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Physics [clear]

Title		Offering	Standing	Credits	Credits	When	F	W	S	Su	Description	Preparatory	Faculty	Days	Multiple Standings	Start Quarters	Open Quarters
Calculus 2 and 3 Allen Mauney astronomy chemistry mathematics physics		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	8	08	Day				Su 14 Session II Summer	This program focuses on integral and multi-variable calculus. The definite integral will be motivated by calculating areas and defined in terms of limits. The connection between differential and integral calculus will be made via the FTC. All basic techniques of integration will be studied with emphasis on using definite integrals to answer questions from geometry and physics. Polar and parametric functions and series will be briefly covered. Vectors, gradients, and multiple integrals will be the focus of the second half of the class. There is a significant online component to the class. Calc 1 is required.		Allen Mauney	Mon Tue Wed Thu	Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Summer	Summer
Calculus II (B) Allen Mauney mathematics physics		Course	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	4	04	Evening		W 14Winter			This class continues the calculus sequence after Calculus I. The main focus of the class will be on applications of the integral, especially on problems from the physical sciences. The definite integral will be defined intuitively as the area under a curve and rigorously as the limit of partial sums. Techniques of anti-differentiation including u-substitution, parts, trigonometric integrals, trigonometric substitutions, and partial fraction decompostition will be thoroughly covered. Additional topics will include polar coordinates and parametric functions.		Allen Mauney	Thu	Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Winter	Winter
College Physics Krishna Chowdary physics		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	8	08	Day				Su 14 Session II Summer	This algebra-based physics course introduces fundamental topics in physics including kinematics, dynamics, energy, momentum, and conservation laws. We will focus on conceptual understanding, problem solving, and lab work. The course will provide a solid foundation for those working toward careers in medicine, engineering, the life sciences, or the physical sciences. We will cover material traditionally associated with the first half of a year-long introductory physics course.		Krishna Chowdary	Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri	Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Summer	Summer
Energy Systems and Climate Change EJ Zita agriculture environmental studies physics sustainability studies Signature Required: Spring		Program	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	16	16	Day		W 14Winter	S 14Spring		This interdisciplinary program will study how energy is harvested and transformed, used or abused by humans. We will explore interactions between natural systems and human systems to understand global changes currently affecting the Earth System. What is the evidence, what are the consequences, and what can be done about global warming? How can we find our personal roles in addressing challenges facing Earth and its inhabitants?We will study solutions ranging from renewable energy to sustainable farming and (insert your idea here). Our approach is based in natural science, with an emphasis on critical thinking. This challenging and rewarding two-quarter program will include lectures and workshops by faculty and guest lecturers; seminars on books and articles; inquiry-based writing and peer feedback; qualitative and quantitative reasoning and problem solving; and hands-on research projects in spring, to engage our inquiry and learning together.In winter, our plans include research planning for students interested in more advanced studies in Spring. Every student will write several short inquiry-based essays, and will respond to peers' writing, in addition to face-to-face seminars. Small teams of your choice will meet at least twice weekly to discuss readings and prepare for class together. Students will make presentations in class on current topics of interest, and teams will facilitate discussions. No mathematical or technical design texts or prerequisites are required in winter quarter. Our efforts in spring will include more challenging quantitative work, including research projects. Every student will write several short inquiry-based essays, and will respond to peers' writing, in addition to face-to-face seminars. Students will build on quantitative problem solving begun together in the classroom. Small teams of your choice will meet weekly to discuss readings and prepare for class together. Students will do research projects, make presentations in class and at regional meetings, and write research reports. Research projects typically range from greenhouse gas reduction projects to sustainable energy, agriculture, building, or urban planning. Upper division credit will be available in spring quarter only.		EJ Zita	Tue Thu	Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Winter	Winter Spring
Fire and Water: The Sun, Oceans and Atmosphere in Climate Change Gerardo Chin-Leo and EJ Zita astronomy biology ecology environmental studies marine science physics		Program	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	16	16	Day	F 13 Fall				The Earth’s atmosphere and oceans are affected by human activities, by the Sun and by geologic activity. Over many millions of years, the Earth has experienced wide fluctuations in climate, from ice ages to very warm periods. Earth is currently experiencing an unusually rapid warming trend, due to anthropogenic (human-caused) changes in atmospheric composition. Historically, a major factor determining global climate has been the intensity of the Sun's energy reaching the Earth. However, climate changes cannot be explained by variations in solar radiation alone. This program will examine some of the major interactions between the Earth and Sun, atmosphere and oceans.Interactions between oceans and atmosphere affect the composition of both, and oceans impact global climate by redistributing the Sun's energy. Changes in ocean circulation help explain