Metaphors, Models, and Measurement of Light We perceive, imagine, explain, produce, use, measure, absorb, and even slow down light.  It is pervasive in our human experience and our scientific understanding of the universe. Represented in all kinds of ways, from discrete measurements to evocative metaphors, light appears in literature, in science, and in our daily lives, and we will use each of these contexts as a lens for critical thinking. We will employ methods from the humanities and from the sciences to explore concepts of light in fiction, poetry, essays, and scientific writing, and we will incorporate our own observations and experimental activities into our consideration of this material.

The Physics of Motion This calculus-based course examines fundamental topics in motion and mechanics, including inertia, force, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, collisions, gravitation, rotational motion, torque, and angular momentum, emphasizing applications in physics, engineering, the life sciences, and everyday life. Laboratory explorations of topics covered in lecture will build students’ physical intuition and problem-solving skills. Students who have taken a high-school course in physics should consider enrolling in PHYS 0109.

Experimental Techniques in Physics This course will cover the design and execution of experiments, and the analysis and presentation of data, at an advanced level. Laboratory experiments will be chosen to illustrate the use of electronic, mechanical, and optical instruments to investigate fundamental physical phenomena, such as the properties of atoms and nuclei and the nature of radiation. Skills in computer-based data analysis and presentation will be developed and emphasized. This course satisfies the College writing requirement.

Introductory Mechanics This calculus-based course examines fundamental topics in motion and mechanics, including inertia, force, Newton's laws of motion, work, energy, linear momentum, collisions, gravitation, rotational motion, torque, angular momentum, and oscillatory motion, emphasizing applications in physics and engineering.  Laboratory explorations of topics covered in lecture will build students’ physical intuition and problem solving skills.

Oscillatory Motion, Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics  This calculus-based course covers oscillations, wave motion, sound, geometrical optics, physical optics, and thermodynamics.  Other physics topics may be added at the discretion of the instructor.  Lab experiments will explore these topics and develop skills in experimentation and data analysis. (PHYS 0108 or 109) And

Electronics for Scientists An introduction to modern electronic circuits and devices, emphasizing both physical operation and practical use. Transistors and integrated circuits are considered in both analog and digital applications. Examples and laboratory experiments stress measurement and control applications in the physical and biological sciences. Students will gain hands-on familiarity with the design, use, and troubleshooting of electronic instrumentation.

Anne Goodsell

Reviews and ratings for Anne Goodsell at Middlebury College.Anne Goodsell teaches Light: Metaphors & Models, The Physics of Motion, Experimental Physics II and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Anne Goodsell good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I really love Anne Goodsell as a Professor. She is extremely kind and is great at explaining things (always is super welcoming in office hours). I find the homeworks and labs to very helpful for learning the concepts and overall not an insane amount of work. 

Anne is truly one of the sweetest professors at Middlebury. I would take this class 10x again if it were just to have her as a professor. Exams were fair, although homework does take a lot of time each week. 

Goodsell is an amazing prof - very accommodating and super passionate about physics (almost too passionate for an 8 am class). Sometimes the course felt a little disorganized but overall it was easy to keepup, homework was pretty light for the most part, and exams were fair. Studying was required to do well though.