MIT Subject Evaluations

8.13 - Experimental Physics I
Fall Term 1998

Lecturer: Dr. Jordan Kirsch -
Lab Instructor: Professor Jacqueline Hewitt
Lab Instructor: Grum Teklemariam

Enrollment: 20
Number of students commenting: 8

Class members mentioned that the class frequently does not explicitly state what students are expected to do. A few recommended a review of what is contained in a good lab report or presentation, while others felt that additional lectures on methods of parameter estimation were necessary. Students mentioned that the lab guides are ambiguous and out of date, and that an updated guide would be helpful. Finally, one student mentioned that some of the lab equipment, such as the thermostates, do not work. However, students seemed to have overall positive feelings about 8.13.

Dr. Kirsch's lectures drew high praise from his students. Respondents felt he showed great enthusiasm, was always around the lab to help with experiments, and that he could explain procedures and concepts effectively. One respondent went as far as to say that "If [Dr. Kirsch] ever stops teaching this class, it shouldn't be taught!". However, in addition to Dr. Kirsch's generally high marks, one students felt that he needed to explain the fundamentals of lab work, reports, and oral presentations better for those in the class who have no previous lab experience.

Students were also pleased with the performance of Lab Instructors Professor Hewitt and Professor Teklemariam. Class members stated that the L.I.'s and T.A.'s knew the experiments very well, and were available to help with the experiments or concepts as needed.

Most 8.13 students remarked that the labs were interesting, although a few felt that the course went through the individual labs too quickly. One respondent replied that the required oral reports were very beneficial, calling them "the best part of the course."