Los Angeles Valley College - Crown Yearbook (Valley Glen, CA)

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Physics fits in Rode - was selected as the outstanding first year physics student on the basis of his high grades and ex- ceptional ability. Fundamental physics is an important part ofa well-rounded education. Physics student Dan Simansky performs a basic experiment. The electronics laboratory provides specialized training for Mike A? Matza, lab assistant. Industry is now demanding great numbers of people extensively trained in the areas of physics and elec- tronics, and striving to meet that demand, Valley Col- lege's combined department presently numbers about 500 students. The segment concerned with physics is taught by four professors: Andrew Mason, department head, Edward M 5 H. Clark, Leroy Osborne and Ruth Wiggins, all of whom hold their master's degrees. It offers tive ob- ,961 la Y. jectives, the first three of which are designed to be combined with other studies. The most intensified study objective is a two-year introductory sequence for engineering and science majors. Also offered are a one-year general course for pre-med or architectural students and a one semester physics appreciation class for liberal arts majors. Two of the remaining five objectives offered are a three-semester course for technicians and a new two-year course in radiation and nuclear measurements. These two are complete training, after which the student is employabie.

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The popular student takes notes in his history class along with fellow students. When not in school, the likeable and articulate athlete enjoys his free time horseback riding and playing tennis. Coming from an athletic family his interests naturally run in sports. His father and uncle were both prominent professional boxers some years back. After college, Williams would like to try his hand at professional football. On that score he commented, I believe that if a person has confidence in his ability to do something, then he should at least give it a whirl. I think I can make it in pro football. I could be wrong, but I would cheat myself if I didn't set my goals high. Thus far in his 19 years of life, Williams hasn't failed, and there is no reason to believe that he will start now. 'I 'd like to try pro ball,' says Williams Hit form behind, Williams is knocked down offer a 4-yard goin. Throwing a block in the foreground is Jim Glavey. J. 'N V, is Q , :Vg -xii, .x,..1-1ss.ffs,: A z M? ' . 2' 2, mg- . . :'f 'f I: :X vs ' . - -, glgeguuegg :Mum lgf' Ni: K . S to ff' s X K -fn -:st -4, fr. ., I I sf' 'Q-31' .-,l .M-wxr-.V . sri, . -e t t If it Q, ., Q Ng., ,., - e t. :sc L,-et..a:.lY

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r 1 I 4 l l li -pasvlfl' .,. ..-- Checking on the radioactive sample are Andrew Mason, chairman ofthe department, and Mike Matza, lab assistant. Barbara Arnold, physics student, finds laboratory experimentation a valuable aid to her studies. Peering out from behind mountains of complicated- lookingfscientific apparatus, Andrew Mason, head of Valley's physics and electronics department, explains the basic studies offered by his department. l'We teach our students to look around themselves and describe what they see mathematically, says Mason. Then it's simply a matter of controlling physical en- vironment-you have to make it do what you want it to. The rapidly growing department has two basic aims. The first is to prepare the physics, electronics or en- gineering major for further education or employment. The second aim is to acquaint all students with the world of physics. One of the classes offered by the department, Physics Fundamentals, is aimed at this second type of student. It is designed primarily for liberal arts majors and emphasizes fundamental laws and principles rather than quantitative problem-solving. Mason feels that this class is accurately described as physics appreciationf, We are living in a scientific, technical society, Mason points out, 'land everyone needs at least an in- troduction to his physical environmentf' As a part of the fundamental foundation of a Well- rounded education, Mason wants his appreciation students to uget a feeling for itf' He illustrates his ideas by instructing them to look back in history and observe how a better understanding of physical surroundings helped to advance man. Mason believes that knowledge of basic physics be- comes adjunct to almost any other field of study and that the student is better prepared for the mechanics of modern living. XN Z Mu M.wM1:rp,,2 G gp ss ,XR ,- Barbara Arnold and Dan Simansky work together on an assignment in Valley's modern, well- equipped laboratory.