PH4011 Senior Physics Colloquium II ... (0-0-3) s ... 1 Cr

Course Description:
Class discussion of current literature and recent advances in the field of physics. Oral and written presentations are required.
Corequisite: PH4081 or permission of instructor.

Text (Spring 2005):

There is no required text.

• The Visual Display of Quantitative Information, Edward Tufte (ISBN 981392142)
• A Handbook of Public Speaking for Scientists & Engineers, Peter Kenny (ISBN 0852745532)
• A Speaker's Guidebook, Text and Reference, Dan O'Hair, Rob Stewart and Hannah Rubenstein (ISBN 0-312-25848-8)

Typical Syllabus:
Students research topics in Physics using the library and internet resources in order to prepare oral presentations to the class. The style of the talks is intended to simulate presentations at Physics professional society meetings and research seminars. A short written abstract (summary) of each talk is required.

Each student will prepare and give two intermediate length (20 minute) talks and one full class period length (50 minute) talk. The initial source for material for the two 20 minute talks will be specified. The long talk may be taken from any recognized professional source.

Students are expected to practice critical listening skills by being attentive audience members for both fellow student presentations and departmental invited speakers at the Thursday Colloquium. They complete evaluation forms for each speech.

Course rationale:
This course deals with professional skills needed by practicing Physicists. Public speaking of the form needed in professional meetings and seminars, including the preparation needed before the talk (eg. research, writing, editing, rehearsal, and choice of visual aids), is emphasized. Listening skills are developed in class and at departmental colloquia. This is a required course for SPH and SAP majors.