Student Originated Studies: Physical Systems

Spring /Group Contract

Faculty: E. J. Zita

Enrollment: 10

Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing; successful completion of FW Physical Systems

Special Expenses: $700 for optional spring field trip.

Internship Possibilities: No

Travel Component: Extended spring field trip to New Mexico possible for a few students.

A small group of students may, with faculty approval, continue advanced studies building on their fall and winter work. Content and structure will be flexible; a high level of mathematical work will be at the heart of the contract. We are likely to focus on astrophysics and cosmology, perhaps including superstrings and D-branes (math: group theory and Octonians), depending on student interest. Students may also carry out advanced laboratory work, or accompany the Astronomy/Horizon programs on an extended field trip to the Southwest, as an extension of astrophysics projects. Students must have demonstrated excellent skills at working productively, independently and in small groups of peers.

Credit awarded in physics*, mathematics*, numerical methods* and/or philosophy of science.

Total: 16 credits each quarter.

Program is preparatory for careers and future studies in physical sciences, engineering and applied mathematics, and philosophy/history of science.