California Institute of Technology Cal Tech - Big T Yearbook (Pasadena, CA)

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PHYSICS DEPARTMENT IN speaking of the Department of Physics, one thinks first of the wonderful Iniilding which houses this branch of the Institute ' s work. The Norman Bridge Laboratory of Physics is one of the most complete and best equipped labora- tories in the country, and aiYords an unusual opportunity to those men engaged in research within its precints. The third unit is now completed, and provides num- erous class rooms besides the usual research rooms. Naturally in physics, as in all courses, the student must follow a rather definitely laid out curriculum, but it is the aim of the faculty to so far as ])Ossible surround the undergraduate with an atmosphere of research after the comple- tion of his second year, and to allow him to follow his own inclinations as far as possible in the matter of choosing research subjects. The course known as Physics and Engineering is growing exceedingly popular and an ever increasing number of men are signing up for the combination of pure science and applied engineering subjects, some laying more stress on one side and some on the other. Most of the men working on research problems are doing their work in con- junction with, and under the direct guidance of some prominent ])hysicist, and thus are getting not only a knowledge of the subject in hand and a chance to work out their own ideas, but also an invaluable training in the methods of attack, by observing the processes by which the older and more experienced men handle their [iroblems. This past year there have been several very interesting research problems investigated by undergraduates. One of the most im])c)rtant of these was carried on by William Dent, working on the theory and construction of a sodium x ' oltmeter. Both Emerson Bailey and Joy ' an den . ' Kkkcr did consider- able researcli in the study of flourescence in the extreme ultra-violet, while (ieorge Clapp worked with Wladimir Zaikowsky on the subject of internal combustion engines, studying the whys and wherefores of their eccentricities. W liile it is impossible to give a very complete course in research work to the undergraduate, it is the plan of those designing the curriculum to give the student sufficient work along these lines to enable him to see just what the field is to be after graduation and to find out whether or not he desires to cast his lot with those searching for new discoveries in pure science or whether he wishes to adopt as his life work the more technical side known as engineering. twcnlv-six

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