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Dr. James T. O'Brien Professor of Physics and Engineering -- Rockville Campus Office:  Room 311C  Science East        Phone: 240-567-5233 james.obrien@montgomerycollege.edu

What I Teach

        Engineering Physics (PH161-262-263).  The three semester sequence of calculus-based physics courses designed for students planning to transfer to a four year school as majors in engineering, physics, or the physical sciences.

        Engineering Computing (ES240).  A course in the use of computer techniques for the numerical solution of typical engineering problems.  Currently uses the high-level computational language "Matlab".  Includes some experience in the construction of structured computer code for specific applications.

        Statics (ES102) and Dynamics (ES221).  Intermediate courses in applied mechanics required for first & second year engineering students in many majors.

        College Physics (PH203-204).  The two semester, non-calculus physics course commonly required for majors in Chemistry, Life-Sciences, and almost all Pre-Professional fields (Pre-dent, Pre-med, Pre-pharm, etc.)
 

Some Personal History

    I arrived at Mongomery College in 1971 as principal developer for Technical Physics courses, in support of the then-new engineering technology programs, and in the subsequent years have taught a wide selection of physics and engineering courses.  Some major curriculum development projects include a revised lab program and handouts for Engineering Physics II, and major revision of the Engineering Computing course to incorporate  up-to-date computer tools, shifting from Fortran to Matlab as the primary language.

    I was Department Chairman from 1980-86, during which time we assumed the responsibility for the engineering transfer program. 

    I have a long history of participation in governance affairs at MC.  Chaired the Rockville Learning Environment Committee through late 1970s -- genesis of still-thriving programs such as Advising Cadre, Reading and Math Centers, formal Assessment Testing, and expansion of Honors Modules into "regular" course offerings, can all be directly traced back to initiatives originated by task groups of this Committee.  Served as Chair of the College-wide Advisory Committee on Academic Computing from 1980-86, and Chair of the Rockville Dept. Chairs from '83-85.  I am twice  past President of the MC-AAUP Chapter, and remain on its Executive Board as Governance Liaison to Academic Assembly and coordinator of regular meetings between Governance leaders and the Senior Adminstrators of the College.  A major role within the College for the past 5+ years  has been as Chair of the Web Maintenance Team (WMT) and advisor on web concerns to the Executive Vice Presidents.

   Outside of the College I have remained Research Professor at Catholic University, most recently active in nuclear structure research at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility (JLab) in Newport News, Va., where I served for many years (thru Fall 2005) as Archivist of the CLAS collaboration.