II. Practical Physics.
This Graduate Course is for students preparing to become teachers
of science, or desiring to push their studies in Physics beyond the
limits of the under-graduate work. The instruction is partly theoretical
and partly experimental, embracing the following topics:
Theoretical.—Reduction of observations; Method of Least Squares;
Graphical representation of results; Interpolation; Essays on prescribed
Physical topics.
Experimental.—In this, the main portion of the course, the student
will learn physical manipulation, and the use of instruments by actual
practice in the Physical Laboratory. (1.) Lecture-room apparatus
and Lecture-room Experiments. (2.) Physical Measurements and Instruments
of Precision.
Text-books.—Merriman's Method of Least Squares; Kohlrausch's Physical
Measurements.
The Physical Laboratory consists of four connected rooms, one of
which is also used as a lecture-room. One of them is permanently
darkened, and in two others the light may be excluded at pleasure. A
fourth apartment is so supported on massive piers as to be practically
insulated as regards sensible tremors. The needful appliances, in the
way of fixtures and apparatus for physical experiment and research,
have been so far supplied as to furnish ample opportunities in laboratory
work for undergraduates, and valuable facilities for the advanced
student in Practical Physics.
