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Re: Computer Skills

Hi All,
I would offer an introductory computer class in the freshman
year through the Computer Science Department with specific
emphasis on the local systems. (VAX, and UNIX at UOP) I would then
require a programming type class, again with the Computer Science Department,
in the Sophomore year prior to intensive numerical analysis. The Language
used is usually determined by the computer science department.
Electronics fits nicely between Solid state, and an Advanced Lab class.

Why? you may ask:
One of the things that originally drew me to Physics is the depth and
breadth of the subject. In addition to being excellent "real world" skills,
you develop tools for later classes and troubleshooting/problem solving
skills. It also increases the exposure of the student the kinds of people
they will encounter as future colleagues. I would not substitute these for
core courses, but rather make part of the required electives section.
This would make the courses negotiable for those that want to develop
a different emphasis.

Kyle Forinash asked:
... Which topics and skills definitively separate us physicists from
chemists, computer scientists or electrical engineers?
An excellent question.

Certainly the discipline lines are somewhat blurred in our modern world,
but I believe it is our ability to blend bits and pieces of these other
subjects
into a coherent world view.
My two cents,
Robert

I agree with most of the above, but I need to point out
that even the nuts and bolts of hooking together various
complex electronic gadgets--computers, a to d converters,
and transducers of various kinds--can be useful when it
comes time to do a measurement. Experiments are more and
more automated today which is both a blessing and a curse.
Instruments can record data for long periods of time with
little problems, but the data-recording and
instrument-managing instruments must be maintained. And
it is important for the experimenter to know what the
instruments are doing for him!


At 08:19 AM 9/17/98 +0100, you wrote:
I agree with Bob that knowing how to program in at least one language is
nearly as important as knowing calculus. Ideally students should learn it
in high schools, or in computer science departments. If I had to choose the
language it would be True Basic; we already discussed this last year. The
major argument would be simplicity, power, cost and the multiple platform
nature. (A program developed on one platform, even its graphics, colors,
etc. , works on any other platform. A very powerful student version costs
only $25 and comes with a learning manual.)

As for electronics I am no longer sure it is as important today as it was
when I learned it, also in the 50's. In those days electronics was really
applied physics. Today electronics means many things to many people.
To some it means what it used to be but most often it is defined
(implicitly) as a skill of connecting (or replacing) black boxes, such as
operational amplifiers, etc. The components, usually hidden, are too
small to investigate.
Ludwik Kowalski
Bob Sciamanda wrote:

Since I began teaching (in the 50's) I have argued for basic electronics
as a necessary ingredient of the physics curriculum, citing its ubiquity
in the implementation of almost any modern experimental procedure.
In the same vain I would now insist on a familiarity with computer
programming as an essential tool of our 20/21 century armamentarium.




Robert Morrison Technical Support
PASCO scientific Phone: (800) 772-8700 Ext 237
10101 Foothills Blvd. (916) 786-3800 Ext 237
Roseville, CA 95747 Fax (916)786-3292
http://www.pasco.com morrison@pasco.com