climatic changes over geologic time, and marine microorganisms play a major role in the cycling of gases that affect climate (e.g., CO2 and dimethylsulfide). What is the evidence for causes of contemporary global warming? What are expected consequences? What can be done? What about proposed schemes to engineer solutions to global warming, such as the sequestration of anthropogenic carbon into the deep sea? We will study diverse and interconnected physical, chemical, geological and biological processes. This requires a basic understanding of biology and chemistry as well as facility with algebra and ability to learn precalculus.Students will learn through lectures, workshops, laboratories and seminars, often using primary scientific literature. Students will do significant teamwork and may research questions that they are particularly interested in. We will have weekly online assignments, so students should be comfortable using computers and the Internet.		Gerardo Chin-Leo EJ Zita		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall
Introduction to Natural Science James Neitzel, Mario Gadea and Kristopher Waynant biology chemistry physics		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	12, 16	12 16	Day	F 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		This introductory-level program is designed for students who are prepared to take their first year of college-level science using an interdisciplinary framework. This program offers an integrated study of biology, chemistry, and physics that serves as an introduction to the concepts, theories and structures which underlie all the natural sciences. Our goal is to equip students with the conceptual, methodological and quantitative tools that they will need to ask and answer questions that arise in a variety of disciplines using the models and tools of chemistry, biology, and physics. . Students will also gain a strong appreciation of the interconnectedness of biological and physical systems, and an ability to apply this knowledge to complex problemProgram activities will include lectures and small-group problem-solving workshops, where conceptual and technical skills will be developed. There will be a significant laboratory component--students can expect to spend at least a full day in lab each week, maintain laboratory notebooks, write formal laboratory reports and give formal presentations of their work. Biology laboratories in this program will include participation in the SEA-PHAGE program coordinated by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the use of bioinformatics tools on a bacteriophage genome. We will make extensive use of mathematical modeling in all program activities.Seminar will enable us to apply our growing understanding of scientific principles and methodology to societal issues such as genetic testing and engineering or the causes and effects of climate change. In addition to studying current scientific theories, we will consider the historical, societal and personal factors that influence our thinking about the natural world. Students will be exposed to the primary literature of these sciences and develop skill in writing for diverse audiences. During spring quarter, students will have the opportunity to design and carry out their own laboratory investigations, the results of which they will present in talks and papers at the end of the quarter.All laboratory work and approximately one half of the non-lecture time will be spent working in collaborative problem-solving groups. It will be a rigorous program, requiring a serious commitment of time and effort. Overall, we expect students to end the program in the spring with a solid working knowledge of scientific and mathematical concepts, and with the ability to reason critically and solve problems.Students completing this program will have covered material equivalent to one year of general biology and general chemistry, with a significant amount of physics.		James Neitzel Mario Gadea Kristopher Waynant		Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring
Matter and Motion Clyde Barlow and Neil Switz chemistry mathematics physics Signature Required: Winter Spring		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	16	16	Day	F 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		Modern science has been remarkably successful in providing understanding of how natural systems behave. Such disparate phenomena as the workings of cell-phones, the ways in which we detect supermassive black holes in the galactic core, the use of magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis of disease, the effects of global carbon dioxide levels on shellfish growth, and the design of batteries for electric cars are all linked at a deeply fundamental level. This program will introduce you to the theory and practice of the science behind these and other phenomena, while providing the solid academic background in mathematics, chemistry, and physics necessary for advanced study in those fields as well as for engineering, medicine, and biology.We will integrate material from first-year university physics, chemistry, and calculus with relevant areas of history and scientific literature. The program will have a strong laboratory focus using computer-based experimental control and analysis to explore the nature of chemical and physical systems; this work will take place in a highly collaborative environment. Seminars will provide the opportunity to explore the connections between theory and practice and will provide opportunities to enhance technical writing and communication skills. The program is intended for students with solid high-school level backgrounds in science and mathematics, but the key to succeeding will be a commitment to work, learn, and collaborate.		Clyde Barlow Neil Switz		Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring
