Engineering Physics: Rarified Exploration

Program dates: June 23-25, 2013

Program cost: $300

Includes lodging, all meals and any field trips. Students arrive on campus Sunday, June 23, and depart Tuesday, June 25.

Dr. Joshua Dyer, left, and Dr. Nathan Frank

Instructors: Dr. Joshua Dyer and Dr. Nathan Frank

Dr. Dyer earned a PhD in physics from Michigan State University and is an assistant professor at Augustana College. He teaches engineering design, engineering statics, intro to engineering, and introductory physics courses. He is also the advisor of the pre-engineering program.

Dr. Frank also earned a PhD in physics from Michigan State University and is an assistant professor at Augustana College. He teaches mechanics, advanced lab, and introductory physics courses. He actively pursues research in nuclear physics and is a member of the MONA collaboration.

Course description

Students will learn the basics of electron microscopy, x-ray emission, and radioactive decay. They will personally operate a scanning electron microscope to examine integrated circuits and construction of materials (MATSE) and use an x-ray diffractometer to analyze the composition of unknown materials. They will also perform an experiment using radioactive materials and determine a substance's half-life. Students will also receive a short introduction to engineering design, learn some basics of design software, and shadow engineers at a local engineering consulting firm.

Tentative schedule

Sunday, June 23

Check-in
Welcome reception

Monday, June 24

9 a.m. — Welcome in Room 120, Hanson Hall of Science, Dr. Dyer and Dr. Frank introduction

9:30 a.m. — Radioactive decay

10 a.m. — Electron microscopy and X-ray emission

11 a.m. — Engineering design: Inventor

Noon — Participant lunch with faculty and research students

1 p.m. — Tour of Hanson Hall of Science with summer research students

1:15 p.m. — Lab rotation: SEM experience, radioactive material lab

3 p.m. — Break

3:15 p.m. — Inventor

4:15 p.m. — Reflection and discussion

5 p.m. — Dinner

7 p.m. — Observatory and/or movie

Tuesday, June 25

8:30 a.m. — Travel to KJWW Engineering Consultants

9 a.m. — Tour of KJWW and selection of engineering discipline

9:30 a.m. — Engineering job shadow

Noon — Lunch with engineers

1 p.m. — Shadow second engineer

4:15 p.m. — Cryogenics: liquid nitrogen ice cream

5 p.m. — Parents return to Room 120, Hanson Hall of Science; closing session and meet up with families

5:15 p.m. — Depart from Augustana