2014–15 Academic Catalog

2014-15 Undergraduate Index A-Z

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Astronomy [clear]

Title		Offering	Standing	Credits	Credits	When	F	W	S	Su	Description	Preparatory	Faculty	Days	Multiple Standings	Start Quarters	Open Quarters
Astronomy and Cosmologies EJ Zita astronomy history philosophy physics		Program	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	16	16	Day			S 15Spring		Our goal in this program is to learn beginning to intermediate astronomy through lectures, discussions, interactive workshops and observation, using the naked eye, binoculars and telescopes. We will learn about the evolution and structure of our universe and celestial bodies. Students will build and take home astronomical tools such as spectrometers and position finders. Students will also research a topic of interest via observations and reading, and share their research with classmates.In our seminars we will discuss the idea of cosmologies: how people across cultures and throughout history have understood, modeled, and ordered the universe they perceived. We will study creation stories and worldviews, from those of ancient peoples to modern astrophysicists. Students will meet in small teams for pre-seminar discussion, and write essays and responses to the readings.Students taking this program must be willing to work in teams and use computers for online assignments. Students are invited to help organize an observation field trip to regions with clear skies.		EJ Zita		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Spring	Spring
Physical Systems and Applied Mathematics Neil Switz, Rachel Hastings and Krishna Chowdary astronomy mathematics philosophy of science physics Signature Required: Winter Spring		Program	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	16	16	Day	F 14 Fall	W 15Winter	S 15Spring		This is an intermediate to advanced-level program. Students will build on their prior knowledge of calculus and calculus-based physics to deepen their understanding of nature, how it can be represented via physical models, and the powerful connections between mathematics and physical theories. The program will involve a mix of advanced mathematics (some of it extraordinarily beautiful, as well as powerful), experiments in modern physics involving electromagnetic and quantum phenomena, and a deep immersion in modern physical theories.Topics will include nonrelativistic quantum mechanics, the theory which revolutionized our understanding of nature and underlies much of modern chemistry, physics, and engineering; classical electrodynamics, the quintessential model of a successful unified (and relativistic) field theory; and classical mechanics with special attention to the profound “least action” principle, which provides a bridge between the classical and quantum mechanical. The mathematics underlying these theories – vector calculus, linear algebra, differential equations, and especially Fourier analysis (a technique which provides an entirely new way of looking at the world) – will be developed in the context of their use in the physical sciences. Students will also develop facility with the scientific software MATLAB, using it to solve problems as well as to build physical intuition by visualizing the behavior of matter and fields. The theoretical focus of the program will be complemented with elements of hands-on laboratory work to observe and illustrate the phenomena under discussion. We will also devote time to examining the study of physics in a broader historical, philosophical, and cultural context.The program material will be challenging, and will demand both hard work and engaged collaboration with both the subject matter and one’s fellow students. A major goal of the program is to provide students the opportunity to develop the conceptual knowledge and mathematical background required to pursue advanced work in physics and related disciplines.		Neil Switz Rachel Hastings Krishna Chowdary		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring
Science Seminar in Astronomy and Cosmologies EJ Zita astronomy cultural studies philosophy of science physics Signature Required: Spring		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	8	08	Day			S 15Spring		How have humans understood the universe and our place in it, from ancient to modern times? Our readings will explore questions like this, from the perspective of several cultures.In conjunction with the program Astronomy and Cosmologies, a limited number of students are invited to join our seminar to discuss the idea of cosmologies. We will study creation stories and worldviews, from those of ancient peoples to modern astrophysicists. We will all read the same seminar texts. Science Seminar students will read the same seminar texts as Astronomy and Cosmologies, but will do half the work—no math, half the class meetings, and a little more writing.Students will work in teams to prepare for each seminar. Teams will post pre-seminar assignments online, and individuals will post essays (and responses to peers' essays) online. We will have two seminars per week. Our class meetings will be in person, and the online work will contribute importantly to our community-based learning.	conceptual astronomy and cosmology, history and philosophy of science	EJ Zita		Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Spring	Spring
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with E. Zita EJ Zita astronomy physics Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring		Research	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	V	V	Day	F 14 Fall	W 15Winter	S 15Spring		Rigorous quantitative and qualitative research is an important component of academic learning in Scientific Inquiry. Research opportunities allow science students to work on specific projects associated with faculty members’ expertise. Students typically begin by working in an apprenticeship model with faculty or laboratory staff and gradually take on more independent projects within the context of the specific research program as they gain experience. Students can develop vital skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, modeling and theoretical analysis, written and oral communication, collaboration and critical thinking. These are valuable skills for students pursuing a graduate degree or entering the job market. (physics), who has expertise in energy physics, modeling and organic farming, is researching sustainability and climate change. Many students have done fine projects on sustainable energy and food production in her academic programs. Zita is working with Judy Cushing and Scott Morgan to establish a new research program at Evergreen. With Cushing, they will model land use impacts on climate change; with Morgan, they will plan and facilitate sustainability projects on campus. More information on Zita's research is available at .	astronomy, physics, climate studies.	EJ Zita		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring