Using Physics to Learn Mathematica to Do Physics: From Homework Problems to Research Examples

TL;DR

This paper presents a course that integrates Mathematica training with physics education, enabling students to solve homework problems and engage with research-level topics, thereby enhancing their computational and research skills.

Contribution

It introduces a novel course design that combines physics problem-solving with Mathematica skills and research exposure for advanced undergraduates.

Findings

Students improve their Mathematica programming skills.

Students connect coursework with current research papers.

Enhanced readiness for research-level physics work.

Abstract

We describe the development of a junior-senior level course for Physics majors designed to teach Mathematica skills in support of their undergraduate coursework, but also to introduce students to modern research level results. Standard introductory and intermediate level Physics homework-style problems are used to teach Mathematica commands and programming methods, which are then applied, in turn, to more sophisticated problems in some of the core undergraduate subjects, along with making contact with recent research papers in a variety of fields.