Physics 895/2

Introduction to Research in Physics

Spring 2006

(Preliminary)

Instructor:                Prof. James Ryan
Physics Department and
Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space

Office:                  Morse Hall, Room 310
Phone                                                       862-3510
E-Mail                             James.Ryan@unh.edu

Office hours:        

 

 

Alternate:                Prof. Eberhard Moebius

 

Office:                  Morse Hall, Room 407
Phone                                                       862-3097
E-Mail                            Eberhard.Moebius@unh.edu

 

Office hours:         Mo 2-3; We 10-11; Fr 11-12

 

Course Materials:  Occasionally handed out in class

 

Course Goals: 

Become prepared for research
• Choose a research group at UNH
• Sneak preview of the tricks of the trade
• Learn about helpful resources
 

 

Topics:

Talks by UNH Physics Researchers on their work

Responsible Conduct in Research

Library Resources (including Web-based resources)

Attendance at colloquium and feedback on the talks

Discussions of research: 

* How does it differ from course work? 

* What are some pitfalls in doing research?

* Personal experiences of faculty and of students who are currently involved in research

* Expectations as you begin research

 

Credit: 

1 credit course: Physics 895 (Independent Study). 
Pass/Fail
        Based on:

Attendance in class: please let me know of important conflicts! It may be possible that off weeks can be adjusted

Attendance and Feedback from Colloquium: Response sheet will be handed out. Discussion and feedback on colloquia is strongly encouraged.

Web Module on Research Ethics: Complete modules and discuss in class

 

Meeting Time and Classroom:

Tuesday. 1110 am-1230 pm       Parsons 201
One-credit course: Thus some weeks will be off! (to be announced)


Class Contents (sequence may adjusted):

Introduction:                                                                                                            Jan 19
Some examples of research, discoveries, false leads, ways to start;
Homework: formulate questions from web news item and find some leads

Graduate Student Experience:                                                                              Jan 26
Kathy Reeves & Daniel Seaton

 

Library Resources:               with Emily Poworoznek                                            TBD
Search for references, books; computer/internet resources; interlibrary loan

 

Research Groups at UNH:                                                                                       TBD
Presentation by and discussion with members of the major groups

High-energy Astrophysics & galactic Cosmic Rays

Magnetospheric and Ionospheric physics

Solar & Heliospheric physics

Solid State & Material Science                                                                             

Nuclear physics, Nuclear Theory & Medical Imaging

Theory: String, Lattice, Biophysics;   Physics Education

     These classes will feature 30 minutes of one of the general topics, such as Research methods;
responsible conduct in research (
Human Subjects; Authorship; Hazardous Materials; Mentoring; Peer Review);
How is research funded? What is a proposal?

 

Responsible Conduct in Research:                                                                      throughout
 Misconduct; Data Management; Conflict of Interest; Collaborative Research

 

Presentation and Presentation Techniques:                                                          TBD
Scientific publishing; giving a talk

 

Bring up any question on research, and we will consider it!