Decline of SU?

I agree that some units in SU are not doing as well as their counterparts in other universities, or as well as they were in the past, but there are a number who are.

Consider this... "Silliman now has the most Level III offerings than any school in the country" (http://www.su.edu.ph/pres_speaks/bsm_strategicchallenges_silliman.htm).
SU also has 4 Centers of Excellence: Nursing, Education, Marine Science, and Accountancy;
and 2 Centers of Development: Biology and Information Technology.

Some of them got their upgraded status only quite recently, so there must be improvements going on around SU. So, keep your head up, because the way things are going, we're on a steady rise.

Meteor Shower Viewing at Silliman

Last Friday, Dec. 14, the physics students of Silliman gathered to watch the Geminids meteor shower. Aside from the physics majors, other students joined in watching the said meteor shower.

Mini-lecture series: Astrometeo lab

*Dec. 11, 2007 (NOT Dec. 9)

Comet Holmes

The month of October and November was colored with the highlight of the night, the Comet 17P or Comet Holmes. Comet Holmes is a periodic comet in our solar system. As of the moment, Comet Holmes is the biggest object in the Solar System, even bigger than the sun.
The comet changed magnitude from 17 to 2.8; meaning it became brighter by half a million times. The next time the comet will return is predicted to be at March 22, 2014.

suphysics.org

SU Physics Peeps:

The upcoming "suphysics.org" will feature pictures from the older batches to the latest batch, different audio and video podcasts about Physics, other sciences, and technology, and will cater to high school and college student needs on the subject Physics.

Let's make this work. We need your cooperation. Post on comments if you have any questions or contributions. =)

Thanks for the domain and space!

Meteor Shower

For those interested in astronomy:

The Orionids meteror shower is visible in the Philippines from October 17 - 25. The new moon would be favorable for those who wish to see it. The maximum rate of showers may reach 20 - 25 per hour which may be observed under favorable conditions.

The shower could be found at the direction of the star Betelgeuse, the brightest star of the Orion constellation.

happy viewing

for more astronomical events visible in the Philippines, check out the astronomical diary of the pagasa website.

To get a domain or not

I chatted with Alex Aguel (the BS Physics with Emphasis on Computer Applications alumnus who has put more emphasis on the computer side of the course) this morning. He's now somewhere in Europe doing some programming thing. Anyways, he has offered to set up a domain for us. Maybe something like www.suphysics.org. As an overview, he explained to me that some of the advantages of having such a domain over this blog are:

• we would have our own email addresses like eliel@suphysics.org.
• we could have our own forum
• etc. (I actually forgot the others that he mentioned. Maybe you can help me with this one, Lex. just post a comment.)

I want to know what your opinions are on this thing, so please post your comments now.

web.link: OCW Consortium

OCW Consortium seems to be a useful tool to increase our visibility with the goal of increasing awareness and interest in SU Physics curriculum.

To quote
"An OpenCourseWare is a free and open digital publication of high quality educational materials, organized as courses. The OpenCourseWare Consortium is a collaboration of more than 100 higher education institutions and associated organizations from around the world creating a broad and deep body of open educational content using a shared model. The mission of the OpenCourseWare Consortium is to advance education and empower people worldwide through opencourseware."

Read more from here.

Sample physics curriculum using OCW
Free Online MIT Course Materials

Other institutions using OCW can be found here.

web.link: Physics-related sites in the Philippines

Looking for research ideas? Want to correspond with fellow enthusiasts? Looking for research grants and/or scholarships? Find them all here. Listed below are physics-related websites in the Philippines:

Philippine Physics Society

National Institute of Physics
NIP: Plasma Physics Laboratory
Samahang Pisika ng Pilipinas (Philippine Society of Physics)
BKR (Bahay Kubo Research)
BKR Blog
PCASTRD (Philippine Council of Advanced Science and Technology Research and Development)


More sites to follow soon.

If anyone knows more physics site please comment, so we can edit the article. Thanks

retro.news: RP's best school of physics

Well, since this is a physics blog, i have to post something physics-cal. Hehe. I came across a 2006 article from DOST that might interest you enthusiasts and/or advocates if you want to want to put your school on the map and get the title "RP's Best School of Physics". Nothing like a healthy competition eh? If you ask me, I'd like Silliman to get that title. Being the best IMHO, doesn't have to entail costly equipment [why? coz we will always be left behind], it should 1: Interest more students [whether they pursue physics or not] and increase their understanding of its purpose. 2: i'll edit this later.