Patterning the World: Connecting Mathematics and Science Krishna Chowdary and Neal Nelson mathematics physics		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	12	12	Day		W 14Winter			This introductory program integrates mathematics and physics through hands-on, applied, and collaborative work. We particularly invite students who are interested in future studies in introductory science, but are uncertain of their mathematical skills or have had challenging experiences with math in the past and want to create positive ones. We also welcome students who are interested in science as part of their broad liberal arts education. We aim to develop a supportive, hard-working, and playful community of learners who gain practice in some of the ways that scientists make sense of the natural and human-created worlds. One way that people make sense of their world is by . We approach the study of patterns from two complementary points of view: the of patterns and the of patterns. We will study mathematics as a language of patterns that unifies these viewpoints. As students discover and generate patterns in lab and workshop, we will develop and identify mathematical structures that describe and help make sense of those patterns. We will use computing to develop and play with mathematical models, generating patterns that we can observe and compare with physical phenomena, enjoy for their beauty, and that can lead to surprising behavior and forms. We will spend significant time in collaborative science and math labs and workshops, where we will question, experiment, observe, estimate, measure, describe, compute, model, read, interpret, abstract, conjecture, discuss, convince, and most of all, create.Students will have the opportunity to improve their capacities as quantitatively and scientifically literate citizens, including reading and creating scientific texts, solving theoretical and applied problems, and communicating creatively and effectively. Students will develop and demonstrate their learning through in-class work, homework assignments, papers, and quizzes. Students who successfully complete this program will have covered the equivalent of one quarter of math (college algebra or pre-calculus) and physics (conceptual or algebra-based), and will be prepared for further introductory science programs such as Computer Science Foundations, Introduction to Natural Science, or Models of Motion.		Krishna Chowdary Neal Nelson		Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Winter	Winter
Patterning the World: Connecting Mathematics and Science Krishna Chowdary, Mario Gadea and Neal Nelson mathematics physics		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	12	12	Day			S 14Spring		This introductory program integrates mathematics and physics through hands-on, applied, and collaborative work. We particularly invite students who are interested in future studies in introductory science, but are uncertain of their mathematical skills or have had challenging experiences with math in the past and want to create positive ones. We also welcome students who are interested in science as part of their broad liberal arts education. We aim to develop a supportive, hard-working, and playful community of learners who gain practice in some of the ways that scientists make sense of the natural and human-created worlds. One way that people make sense of their world is by . We approach the study of patterns from two complementary points of view: the of patterns and the of patterns. We will study mathematics as a language of patterns that unifies these viewpoints. As students discover and generate patterns in lab and workshop, we will develop and identify mathematical structures that describe and help make sense of those patterns. We will use computing to develop and play with mathematical models, generating patterns that we can observe and compare with physical phenomena, enjoy for their beauty, and that can lead to surprising behavior and forms. We will spend significant time in collaborative science and math labs and workshops, where we will question, experiment, observe, estimate, measure, describe, compute, model, read, interpret, abstract, conjecture, discuss, convince, and most of all, create.Students will have the opportunity to improve their capacities as quantitatively and scientifically literate citizens, including reading and creating scientific texts, solving theoretical and applied problems, and communicating creatively and effectively. Students will develop and demonstrate their learning through in-class work, homework assignments, papers, and quizzes. Students who successfully complete this program will have covered the equivalent of one quarter of math (college algebra or pre-calculus) and physics (conceptual or algebra-based), and will be prepared for further introductory science programs such as Computer Science Foundations, Introduction to Natural Science, or Models of Motion.		Krishna Chowdary Mario Gadea Neal Nelson		Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Spring	Spring
Physics and Calculus: Finding Order in the Physical World Allen Mauney mathematics physics		Program	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	8	08	Evening	F 13 Fall				Physics is concerned with the basic principles of the universe. It is the foundation on which engineering, technology, and other sciences are based. The science of physics has developed out of the efforts of men and women to explain our physical environment. These efforts have been so successful that the laws of physics now encompass a remarkable variety of phenomena. One of the exciting features of physics is its capacity for predicting how nature will behave in one situation on the basis of experimental data obtained in another situation. In this program we will begin the process of understanding the underlying order of the physical world by modeling physical systems using both the analytical tools of calculus and the numerical tools provided by digital computers. We will also have significant laboratory experience to make predictions and explore some of these models. In this thematically-integrated program, students will cover calculus and algebra-based physics through small-group discussions, interactive lectures, and laboratory investigations. In physics, we will learn about motion, energy, models, and the process for constructing them. Through our study of calculus, we will learn how to analyze these models mathematically. We will study some of Galileo's significant contributions to classical mechanics, Kepler's astronomical observations, Newton's work on calculus and laws of motion, Euler's applications of calculus to the study of real-life problems in physics (magnetism, optics and acoustics), Maxwell's development of the unified theory of magnetism, Einstein’s relativity, and many others. This program will cover many of the traditional topics of both first-quarter calculus and first-quarter physics. Covering these topics together allows for the many connections between them to be reinforced while helping make clear the value of each.		Allen Mauney	Mon Wed	Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall
Physics II Michael Wolfson physics		Course	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	6	06	Evening		W 14Winter			This course is the 2 of a three quarter comprehensive sequence in general physics. It is designed to expose one to a wide array of concepts in the natural sciences, and will emphasize the use of the ‘scientific method.’ The course will involve a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands on lab exercises involving the acquisition and analysis of experimental data to be compared with theoretical predictions. The course will cover fundamental concepts in wave theory and thermodynamics. For wave theory, the harmonic oscillator will be the starting point, and lead into the linear wave equation, with applications illustrated for optics, acoustics, and waves derived from density variations in a fluid (e.g. ocean tides). The phenomena of refraction, diffraction, and dispersion will be considered and related to the “geometric optics” approximation. In the thermodynamics portion, the example of diffusive “Brownian motion” will be used to reveal the fundamentals of kinetic theory and the probabilistic interpretation for many-body problems will be discussed. Finally, temperature, heat, and entropy will be covered in its relation to the first and second laws of thermodynamics.		Michael Wolfson	Mon Wed	Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Winter	Winter
Physics III Mario Gadea physics		Course	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	6	06	Evening			S 14Spring		Physics is concerned with the basic principles of the universe. It is the foundation on which engineering, technology, and other sciences are based. The science of physics has developed out of the efforts of men and women to explain our physical environment. These efforts have been so successful that the laws of physics now encompass a remarkable variety of phenomena. One of the exciting features of physics is its capacity for predicting how nature will behave in one situation on the basis of experimental data obtained in another situation.This course is the third of a three-quarter comprehensive sequence in general physics. The course will involve a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations involving the acquisition and analysis of experimental data to be compared with theoretical predictions.We will learn about energy, models, and the process for constructing them. We will study some of Maxwell's development of the unified theory of magnetism, Einstein’s special relativity, and an introduction to particle and waves. This program will complete many of the traditional topics of first-year physics.		Mario Gadea	Mon Wed	Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Spring	Spring
PreCalculus and Calculus 1 Allen Mauney mathematics physics		Program	FR–SRFreshmen–Senior	8	08	Day				Su 14 Session I Summer	The class will begin with an intense review of precalculus material most relevant to calculus. Students are expected to have had some experience with graphs and functions and trigonometry. Calculus topics will include limits, continuity, the limit definition of the derivative, differentiation rules, maxima and minima, optimization problems, Mean Value Theorem, Newton's method, and anti-differentiation. Emphasis throughout will be on modeling problems in the physical world. Students will work homework online, write exams, work in teams, and give verbal presentations of their results to the class.		Allen Mauney	Mon Tue Wed Thu	Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Summer	Summer
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry Paula Schofield, Neil Switz, David McAvity, Andrew Brabban, Brian Walter, Richard Weiss, Abir Biswas, Michael Paros, Clyde Barlow, Judith Cushing, Dharshi Bopegedera, Rebecca Sunderman, EJ Zita, Donald Morisato, Clarissa Dirks, James Neitzel, Sheryl Shulman, Neal Nelson and Lydia McKinstry astronomy biochemistry biology chemistry computer science geology mathematics physics Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring		Program	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	V	V	Day	F 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		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.Faculty offering undergraduate research opportunities are listed below. Contact them directly if you are interested. (chemistry) works with biophysical applications of spectroscopy to study physiological processes at the organ level, with direct applications to health problems. Students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science can obtain practical experience in applying their backgrounds to biomedical research problems in an interdisciplinary laboratory environment.. (geology, earth science) studies nutrient and toxic trace metal cycles in terrestrial and coastal ecosystems. Potential projects could include studies of mineral weathering, wildfires and mercury cycling in ecosystems. Students could pursue these interests at the laboratory-scale or through field-scale biogeochemistry studies taking advantage of the Evergreen Ecological Observation Network (EEON), a long-term ecological study area. Students with backgrounds in a combination of geology, biology or chemistry could gain skills in soil, vegetation and water collection and learn methods of sample preparation and analysis for major and trace elements. (biotechnology) studies the physiology and biochemistry of prokaryotes of industrial and agricultural importance. Students who commit at least a full year to a research project, enrolling for 4 to 16 credits each quarter, will learn a broad range of microbiology (both aerobic and anaerobic techniques), molecular (DNA analysis and cloning), and biochemical techniques (chemical and pathway analysis, protein isolation). Students