CHEM 132
Spring 2010
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01
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This course is a refined version of a Random Walk Through Science last taught in the spring of 1999. Each student will give one 50-minute talk on a topic they choose in chemistry, physics, astronomy, or mathematics. Students will consult with the instructor on the choice of their topic and in the organization of their presentation. Topics in biology, molecular biology, or medicine will not be acceptable seminar topics. There are two reasons for this (a)students are usually already familiar and comfortable with these topics and I wish to push them into exploring science that would be a challenge for them, and (b) biological science is outside the instructor's expertise. Class attendance is required. The audience of students will fill out a written critique of each talk during the last 15 minutes of each class. After the instructor has gone over these forms, they will be passed on to the seminar speaker for that day. Possible topics might include (chosen at random): the origin of the periodic table; the transition from alchemy to chemistry; cold fusion; various Nobel Prize in Chemistry or Physics topics; dark matter, dark energy; the nature of galaxies; why do stars shine?; what are the roles of amateurs in modern astronomical research?; visualizing the fourth dimension; Einstein's "greatest blunder"; Bose-Einstein Condensates; the race toward absolute zero; the interaction of radiation and matter; the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle; how are prime numbers used in cryptology?; the discovery of C60; the list is almost inexhaustible. |
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Essential Capabilities:
Information Literacy, Speaking
As specified in Prof. Novick's Spring 2008 email to Susan Krajewski.
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
NSM CHEM |
| Course Format: Lecture / Discussion | Grading Mode: Credit/Unsatisfactory |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: None |
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Past Enrollment Probability: Not Available |
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