REBECCA CORLEY portrait
  • Graduate Teaching Assist (TA), Physics And Astronomy

Current Courses

Spring 2024

  • PHYS 2235-001
    Computational Lab
    Location: PHYS 205 (PHYS 205)

Teaching Philosophy

My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that education should be a transformative and inclusive experience. To achieve this, I employ a diverse range of pedagogical techniques, such as active learning, project-based assessments, and technology integration, to cater to different learning styles and foster critical thinking. In my classroom, inclusivity is paramount—I am committed to recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives of every student. By creating a safe and welcoming environment, I aim to facilitate open dialogue and active participation, encouraging students to share their ideas and engage in constructive discussions. My teaching is infused with enthusiasm and dynamism, as I seek to ignite curiosity and adapt to the evolving needs and interests of my students. Through interactive and engaging methods, including hands-on activities and real-world applications, I strive to keep students actively involved in their learning journey. Moreover, I am dedicated to being culturally sensitive, incorporating diverse perspectives into the curriculum to provide a comprehensive and meaningful education. In essence, my teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive, engaging, and dynamic educational experience, inspiring a lifelong love of learning in my students.

Courses I Teach

  • ASTR/PHYS 1050 - The Solar System
    Astronomy--from ancient to modern times. Central theme will be the attempt to understand the nature and origin of our solar system starting with early ideas of the cosmos, proceeding through investigations that led to the scientific revolution of the 17th century and culminating with the observations and discoveries made by the 20th-century space program. Topics will include apparent motions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars; seasons and eclipses; principles of light and telescopes. Current films of the planets and their moons, demos and other multimedia activities will enhance the course. The latest Hubble, Spitzer, Chandra and other modern satellite images will supplement the course. Discovery of thousands of planets orbiting other stars will be discussed and related to the creation of our own solar system.
  • PHYS 2210 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers I
    This is an introductory course in Classical Mechanics. It introduces the basic concepts and theory of kinematics (motion), dynamics, energy, momentum, rotational motion, gravitation, rotation of rigid objects and oscillatory motion.
  • PHYS 2220 - Physics for Scientists and Engineers II
    This is an introductory course in Electromagnetism. It introduces the basic concepts of electric charge, electric and magnetic fields; electric current and electric circuits; the fundamental laws of electromagnetism; and electromagnetic waves and light propagation.
  • PHYS 2235 - Computational Laboratory
    This laboratory will provide a basic introduction to computer programming. Topics include the Linux operating system, using Excel in the physics lab, and the Python programming language. Laboratory exercises will be chosen to amplify the understanding of the subject matter from introductory classical mechanics.