To quote:
“Filipino physicists are acquiring the competence to recognize more interesting researches in the field of physics and, in fact, [they have] gained worldwide recognition through [their] publications in high-impact journals,” Dr. Saloma said in his institutional report “Physics in the Philippines Today”.

Trivia: If you glance quickly at the photo, which SU Physics teacher comes to mind?

THANK YOU!

For those who helped in raising funds for the booth.
For the equipment shared for our exhibits.
For parents who supported.
For the students who have visited.
For the heartwarming comments and feedbacks.
For the kids who came back almost every night.
For our floating pig ^_^
And for the majors who have sweat hard, slept less, lost their voices, and hardly ate.

Our hardships did not come to waste.

Congratulations and a thousand Thanks to all.

In behalf of the Physics majors, it has been an honor to serve you.

BOOTH OF THE YEAR

It can finally be told. The road to the booth area has finally come to an end. And while it might sound cliché, I just couldn’t resist saying it:

They came… they saw… and, yes… they conquered.

When, finally, the last nail was hammered down, and theirs stood as merely one of the scores of tents that dotted the battlefield, it all boiled down to what their knights could do. The Knights of Physics rode fast and hard, and the outcome was no less than utterly decisive:
JPPS got

• Best Academic Booth Exhibit
• Best Academic Booth Gimmick
• BOOTH OF THE YEAR

Sorry, couldn’t resist adding a little drama there.

If you saw them work as hard and as passionately as they did (literally sweating it out) every single night, you’ll know they truly deserve no less than this. When a bunch of very brilliant and gifted youngsters, no matter how few they are, embrace the spirit of teamwork, this is what you get… complete and utter victory.

Perhaps Eliel, president of this bunch, had summed it all up when he sent me a text after the results were announced:
“...All glOry 2 GOD…”

To all those who supported, THANK YOU.

To all our BS Physics students, CONGRATULATIONS.

We, the faculty, staff and alumni are all so proud of you.

This is it

To the Physics community of S.U..., alumni, faculty, staff, friends....
and fellow physicists!


Here we are

(initial pictures)


notice the crowd!!!! sikat au ang physics sa booth area

salamat

Hello! mga kuya n ate...and Dr. Hope Bandal...

In behalf of the Junior Philippine Physics Society of Silliman University, I express my deepest appreciation for your support in realizing our booth.

Construction is done, and we're good to go... interior design na lang kulang..

hence, to: Dr. Hope Bandal, Von Ryan Locsin, Mona Lisa Ragay, Juvelyn Reniva, Mark Jason Alcala, Carm Albert Boiser, Josh Emmanuel Alquiza, Raymund Vincent Piñero, Anatoly Karpov Buss, Liza Marie Dangkulos, Toribio Ortega III, Alex Ramil Aguel

Salamat...salamat...salamat...
thank you au for all your support!!!!!

Graduates from Silliman University Physics Department

Here is a list of students who graduated from the SU Physics Dep't since 1996.

1996

1. Aguel, Alex Ramil
2. Alcala, Mark Jason
3. Badon, Melvin
4. Fajardo, Jasmin
5. Camaso, Ma. Corina
6. Gara, Ma. Mardi
7. Girasol, Zarujo
8. Lumapguid, Carolyn Joy
9. Magaso, Jovito
10. Mananquil, Marie Antonette
11. Mapula, Jenever
12. Ogoc, John Arvin
13. Valencia, Erwin Rommel
14. Vercide, Joel
15. Villanueva, John Carl

1997

1. Beseleres, Dinah Rose
2. Naniong, Noreen
3. Uy, Jeoffrey
   

1998

1. Acaba, Karl Joy
   
2. Elnar, Allan Roy
   
3. Gaite, Michael Allan
   

1999

1. Reniva, Juvelyn
   

2000

1. Arnejo, Josef Darnel
   
2. Claro, Erwin James
   
3. Cloma, Sherlyn Love
4. Lim, Adrian George
5. Patron, Dexter Kim

2001

1. Alcoran, Giselle Ann
   
2. Torres, Philip
   

2002

1. Alquiza, Josh Emmanuel
   
2. Cunanan, Timothy James
   
3. Galanza, Therese Joanne
4. Grapa, Danilo Jr.
5. Piñero, Raymund Vincent
6. Ragay, Monalisa

2003

1. Buss, Anatoly Karpov
2. Capatar, Gina Marie
3. Espiritu, Junor
4. Manso, Aileen
5. Nunez, Michelle Nena
6. Ortega, Toribio III
7. Talingting, Roda Vee

