Experimental Techniques in Physics I In this lab course, we will learn the design and execution of experiments, the modeling of physical systems, and the analysis and presentation of data, at an intermediate level.  Laboratory experiments will examine topics in classical mechanics, optics, quantum mechanics, and electricity and magnetism, each with an emphasis on the acquisition of data and computer-aided analysis of data. Students will also gain experience keeping a lab notebook and writing a lab report. (PHYS 0110 or PHYS 0114)

Senior Project Independent research project incorporating both written and oral presentations.

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.

Picture a Physicist Picture a physicist.  Whom do you see?  In this course we will learn about the pioneering physics research done by women, African Americans, and members of other groups that are underrepresented in physics.  Through in-class demonstrations and simulations, students will understand the many physics questions that would never have been answered without a diverse group of physicists working to solve them.  Students will read about the lives and struggles of these physicists and will examine the hidden and overt obstacles that can hinder their persistence in the field.  No prior knowledge of physics is necessary nor expected.

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

Biomedical Imaging Why do we use microscopes for thin tissue slices but x-rays for imaging through the entire body? In this course we will explore the physics of light and life through various biomedical imaging techniques. We will apply the fundamental imaging concepts of resolution, aberration, diffraction, scattering, the Fourier transform, and deconvolution. Most of the course will focus on biomedical optics, including standard optical microscopes, fluorescence imaging, spectroscopy, fiber-optic endoscopes, and laser-scanning microscopes. The latter part of the course will cover non-optical imaging, such as ultrasound, x-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Students will gain hands-on experience through field trips to a local hospital and the use of the Cell Imaging Facility in McCardell Bicentennial Hall.

Analytical Mechanics An intermediate-level course in the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid body motion. The topics will include: analysis and application of Newton's law of mechanics; the concepts of work, energy, and power; energy conservation; momentum and momentum conservation; torque, angular momentum, and angular momentum conservation; oscillatory motion; and central-force motion. Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulations of classical mechanics will be introduced with emphasis placed on developing problem-solving strategies and techniques.

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.

Michael Durst

Reviews and ratings for Michael Durst at Middlebury College.Michael Durst teaches Experimental Physics I, Senior Project, Experimental Physics II and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Michael Durst good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

I took this with Professor Dunham in Fall 2024. (Not an option) I had a great time taking this course. I am a freshman planning to be a Physics major and took this course my freshman fall. It was engaging, not too much work, and a learned a lot. 

When I first signed up for this class, I wasn’t sure what to expect—it’s a 100-level physics elective I needed for my major. But I ended up really enjoying it, mainly because of the professor. Professor Durst is incredibly enthusiastic and creates an open, engaging learning environment. 

This class was completely fine for a physics requirement. The labs were fun and I thought Professor Durst was really engaging and effective. His lectures were organised and recorded. The homework assignments followed from the lectures, and similarly the exams follow pretty much from the problem sets.