Miami University Physics Education Program, Introductory Level Sequence.A Prototype Project consisting of a three-semester sequence of new calculus-based introductory physics courses emphasizing laboratoy experience is being developed and implemented. Its intent is to enhance student interest, while providing more insight into how physicists think, by introducing, as early as possible, advances made in physics in the twentieth century. Featured in the first two semesters are major sections on quantum mechanics, statistical physics, and special relativity. The third-semester Contemporary Physics course builds on the first two semesters: it develops basic concepts in order to describe recent research results.The three-semester sequence serves as the introductory component of an undergraduate physics education program, as typified by the Freshman and Sophmore years. The entire sequence is appropriate for students majoring in engineering, mathematics, and the sciences, and in other technical fields. However, because for many students in majors other than physics the first two semesters constitute the only physics course taken, these two semesters are designed to stand alone. They introduce ideas of twentieth century physics which can be used in advanced courses taken by students in other science and technical majors. The three-semester sequence is designed to be transportable to other Colleges and Universities where class size is moderate to large.
