The Department offers to undergraduate students a Teaching and Technology Internship Program. The program's goals are to improve the quality of undergraduate teaching by increasing the number of instructors in physics labs, to enhance the involvement of women and minorities in science and science teaching, and to engage undergraduates in the integration of computer-related technology in physics classrooms. The program is open to all undergraduate science majors.

Internships are available teaching laboratories, recitations, and in the use of technology in the classroom. All interns participate in the Department's TA Training Program, receiving extensive training prior to the Fall semester (typically one day at the end of the Spring semester and 2 days preceding the start of the Fall semester). During the academic year, they attend teaching seminars and organizational meetings.

Students in the program register each semester for the 2 credit course PHY 388-389 (Teaching Internship in Physics), and receive a stipend of $500 per semester.

Internships in Teaching Laboratories: Internships will be available for undergraduate students to serve as co-instructors, along with graduate TA's, in the introductory Physics and Astronomy labs. Laboratory interns may request to be assigned to laboratory sections in PHY 113, PHY 114, PHY 121, PHY 122, PHY 123, PHY 141, PHY 142, PHY 143, PHY 243, PHY 386, PHY 387, PHY 390A, AST 111, and AST 142. Participants instruct one laboratory session per week (10 per semester) throughout the year. Laboratory interns share all responsibilities with a graduate co-instructor, but usually do not grade lab reports.

Internships in Workshops and Recitations: A small number of highly qualified undergraduates are selected to do internships conducting workshops or recitations in introductory physics courses. Interns may request to be assigned to PHY 113, PHY 114, PHY 121, PHY 122, PHY 123, PHY 141, PHY 142, PHY 143, AST 102, AST 104, AST 142.

Internship in Teaching: In the introductory physics courses PHY 103 (Physics of Music), PHY 105 (Physics by Inquiry) and PHY 141, computers have been integrated into the lectures and recitations. Interns will participate in running these classes.

Other positions may become available, paid by the hour. These include general computer system management, administrative support, and course grading.

Application Process for Internships: A single application form covers all internships listed above. All students who have previously taken, or are currently enrolled in, the introductory Physics and Astronomy courses are eligible to apply. Participation is not limited to Physics and Astronomy majors, but laboratory or recitation interns must have completed the course in which they will assist (or be able to demonstrate equivalent experience) before the program begins. Selection of participants will be based on performance in physics courses and labs, overall academic standing, commitment to the goals of the program, written recommendations, personal statement, and interviews with the program coordinators. The deadline for application is March 1. Selection of interns will be announced in early April.

The application form can be found here.

The Teaching and Technology Internship Program is coordinated by the Undergraduate Internship Committee chaired by Profs. Steven L. Manly, and Lynne H. Orr. The progam is affiliated with the Program for Women in Science and Engineering (WISE). For additional details on the TA training component, go here.


Go to Special Programs page.

Go to Undergraduate Programs page.