Course Name:Materials
Characterization Laboratory
Course Prefix: PHYS
Course Number: 4410
Submitted by (Name & E-Mail):
Daniel Schroeder, dschroeder@weber.edu
Current Date:
10/11/2011
College: Science
Department: Physics
From Term: Fall
2012
Substantive
|
new
|
Current Course Subject
N/A
Current Course Number
|
New/Revised Course Information:
Course Title:
Materials Characterization Laboratory
Abbreviated Course Title:
Materials Laboratory
Credit Hours:
2 or if
variable hours:
to
Contact Hours: Lecture
Lab
4 Other
Repeat Information: Limit 0
Max Hrs 0
Grading Mode:
standard
Prerequisites/Co-requisites:
PHYS 2220, PHYS 3410
Course description (exactly
as it will appear in the catalog, including prerequisites):
A series of
experiments for advanced students employing modern methods of
measurement of properties of materials. The course will teach
microscopic and spectroscopic techniques and general laboratory
practice, data analysis, and error propagation. Four hours of lab per
week. Prerequisites: PHYS 2220 and 3410.
Justification for the new course or for
changes to an existing course. (Note: Justification should emphasize
academic rationale for the change or new course. This is
particularly important for courses requesting upper-division status.)
We currently
have one upper-division laboratory course (PHYS 3640) required for all
physics and applied physics majors. That course is a survey of
experiments in classical and modern physics. Adding this new course will
create another option for students in our program, reducing strain on
the equipment and space used for PHYS 3640 and giving students
interested in a materials emphasis a more specialized course closer to
their interests.
INFORMATION PAGE
for substantive proposals only
1. Did this course receive unanimous approval
within the Department?
true
If not, what are the major concerns raised by
the opponents?
2. If this is a new course proposal, could you
achieve the desired results by revising an existing course within your
department or by requiring an existing course in another department?
The most
similar course is Advanced Physics Laboratory, currently PHYS 3640. The
Physics Department considered the option of incorporating more materials
characterization experiments into that course, giving students an option
of choosing different emphases within the course. However, the materials
characterization experiments are different enough that it is more
appropriate for students to make this choice at registration time, and
to receive appropriate recognition on their transcripts.
No other WSU department offers a similar existing course.
3. How will the proposed course differ from
similar offerings by other departments? Comment on any subject overlap
between this course and topics generally taught by other departments,
even if no similar courses are currently offered by the other
departments. Explain any effects that this proposal will have on program
requirements or enrollments in other department. Please forward letters
(email communication is sufficient) from all departments that you have
identified above stating their support or opposition to the proposed
course.
Materials science
is an inherently interdisciplinary subject that draws on ideas from
physics, chemistry, geology, and engineering. However, this advanced
laboratory course is intended only for students with a strong physics
background and will have no effect on requirements or enrollments in
other WSU departments.
4. Is this course required for
certification/accreditation of a program?
no
If so, a statement to that effect should appear
in the justification and supporting documents should accompany this
form.
5. For course proposals, e-mail a
syllabus to Faculty Senate which
should be sufficiently detailed that the committees can determine that
the course is at the appropriate level and matches the description.
There should be an indication of the amount and type of outside activity
required in the course (projects, research papers, homework, etc.).