Revitalizing Upper-Level Laboratory Instruction: Opportunities and Initiatives

Laboratory instruction has a central role in developing undergraduate students’ physics knowledge and experimental skills, in addition to transferable skills such as design, troubleshooting, innovation, and communication. But upper-level physics laboratory instruction is under stress, with financial challenges, significant demands on time and knowledge needed to keep curriculum and equipment up to date, and the frequent isolation of advanced lab instructors. The Advanced Laboratory Physics Association (ALPhA) is a professional organization for those involved with upper-level lab instruction. ALPhA partners with equipment manufacturers, professional organizations, and foundations to generate funding, leverage access to equipment, and provide opportunities to share knowledge and build community. Among the opportunities offered by ALPhA are the Laboratory Immersions, multi-day workshops providing intensive hands-on experience with high-quality experiments. ALPhA also organizes national conferences on Laboratory Instruction Beyond the First Year; the next conference (“BFY3”) will be held at Loyola University Maryland in July 2018. I will discuss these and other opportunities, and will also invite comments and suggestions about current needs and possible future initiatives.