Integrating Computer Programming into Introductory Physics Courses

Abstract

Computing has become essential in virtually all physical fields, used for tasks such as modelling complex systems and analyzing data. As a result, computer programming competence is now considered a default requirement for physics research. Additionally, computer programming requires critical thinking and problem solving skills – both of which are also essential for physics and other rigorous disciplines. Thus, learning to program at the undergraduate level not only facilitates students’ ability to apply physical principles to solving problems, but also boosts marketable skills valuable in a more general job market. However, little emphasis is placed on computer literacy in the introductory courses of undergraduate physics curricula. Physics students interested in pursuing undergraduate research will often need to either take a computer science course or learn a computer programming language independently. In either case, it takes the student a long time to gain an understanding of the language and be able to apply it to relevant problems. This workshop is geared toward instructors and teaching assistants in introductory undergraduate physics courses with a working understanding of and experience using at least one programming language (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) for scientific applications. The intention is to introduce methods and provide suggestions for more effectively introducing students to scientific programming and integrating it into the physics curriculum.