Teaching external Physics students

Abstract

Traditionally students would turn up at the first Physics lecture of the semester, be given a Study Guide and told to purchase a text book and laboratory manual. They would then be well equipped to work their way through the unit. There were perhaps one or two students that could not manage to get to a laboratory session and allowances were made for them to catch up during non-teaching weeks. Some even moved out of commuting distance, missed out on lectures and had to complete a residency for their laboratory work. This made studying more complicated for both the students and the unit coordinator. It also disadvantaged country students and working students who were studying part time. Over the years Murdoch University Physics as strived to address this situation, and a structure has evolved that facilitates the learning of students who cannot attend the campus. These students are said to be studying in the external mode.