A three-year, $499,340 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics grant has been awarded to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to enhance the university’s undergraduate physics courses.
The award, granted by the National Science Foundation, will provide life science majors with a better understanding of foundational physics concepts and improve their understanding of how those concepts are relevant to biology. Large introductory physics classes typically reach 800 students each semester. Through hands-on activities, computer simulations and cooperative group problem-solving, teachers will use a lecture/studio model to maximize students’ instructional time.
Physics and astronomy professor Laurie McNeil in the College of Arts and Sciences will lead the new project, which will reach across UNC academic departments and will also involve Duke University faculty.
College of Arts and Sciences contact: Kim Spurr, (919) 962-4093, spurrk@email.unc.edu
News Services contact: Thania Benios, (919) 962-8596, thania_benios@unc.edu