Evolution of Physics Instruction at ASU*

Robert CulbertsonDepartment of Physics, Arizona State University

*This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (0808790, 0108787, and 0833210).

Introductory Physics Tracks

• Non-STEM majorsPHY 101 PhysicsPHS 110 Physical SciencePHS 111 Music in Motion• Life Science majors

PHY 111 (113) Mechanics and 112 E&M (114)• Engineering majors

PHY 121 (122) Mechanics and 131 E&M (132) • Physics majors

PHY 150 Mechanics*, PHY 151 E&M*** Interchangeable with PHY 121/122** Interchangeable with PHY 131/132

Courses

Course Number Subject Formats Target Majors

PHY 101 General Physics 1 Non-STEM

PHS 110 Physical Science 1, 5, 8 Non-STEM

PHS 111 Musical in Motion 3, 5, 8 Elementary Education

PHY 111 Mechanics, Fluids, Heat 1, 5, 8 Life Science

PHS 113 PHY 111 Lab 7 Life Science

PHS 112 E&M, Optics 1, 5, 8 Life Science

PHS 114 PHY 112 Lab 7 Life Science

PHY 121 Mechanics 1, 2, 5 Engineering

PHY 122 PHY 121 Lab 7 Engineering

PHY 131 E&M 1, 2, 5 Engineering

PHY 132 PHY 131 Lab 7 Engineering

PHY 150 Mechanics 4, 8, 5 Physics

PHY 151 E&M 4, 8, 5 Physics

Formats1 Lecture Hall2 Includes Recitation3 Studio4 SCALE-UP5 May include Learning Assistants6 Modeling7 Laboratory Only8 Includes Laboratory

Undergraduate Learning Assistants (LA)

• Based on Colorado LA Model• Began Fall 2012 with PhysTEC Project with ~4• Continued growth to Fall 2015 with ~30• Fully Funded Through Course Fees• Several Classroom Models

Large Lecture with Group Work PeriodsLarge Lecture with Group Work DayRecitationStudio or SCALE-UP with Frequent Group Work

Lower Failure Rate: Fewer D’s, E’s, and W’s

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 20160%5%

10%15%20%25%30%35%40%45%

489

691

608753

783

583

1025

787390 196

392

PHY 121 Spring Semester DEW

TraditionalWith LAsSeries9

Year

DEW