Career Opportunities and Work Life

Skills You'll Need

Salary Ranges

The Classroom Experience

Certificate & Degree Options

According to Lake Michigan College instructor and engineering transfer program coordinator Mike Durren, "You can't learn by observation alone, attendance is taken regularly, but is not calculated into the final grade. Attendance is necessary for successful completion of the course."

Expectations and Skills Taught
You must be self-motivated in these courses. "I don't assign homework problems, but I do expect students to be able to understand all the problems in the book. If students are struggling with a problem, I encourage them to ask me, and we'll work it out in class," says Mike. "Students need to be serious about their education. They need to read without being told which pages to read, they need to do problems beyond what is assigned,"

Grades will be based on exams, quizzes, and lab reports. Expect to apply learned ideas.

Laboratories
New technology was added to the physics labs in 2004. Interface equipment, in combination with computer programs, allows students to see, test, and plot data on the following:

• Motion
• Light
• Sounds
• Temperature
• Electric charge

Labs hold 12 stations, which allow for optimum hands-on opportunities.

Technology in the Classroom
Along with the new lab equipment, many forms of technology are used within the classroom. PowerPoint presentations, videos, DVDs, the Internet and materials available on Blackboard - the College's instructional Intranet - play an important role in class.

Getting the Most From the Program
"I hold regular office hours for students. I welcome students to come in and get additional explanations on physics topics," says Mike.

You should also keep in touch with your advisor to make sure you are on track for transfer requirements and graduation. If necessary, your plan can be revised to adjust for any circumstances that may change your available time to complete the program.