Computational Physics at Davidson College
Dr. Dan Boye & Mr. Jim Nolen
Physics Department
Davidson College

     From data acquisition and analysis in teaching and research labs to a
strong
grounding in computational methods and simulations, undergraduates are
exposed to different applications of the computer throughout the physics
curriculum at Davidson College.  Examples of individual student projects
from a multi-disciplinary course in computational physics (required for a
major in physics) will be shown.  Scriptable Java applets developed at
Davidson, known as "physlets", provide interactive modules for the
development of curricular material. A new "physlet" written by rising senior
physics major Jim Nolen models molecular dynamics in two dimensions with
hard disks.  The applet is an excellent tool for teaching concepts such as
pressure, temperature, specific heat, the ideal gas law, and diffusion.
Demonstrations of these WWW-accessible exercises will be given.

Davidson College is a highly selective 4-year liberal arts college of
1600 students located just north of Charlotte, NC.