The number of bachelor's degrees in physics conferred annually is predicted to decline. This decline may be abated by emphasizing the versatility of an undergraduate physics degree. The introduction of environmental topics throughout the undergraduate curriculum is one method of illustrating this flexibility, and this approach is presented. Examples of the applications of physical principles to several areas of environmental change are given. These areas are air pollution, energy conversion and resources, environmental radiation, noise, thermal pollution, transportation, and water pollution. Representative bibliographies are presented in each area to facilitate the introduction of these topics into the curriculum. For the most part, items in the bibliography refer to environmental problems that are amenable to the laws of physics. No major changes are proposed for the standard undergraduate physics curriculum, although a course in fluid mechanics or transport phenomena would provide a valuable background for students of all interests.
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December 1972
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December 01 1972
Environmental Topics in an Undergraduate Physics Curriculum
David J. Cowan
David J. Cowan
Physics Department, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325
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Am. J. Phys. 40, 1748–1756 (1972)
Article history
Received:
December 14 1971
Citation
David J. Cowan; Environmental Topics in an Undergraduate Physics Curriculum. Am. J. Phys. 1 December 1972; 40 (12): 1748–1756. https://doi.org/10.1119/1.1987058
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