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Physics Labs

Promoting a New Kind of Undergraduate Education in Scientific Discovery

First-year students are taking part in a new way of learning about physics. In an interactive, small-group environment, they are:

  • Designing and implementing procedures to solve problems through discovery activities which introduce best practices in experimental science.
  • Learning computer skills in data acquisition and analysis that are essential for modern experimental work.
  • Working through computer simulations.

  • Building strong communication, presentation and group interaction skills.

ug_labs2.jpg"The labs allowed our group to explore the topics more deeply, which helped me to develop a physical correlation to, and greater intuition for, the material." — 1st Year Pilot Lab Student

Implementing this exciting curriculum requires state-of-the-art learning facilities and collaborative work spaces. This is what the renovated wing in the physics department will provide for the more than 1,600 students who enroll each year in the first-year physics courses!

A pilot lab was completed in January 2008 followed by two more labs in the summer of 2009. All the first-year students are now actively using these new spaces and the response from both students and instructors has been overwhelmingly positive. The final phase of renovations will see two more labs, along with a student common room and technologists' centre, built. The University has provided seed money and made matching funds available — but we will need private-sector investment to transform these plans into reality.

  • Total project cost: $4.5 million
  • U of T funds allocated: $2.25 million
  • Private support necessary: $2.25 million
  • Naming levels:
    • Each lab: $500,000
    • Student Common Area: $250,000
    • Technologists' Centre: $250,000

 

Leadership gifts will be recognized with a naming opportunity and tailored recognition program. The University will provide matching funds equivalent to 50 per cent of the naming levels for each component to encourage fundraising efforts.

Or give a gift to the Physics department in support this project.

  • For more information on supporting the physics labs, contact Ingrid Silm at 416-978-1548 or ingrid.silm@utoronto.ca.

Photo: Anthony Macri