2004

1. Dangkulos, Liza Marie
2. Enario, Cherry Mae
3. Locsin, Ryan
   

2005

1. Boiser, Carm Albert
2. Estrebello, Anna Liza
3. Quiambao, Nelvin
4. Villagracia, Rhodora

2006

1. Acosta, Anilyn
2. Esterioso, Blesilda
3. Tubio, Virginia Jr.

2007

1. Crispo, Franz Josef
2. Ragudo, David
   

Road to The Booth

SU Founders Day is fast approaching. And this year, the current bunch of BS Physics majors embarked on a quest:
to be where the action is ...

The Booth Area.

And just like any other organization vying for a slot in THE Area, the majors had to work hard to earn the required points. Aaah, yes, that explains the Limpyo-Limpyo article 2 posts ago.

A little over two weeks to go before the vacant field beside the gym turns into an arena of booths, and it already looks like they're certain to be there. Thanks to our very supportive alumni. On this post, we would like to thank the following who have pledged (most have already actually sent) their support:

• Von Ryan Locsin
  
• Mona Lisa Ragay
  
• Juvelyn Reniva
  
• Mark Jason Alcala
  
• Carm Albert Boiser
  
• Josh Emmanuel Alquiza (big thanks to this $big$ benefactor)
  
• Raymund Vincent Piñero (special thanks to this dude. He was the one who contacted all those names above.)
  
• Anatoly Karpov Buss
  
• Liza Marie Dangkulos
  
• Toribio Ortega III
  
• Alex Ramil Aguel
  

Please post a comment if I forgot anybody.

As of yesterday, we have already hit our target budget. If our estimates are right, then we have more than enough. The extra support will be used as seed for future projects.

Stay tuned to this blog for updates re our adventures on the road to the Booth Area. Pictures will be posted once construction starts.

Physics Olympics Results

Results for 2007 Physics Olympics (in order of winners)

Get to the Point:

1^st – Arfajo, Faith & Bati-on, Sheryl 25 – A

2^nd – Cadiente, Jerold; Mijares, Ronald; and Cahanap, Leo 24 – J

3^rd – Gomez, Julienne; Dy Teves, Katrina; Simoran, Sheena 24 – E

4^th – Zamora, Francis; Medalla, Julrick; Fronda, King 24 – J

5^th – Indal, Lezel & Junsay, Gia 25 – E

Physics Tricks:

1^st – Edrada, Rhea; Villamero, Rolando; Aguilar, Kristine 25 – A

2^nd – Siglos, Jessica & Mijares II, Nestor 24 – J

3^rd – Sison, Angeli & Sison, Angela, Montallana, Lyndeliz 24 – I

4^th – Sedillo, Kaiser 46 – A

Paper Airplane:

1^st - Danday, Mark & Niegra, Meryl 46 – B

2^nd – Nawarro, Gemma & Suderio, Elizar 24 – F

3^rd – Waller, Ed 47

4^th – Sabanal, Remar & Verallo, Sean 24 – F

5^th - Wasawas, Jian 25

6^th – Sedillio, Kaiser 46 – A

7^th – Flores, Toni & Mandajos, Sherry 24 – I

8^th – Cabanban, Vivien & Timongan, Benita [7 – 10:30]

9^th – Mijares, Nestor & Siglos, Jessica 24 - J

10^th – Portacion, Joseph & Gumandol, Almajed 24 – F

11^th – Claridad, Judy & Jaugan, Miguel [Physics J]

12^th – Villamil, Dean & Publico, Jenniveve 46 – B

13^th – Denoyo, Gamaliel & Litorja, Mitchelle 45 [7-10]

14^th – Paglinawat, Dickenon & Moralidad, Avel 46 – B

15^th – Lahoy, Samuel & Icalina, Alzen 45 [7-10]

16^th – Uy, Kathleen & Valencia, Kristel 24 – F

17^th – Jumalon, Decerey & Honculda, Claire 25 – B

18^th – Zerna, Krislyn & Silagpo, Mitchelle 24 – I

19^th – Caluyo, Edmund 25 – A

20^th – Lozada, Carmelle & Moral, Leonor 24 – F

21^st – Magbanua, Johnna & Amigo, R. 24 – I

Egg Drop:

