Blending of physics and mathematics in undergraduate physics

Physicists model the natural world with the use of mathematics. Physics undergraduates are immersed in mathematics, also in physics courses. However, it is well-known that undergraduates have problems in connecting physics and mathematics, and that there is a need to develop effective teaching methods.

In this project we use the Conceptual Blending Framework to investigate how first year physics students blend mathematics and physics. Based on our findings we designed a tutorial to achieve more integration between these two disciplines.

Researchers: Sofie Van den Eynde, Martin Goedhart, Johan Deprez (Leuven), Mieke de Cock (Leuven)

Key publications: