Please see the links below for information relating to current classes. Each class link will contain class syllabi, news and announcements, and any handouts or assignments given in class.
Phys 1013 Physical Science
Phys 1504/1514 Gen. Astronomy
Phys 2114 Eng. Physics 2
I like chocolate milk.
This is the webpage of Dr. Tad Thurston, professor
of physics and astronomy (and occasionally
mathematics) at Oklahoma City Community College.
For student information regarding current courses,
please see the Courses section on the
left.
I graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 1998 with
a Ph.D. in Astrophysics, then worked for a number of
years as a software engineer developing new 3D
techniques in scientific visualization. I chiefly used
C++ along with OpenGL to create physical simulations of
orbiting satellite constellations at Raytheon and
weather radar visualizations at NSSL and WDT.
Scientific visualization is a continued interest of
mine; I am working on a set of interactive physics and
astronomy simulations for education. Soon I hope to be
posting demonstrations of this software for current
classes on this site.
My office is 2B5(C), located in the SEM center (2nd
floor, Main Building).
Feel free to drop by during the following
office hours: (Fall 2008)
TBD
Please don't hesitate to contact me via
email
or my OCCC phone number:
(405) 682-1611 x 7605
Here are some places of personal interest around the internet:
Astronomy Picture of the Day
Every
day, a new (usually great) picture of astronomical
interest is posted with a (usually great)
explanatory caption. We look at and discuss these most
days in the general astronomy classes.
Slashdot
A good customizable news site slanted towards
those interested in programming, science, and
technology.
Cosmic
Variance
An interesting blog from a set of
theoretical physicists and cosmologists, with links to
other worthwhile blogs.
John Baez
A great set of pages dedicated
to advanced physics and mathematics subjects. If you're
interested in theoretical physics, (and who isn't?), this
is a good first stop for reading material. This is a
link to the "fun" reading stuff.
Online
Sailing Course
This US Sailing site has
some introductory information on sailing and general
boating, including an introduction to racing
sailboats.
Blender
Blender is a great, free, 3D modeling and
animation program for all platforms. There are online
tutorials available. Lots of fun to play
with!
POV-Ray
This
is a GREAT free ray-tracer for all platforms with lots
of free plug-ins available. Anyone can use this to
start tinkering around with 3D computer
graphics.
Animation
Master
I'm interested in making computer
animated short films, and this is the great (and fairly
low-priced) software I've used for 3D character modeling
and animation.