General Physics Lab

The General Physics Lab is the first room you'll see as you walk into the department.

It is filled with lab tables, computers, and usually all kinds of equipment that we're currently using. This lab is used for both the General Physics course (Calculus-based for engineers and physics majors) and Introductory Physics (Algebra-based, primarily for the Life Science majors). These courses deal with mechanics and thermodynamics in the fall, and topics such as waves, sound, optics, electricity, and magnetism in the spring.

Some of the labs are computer-based and use an automated data taking system. Others are more traditional in nature. The most exciting part of each semester is projects. During projects, students design and perform their own experiments. The results are then reported both orally and in writing. It is a wonderful opportunity for beginning students to experience in a short time period the actual process of science.

This lab is also used for the almost nightly help sessions. These are run by a TA and help the students with their homework and with understanding the concepts of the physics they're studying.

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