1^st – Carandang, Joselito & Paracuelles, Aldy 46 – B

2^nd – Solis, Anne; Timoran, Benita; Sy, Franchette 24 – J

3^rd – Seong, Kim; dela Fuerta, Wellan; Lascano, Ryan 25 – A

other participants: [not in order]

Cane, Primy; Wasawas, Jian; Soler, Julian 25

Cambanab, Vivian; Sastrillo, May; Alcares, Kri-Inna 24 – J

Sison, Angeli & Sison, Angela, Montallana, Lyndeliz 24 – I

G. Israel 24

Ballozor, Jay; Espanol, Inna 45

Sedillo, Kaiser 46 - A

Paper Tower:
1^st - Penso, Catherine & Go, Celine 24 - F

2^nd – Occena, Marzon & Gamboa, Suzane 25 - A

3^rd – Delfin, Pinky & Filipinas, Elfe 24 - F

4^th – Saplad, Sarah; Visayas, Clyde; Palomares, Ziedah 11 - A

5^th - Siplon, Waller & Sontillamosa, Edgar 47 - A

6^th – Estanilla, Jona & Del Valla, Railin 24 - F

7^th – Amistoso, Prince & Mate, Djerica; 24 - F; tied with
- Odtohan, Anthony & San Pedro, Galilee 25 - B

8^th – Vizcayno, Pamela & Yurong, Ann 11 - A

9^th – Dagani, Jenelly & Mendoza, Ralston 24 - F

10^th – Villanueva, Vincent & Sabado, Jadley 45 - B

Limpy0-Limpyo (Physics Society Community Service)

mga basurerong chickboy

ga wat mn ka?

Sweet aides

naay klase bry?

ka-arteh...semento na gani

nag-GROCERY ka marvs?




good..good..very good

Ang gwapo na-tabunan







ang gwapo ga talikod

murag true

shy xa..

g.career na nila...

joyce! pamunit na; wenneth padayon...

katawa pa

SYMPOSIUM POSTPONED

Due to the suspension of classes today, Aug 3, 2007 (this is in connection with the SK Elections registration), we are postponing our Symposium on Earthquakes, scheduled tonight (6pm @ Sc110). We will post the new schedule early next week.

PLANETS

How many planets are there?

The International Astronomical Union has recently found a need to create a definition for planets. Because of this, Pluto was said to be eliminated from the list of planets. But as a result of the new definition, we now have 12 planets in our solar system.

• The asteroid Ceres, which is round, would be recast as a dwarf planet in the new scheme.

• Pluto would remain a planet and its moon Charon would be reclassified as a planet. Both would be called "plutons," however, to distinguish them from the eight "classical" planets.

• A far-out Pluto-sized object known as 2003 UB313 would also be called a pluton.

Ceres, Charon, 2003 UB313, and Pluto have been defined as dwarf planets.
Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Saturn, Jupiter, Neptune, and Uranus however, will retain their position as planets.


The definition for a planet as defined by the IAU is as follows:

"A planet is a celestial body that (a) has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape, and (b) is in orbit around a star, and is neither a star nor a satellite of a planet."


SOURCE: http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/060816_planet_definition.html

SU PHYSICS SOCIETY EVENTS LIST

August 2, 2007 - Physics Olympics (download rules here)
A fun activity where students (taking up any Physics subject) will showcase their skills in various mind sports such as Egg Drop and Paper Tower. There are five events: Egg Drop, Physics Tricks, Paper Tower, Paper Airplane, and Get to the Point (a new event). For more info, download the rules or visit the Physics Department office.

August 3, 2007 - Talk on Earthquakes (by Prof. Ablong)
Silliman students are invited to join the talk on Earthquakes and safety measures. It will be on Friday at 5:30PM, SC110.

August 4, 2007 - Community Clean-up in Dumaguete City
Physics majors on the move to clean the towns of Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines

Physics Olympics

We'll be holding a 2-hour Physics Olympics on August 2, 2007. The details are listed below. Download the printable copy (right click, SaveAs)

GENERAL RULES

In the construction of devices, what is not expressly prohibited in the written rules is allowed.

If two teams tie for first place, the next in rank will be declared as only a 3rd Place winner. If, on account of a tie, there are already three or more winners in the 2nd and 3rd place, none will be declared a 3rd Place winner.

The decision of the judge/coordinator/monitor is final.

LIST OF EVENTS:

1.) Get to the point *NEW!
2.) Physics tricks contest
3.) Egg drop
4.) Paper tower
5.) Paper airplane

Download the rules for more information.