Senior Labs

The physics undergraduate labs are the legacy of A.W. Knudsen, who began working in the mid 1960s to build the newly formed University of Calgary physics department into a world-class teaching experience for undergraduate students. His background was in the meticulous planning and construction of research equipment. Some of his most rugged designs are still in use today, and the example which he set continues to guide our operations. Many of the students he taught are now professors here or at other universities.

Dr. Knudsen's laboratory system grew until it became necessary to split the facilities into Junior Labs (first and second year), and Senior Labs (third and fourth year). This has proven to be a logical and productive differentiation. The smaller senior classes are well served by the less structured and more adaptable space and resources of the advanced lab area. To learn more, see the Advanced Topics list.

Individual long-term projects (PHYS 598 & PHYS 599) are assigned space as required within a workspace which closely resembles the labs of research groups. The lessons are more geared to the increasing sophistication of the senior undergraduate students, and strive to provide a practical, realistic preparation for their future careers.