- DEPARTMENTAL DESCRIPTION
The study of the universe from the largest to the smallest possible scales is the province of physics. Yet physics is not so much a body of knowledge as it is a disciplined way of looking and asking questions. Our physics program in Faculty of Educatin Masaryk University engages you in a personal exploration of this exciting and rewarding discipline within the context of a future teacher education. You will be guided by a dedicated teaching faculty whose interests encompass such diverse areas as astrophysics, computer modeling, solar energy technology, and the mechanic properties of solid or amorphous material.
Our program offers the limited physical broad scope of study as that offered in many larger research departmens, yet with a personal touch. In addition to basic offerings in classical mechanics, electricity and magnetism, astronomy, modern physics and didactic, the curriculum includes courses in digital and analog electronics, solid state physics, thermodynamics and statistical mechanics, special topics courses exploring areas of particular interest, and advanced laboratories exploring phenomena as diverse as radioactivity, planining empirical ecology measurements, gathering empirical data and quantitative analysis.
Our size permits individual attention for each student. Research apparatus is not private domain of the faculty - it is intended and available for student use. Students culminate their studies with a three-semester senior project in an area of particular interest. Recent investigations have included an automated detector to study degradation of photovoltaic cells, an analysis of the frequency components of human voices, optoelectronic sensors and usage microcontrollers for time measuring.
Studying physics within a liberal arts environment can by rewarding, students in physics could be a Mgr. Teacher certification in physics is available upon completion of a physics major and a minor in education. Most of recent students have used their physics training to pursue careers in education, computer programming, industrial laboratories management. Studying physics in the context of a liberal arts education can also be intellectually satisfying in its own right. The society of the next century will be shaped by the scientific and technological advances of the present. Science has left its imprint on history, politics, literature, and the fine arts. At our Faculty of Education (Pedagogická fakulta Masarykovy univerzity) you will learn physics accompanied by students in these other areas. You and they will gain the ability to think about problems and explore the issues of the day from a well-rounded perspective.
The physics major is challenged by a curriculum designed to equally develop theoretical and experimental skills. The beginning student explores classical physics, learning to use the language of mathematics to express relations between physical properties. Laboratories emphasize the nature of measurement and uncertainty, while giving the student hands-on experience with a variety of modern apparatus and techniques. As the student progresses, the study expands to include modern physics and relativity, as well as an exposure to digital and analog electronic systems. Concurrent studies in mathematics include linear algebra, differential equations, and vector calculus. Recognizing the importance of the computer as a tool for both collecting and analyzing data, physics majors are encouraged to attain fluency in at least one programming language, and are expected to make appropriate use of standard software such as spreadsheets, statistical packages, and word processing. To this end, several computers within the Physics Department are dedicated exclusively for student use.
Advanced students develop more sophisticated analytic skills in teching physics, in classical and contemporary physics, as well as gaining competency in a variety of experimental techniques, in teaching physics at training schools. Special topics courses and the capstone experience of a senior project allow the student to work closely with individual members of the faculty while pursuing areas of particular interest. Classes in upper level physics courses typically enroll three to five students, though some courses have been made available for a single student. All course e work is directed and evaluated by members of the faculty; teaching assistants are not used. Qualified adjunct faculty supplement and enrich the offerings of the department when appropriate.
The Physics Department is housed within the Pedagogical Faculty, Brno, Porici 7. Our laboratories are equipped with instruments suitable for both instruction and research. Students in the laboratory make use of modern digital multimeters and fast oscilloscopes to analyze integrated circuit systems of their own construction.
The Department of Physics also affords students access to the faculties computer laboratories, which include multiple terminals and networked personal computers. The Physics Department's Amper Server (LinuX RH) is dedicated for work in physics and teachers of physics. In view of the decline of common attitudes towards physics and science in general the staff of the department spent much effort devising, organizing and performing various popularization and educational activities aimed at gifted primary school teachers, secondary school teachers and the general public.
For present teachers of physics we prepare a series of science activities that guide children through a chain of adventures which have been carefully designed to foster a curiosity about themselves and their environment. They can be utilized as supplements to a child's schoolwork, projects or as a portion of the curriculum for home schooling.
The Kopernik Observatory, adjacent to the Cow‘s Mountain in Brno, houses a telescopes and planetarium. The Observatory serves as a teaching laboratory. This facility is primarily available for student use. Public programs of the Kopernik Observatory are largely staffed by students.
Physics studia are afforded personal study space within the department. Reference materials, books and journals in the Faculty Library are supplemented by a departmental collection of texts and journals which reflects the particular interests of the faculty.
The department offers some opportunities for physics majors and minors to work as student assistants. These students help with maintenance and set up of laboratory and lecture demonstration apparatus, and work on special projects within the department. Research efforts concerning pedagogical activities are focused on computer modelling in physics, modern measurement methods and computer aided measurement systems and their implementation into the teaching of science subjects.