Helmy S. SHERIF
University of Alberta

A Discussion of Spin: From Teaching to Research

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The subject of spin occupies a prominent place in many discussions of physical phenomena. I shall use the discussion of spin-1/2 particles as a connecting thread from class room teaching to research. Starting with the treatment of spin-1/2 in a first course on Quantum Mechanics, I shall point out where I believe the students begin to accept some of the basic principles of the subject. A discussion of the Dirac Equation and its role in enriching our understanding of spin is followed by an account of the role it plays in recent discussions of nuclear structure and reactions, including some aspects of my own research. Some personal reflections on physics and teaching will be given.