Al Meldrum is a professor in the Department of Physics. Photo credit: John Ulan
What do you teach?
Physics 124, 126, 114, 362, and 574 in recent years.
Why should people learn about this?
Physics is humanity's best attempt to understand nature. It tries to answer fundamental questions that children might ask, like, "Why is the sky blue but clouds are white?" or, "Where did the moon come from?" or, "Why do compasses point north?" The answers to these apparently simple questions can often be surprising, and set us on a path toward a much deeper understanding of nature.
What are some of its "real-world" applications?
Physics has too many applications to think of. Almost all of the most important technologies have at their root an understanding of basic physical processes, without which few of humankind's myriad technological developments would have been possible. Whether we talk about the electrical power grid, the workings of the internet, or even the municipal sewage system, it really is all physics.
What's the coolest thing about this subject area?
Physics stretches the imagination, but it is rigorous. It teaches many key skills, including critical thinking, computational skills, experimental high-tech skills, mathematical skills, and even interpersonal and teambuilding skills through research laboratory experiences.
What kinds of unique or innovative learning experiences do you offer your students? What's the value in offering students these opportunities?
Well, I'm a bit of a traditionalist. I have no doubt that new technologies and strategies aimed to enhance active learning (as opposed to passively receiving a lecture) can provide a significant learning benefit, and I sometimes include these in lectures. However, I also think we have to be careful to avoid too many "gimmicks" and that, even in the modern world, nothing beats a well-delivered, clear, and stimulating lecture. I'm definitely not saying that I can achieve this, by any means, but I do put a lot of effort into trying to develop good lectures.
What was your favourite learning experience as an undergrad, and how do you incorporate that experience into teaching your students?
I can't really say that I had a single favorite learning experience. In general, I always felt most interested in classes where I could see the value of what I was learning. In other words, I wanted to know why this was important, and for me that importance should not be "merely" academic but also skills based. I always thought that one of the scariest things about being a student was not knowing where you'd be or what you'd be doing in another year or two. So my favorite educational experiences tended to be those that taught me a skill that I might be able to use later.
What is one thing that people would be surprised to know about you?
That I'm a terrible public speaker and even worse at debating, and to this day I get massively nervous when I have to talk in front of a crowd of more than about four people.