At St. Olaf, I teach courses in the Physics Department and in the Engineering Studies Concentration.
Physics 124: Principles of Physics I This course explores Newtonian mechanics and typically serves non-majors. We study a wide array of topics including basics such as kinematics to Newton's Laws, and interesting applications including nuclear physics and fluid dynamics.
Physics 131: Analytical Physics II This course explores electricity and magnetism and builds toward an understanding of Maxwell's Equations. It is the second course in the Physics major sequence. The associated lab course uses VPython simulations to model electric and magnetic fields and the forces and subsequent motion that results from those interactions.
Physics 160: Introduction to Engineering Design This course is a project-based collaborative experience that introduces students to the process of engineering design. From need finding, to prototyping, 3D design, testing and iteration, students will explore the full cycle of creating a product to serve a need in their community.
Engineering Studies 261: Engineering Thermodynamics This course explores topics of energy and work, and students build skills in modeling energy transfer in these systems. Power cycles and heating and refrigeration cycles are also explored.
Physics 362: Materials Science and Engineering This course offers an introduction to materials, from crystallography to fracture mechanics and beyond, with an emphasis on research in materials science.