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History 181B:  Modern Physics
Nobel assignment
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Parameters You will research and report on one Nobel Laureate or Prize (in physics, of course).  Your task is to describe the work that won the prize and its place or significance in the history of physics.  Length:  3 pp.
Sources The Nobel Foundation website is an excellent source of information:
  • If you already know what interests you, start from The Nobel Prize in Physics - Laureates:  links to information on laureates and their work grouped by date, or search on a name.
  • If you want an overall list or a prize in a particular time period, try Nobel Prize Laureates:  names listed by date with the prize citation.
  • If you are looking for a prize in a particular field or just browsing for a topic, see The Nobel Prizes in Physics 1900-1999:  a topical narrative and another good place to start.
The Physics Library has print sources:
  • Nobel lectures:  physics 
      • 1901-1921, 1922-1941, 1942-1962, 1963-1970:  Reference QC71.N613 
      1971-1980, 1981-1990, 1991-1995:  Reference QC6.2.P46 
  • Frank N. Magill, The Nobel Prize winners:  physics:  Reference QC25.N63 1989
      • 1901-1937, 1938-1967, 1968-1988
  • The Dictionary of scientific biography:  Reference Q141.D52
In addition to secondary sources, you must use and cite from the prize lecture(s) by the appropriate laureate(s).
Documentation Part of the assignment is providing proper documentation in proper format.  For this paper, much of the information is commonly known.  Therefore you do not need to use citations except when you quote from a prize lecture.  For such citations, a parenthetical reference will suffice:  e.g., (Bohr, 221).  However, you must provide a list of your sources with full bibliographic information.  For guidance on bibliographic format see the Teaching Library's introduction (either MLA or Turabian is acceptable).  If the online guide does not cover your case, look up the format in the library;  the guide gives references.  Check the format even if you think you know it, as 80% of students get it wrong.  Also make sure to follow the format for online sources.
Logistics The paper must be typed, double-spaced in normal-sized fonts with reasonable margins.  It may not be submitted by e-mail or in any other electronic form. 

When the paper is due depends on when the prize was awarded:

Before 1922 Wednesday, March 7
1922-1951 Wednesday, April 4
After 1951 Wednesday, May 2
If you are less comfortable with the physics, you would do well to pick an earlier prize.

The paper is due at the beginning of class on the day specified.  (You may of course turn it in earlier.)  Standard penalties for lateness apply:  each day reduces the paper grade by 2/3 of a mark.
 Warning Proper writing (grammar, organization, citation format) definitely counts.  Please take it seriously.
Copyright © Cathryn Carson 2001