will also have opportunities for internships at the USDA and elsewhere, and to present data at national and international conferences. (chemistry) would like to engage students in two projects. (1) Quantitative determination of metals in the stalactites formed in aging concrete using ICP-MS. Students who are interested in learning about the ICP-MS technique and using it for quantitative analysis will find this project interesting. (2) Science and education. We will work with local teachers to develop lab activities that enhance the science curriculum in local schools. Students who have an interest in teaching science and who have completed general chemistry with laboratory would be ideal for this project. (computer science, ecology informatics) studies how scientists might better use information technology and visualization in their research, particularly in ecology and environmental studies. She would like to work with students who have a background in computer science or one of the sciences (e.g., ecology, biology, chemistry or physics), and who are motivated to explore how new computing paradigms can be harnessed to improve the individual and collaborative work of scientists. Such technologies include visualizations, plugins, object-oriented systems, new database technologies and "newer" languages that scientists themselves use such as python or R. (biology) aims to better understand the evolutionary principles that underlie the emergence, spread and containment of infectious disease by studying the coevolution of retroviruses and their primate hosts. Studying how host characteristics and ecological changes influence virus transmission in lemurs will enable us to address the complex spatial and temporal factors that impact emerging diseases. Students with a background in biology and chemistry will gain experience in molecular biology techniques, including tissue culture and the use of viral vectors. (organic chemistry) is interested in organic synthesis research, including asymmetric synthesis methodology, chemical reaction dynamics and small molecule synthesis. One specific study involves the design and synthesis of enzyme inhibitor molecules to be used as effective laboratory tools with which to study the mechanistic steps of programmed cell death (e.g., in cancer cells). Students with a background in organic chemistry and biology will gain experience with the laboratory techniques of organic synthesis as well as the techniques of spectroscopy. (biology) is interested in the developmental biology of the embryo, a model system for analyzing how patterning occurs. Maternally encoded signaling pathways establish the anterior-posterior and dorsal-ventral axes. Individual student projects will use a combination of genetic, molecular biological and biochemical approaches to investigate the spatial regulation of this complex process. (biochemistry) uses methods from organic and analytical chemistry to study biologically interesting molecules. A major focus of his current work is on fatty acids; in particular, finding spectroscopic and chromatographic methods to identify fatty acids in complex mixtures and to detect changes that occur in fats during processing or storage. This has relevance both for foods and in biodiesel production. The other major area of interest is in plant natural products, such as salicylates. Work is in process screening local plants for the presence of these molecules, which are important plant defense signals. Work is also supported in determining the nutritional value of indigenous plants. Students with a background and interest in organic, analytical or biochemistry could contribute to this work. (computer science) and (computer science) are interested in working with advanced computer topics and current problems in the application of computing to the sciences. Their areas of interest include simulations of advanced architectures for distributed computing, advanced programming languages and compilers, programming languages for concurrent and parallel computing and hardware modeling languages. (biology, veterinary medicine) is interested in animal health and diseases that affect the animal agriculture industry. Currently funded research includes the development of bacteriophage therapy for dairy cattle uterine infections, calf salmonellosis and mastitis. A number of hands-on laboratory projects are available to students interested in pursuing careers in science. (organic, polymer, materials chemistry) is interested in the interdisciplinary fields of biodegradable plastics and biomedical polymers. Research in the field of biodegradable plastics is becoming increasingly important to replace current petroleum-derived materials and to reduce the environmental impact of plastic wastes. Modification of starch through copolymerization and use of bacterial polyesters show promise in this endeavor. Specific projects within biomedical polymers involve the synthesis of poly (lactic acid) copolymers that have potential for use in tissue engineering. Students with a background in chemistry and biology will gain experience in the synthesis and characterization of these novel polymer materials. Students will present their work at American Chemical Society (ACS) conferences. (computer science) is interested in working with advanced computer topics and current problems in the application of computing to the sciences. Her areas of interest include simulations of advanced architectures for distributed computing, advanced programming languages and compilers, programming languages for concurrent and parallel computing, and hardware modeling languages. (inorganic/materials chemistry, physical chemistry) is interested in the synthesis and property characterization of new bismuth-containing materials. These compounds have been characterized as electronic conductors, attractive activators for luminescent materials, second harmonic generators and oxidation catalysts for several organic compounds. Traditional solid-state synthesis methods will be utilized to prepare new complex bismuth oxides. Once synthesized, powder x-ray diffraction patterns will be obtained and material properties such as conductivity, melting point, biocidal tendency, coherent light production and magnetic