potential. The second week focuses on the separation of variables
in Schroedinger's equation and related equations in the presence of spherical
symmetry, leading to a study of spherical harmonics and angular momentum operators.
The culmination of the course is an in-depth exploration of the quantum theory
of the unperturbed hydrogen atom.
Participants will be selected based upon their statements of interest and expected impact. The statement may include details of teaching experience relevant to the desired workshop course, ideas for implementing new materials, the individual's and/or department's willingness to adopt Paradigms modules or the complete curriculum, etc. The NSF grant will fund 8 participants.
Submit application by mail, email, FAX, or online to:
Corinne Manogue
email: corinne@physics.oregonstate.edu
Department of Physics FAX: 541-737-1683
Oregon State University
Weniger Hall 301
Corvallis, OR 97331
Downloadable PDF Application
Form for Mail/FAX
Online application
All applications received by June 1, 2006 will be given full consideration. Applications received after that date will be considered on a space available basis. Participants will be notified of the action on their application by June 10, 2006 or within one week of their application, whichever is later.
A printable PDF copy of this description for keeping, sharing, or posting is available here.
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Last Update 8/2/06, webpage created by Corinne Manogue,
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