| This work addressed the problem of inclusion of relativity in undergraduate physics curricula. The undergraduate physics curricula at thirty top American universities were examined and only eight offered relativity courses. A survey conducted of the undergraduate physics majors during fall 2001 at the University of Massachusetts Lowell found that the majority of upperclass students who had received previous exposure to relativity expressed interest in further instruction. During a discussion section with students enrolled in a graduate-level relativity course at the University of Massachusetts Lowell during fall 2001, the students unanimously expressed the opinion that relativity was an extremely important topic and had previously been neglected in their undergraduate curricula. It was concluded that the solution to the lack of inclusion of relativity in undergraduate physics curricula would be a required relativity course. A course outline was designed, including a syllabus, class notes, and sample problems. |