behavior will be examined when appropriate. (mathematics) is interested in problems relating to graphs, combinatorial games and especially combinatorial games played on graphs. He would like to work with students who have a strong background in mathematics and/or computer science and who are interested in applying their skills to open-ended problems relating to graphs and/or games. (computer science, mathematics) has several ongoing projects in computer vision, robotics and security. There are some opportunities for students to develop cybersecurity games for teaching network security concepts and skills. In robotics, he is looking for students to develop laboratory exercises for several different mobile robotic platforms, including Scribbler, LEGO NXT and iRobot Create. This would also involve writing tools for image processing and computer vision using sequences of still images, video streams and 2.5-D images from the Kinect. In addition, he is open to working with students who have their own ideas for projects in these and related areas, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and analysis of processor performance. (physics) studies the Sun and the Earth. What are the mechanisms of global warming? What can we expect in the future? What can we do about it right now? How do solar changes affect Earth over decades (e.g., Solar Max) to millennia? Why does the Sun shine a bit more brightly when it is more magnetically active, even though sunspots are dark? Why does the Sun's magnetic field flip every 11 years? Why is the temperature of the Sun’s outer atmosphere millions of degrees higher than that of its surface? Students can do research related to global warming in Zita's academic programs and in contracts, and have investigated the Sun by analyzing data from solar observatories and using theory and computer modeling. Serious students are encouraged to form research contracts and may thereafter be invited to join our research team. Please go to the catalog view for specific information about each option.		Paula Schofield Neil Switz David McAvity Andrew Brabban Brian Walter Richard Weiss Abir Biswas Michael Paros Clyde Barlow Judith Cushing Dharshi Bopegedera Rebecca Sunderman EJ Zita Donald Morisato Clarissa Dirks James Neitzel Sheryl Shulman Neal Nelson Lydia McKinstry		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with C. Barlow Clyde Barlow biology chemistry physics Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring		Research	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	V	V	Day	F 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		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. (chemistry) works with biophysical applications of spectroscopy to study physiological processes at the organ level, with direct applications to health problems. Students with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics or computer science can obtain practical experience in applying their backgrounds to biomedical research problems in an interdisciplinary laboratory environment.		Clyde Barlow		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter 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 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		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) studies the Sun and the Earth. What are the mechanisms of global warming? What can we expect in the future? What can we do about it right now? How do solar changes affect Earth over decades (e.g., Solar Max) to millennia? Why does the Sun shine a bit more brightly when it is more magnetically active, even though sunspots are dark? Why does the Sun's magnetic field flip every 11 years? Why is the temperature of the Sun’s outer atmosphere millions of degrees higher than that of its surface? Students can do research related to global warming in Zita's academic programs and in contracts, and have investigated the Sun by analyzing data from solar observatories and using theory and computer modeling. Serious students are encouraged to form research contracts and may thereafter be invited to join our research team.	astronomy, physics, climate studies.	EJ Zita		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with N. Switz Neil Switz biology chemistry physics Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring		Research	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	6	06	Day	F 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		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 skills in research design, data acquisition and interpretation, modeling and theoretical analysis, written and oral communication, collaboration and critical thinking. Laboratory experience is especially important – and useful – for students planning to pursue graduate studies or enter the technical job market. (physics) develops optical instruments for use in biophysical and biomedical applications, including low-cost diagnostics. Projects in the lab are suitable for motivated students with quantitative backgrounds in physics, biology, chemistry, mathematics or computer science.		Neil Switz		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring
Undergraduate Research in Scientific Inquiry with R. Weiss Richard Weiss computer science mathematics physics Signature Required: Fall Winter Spring		Research	SO–SRSophomore–Senior	V	V	Day	F 13 Fall	W 14Winter	S 14Spring		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. (computer science, mathematics) has several ongoing projects in computer vision, robotics and security. There are some opportunities for students to develop cybersecurity games for teaching network security concepts and skills. In robotics, he is looking for students to develop laboratory exercises for several different mobile robotic platforms, including Scribbler, LEGO NXT and iRobot Create. This would also involve writing tools for image processing and computer vision using sequences of still images, video streams and 2.5-D images from the Kinect. In addition, he is open to working with students who have their own ideas for projects in these and related areas, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence and analysis of processor performance.		Richard Weiss		Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR	Fall	Fall Winter Spring