General Physics Colloquium, Professor John Thompson, University of Maine

Title:  Student understanding at the physics-mathematics interface:  Mathematical modeling and reasoning in physics

Host:  Natasha Holmes

Abstract:  Mathematical modeling is a core aspect of thinking like a physicist. Physicists use mathematical expressions, relationships, and multiple representations to understand and reason about the world, whether by mathematizing a physical scenario or interpreting and evaluating an expression for physical significance. Some skills are expected to develop in mathematics classes, and some in physics classes. But mathematicians and physicists often use mathematics differently: while physicists load physical meaning onto symbols and equations, mathematicians tend not to. This talk discusses how researchers understand and frame mathematical reasoning and modeling, including research from undergraduate mathematics education, with an emphasis on the physics-mathematics interface.