2013-14 Undergraduate Index A-Z
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Physics [clear]
| Title | Offering | Standing | Credits | Credits | When | F | W | S | Su | Description | Preparatory | Faculty | Days of Week | Multiple Standings | Start Quarters |
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EJ Zita
Signature Required:
Spring
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Program | SO–SRSophomore - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | W 14Winter | S 14Spring | How is energy harvested and transformed, used or abused? This two-quarter study of energy in natural and human systems is a good fit for students interested in environmental science, physics and sustainability—both mathematical and applied. We start with skill building and background study and finish with major research projects related to energy, climate and sustainability.We will study issues of energy generation and use in society and in the natural world. One goal is for students to gain a deeper understanding of issues involved in achieving a sustainable energy society. A primary goal is to illustrate the power and beauty of physics and mathematics. We will explore topics such as climate change and global warming; energy science, technology and policy; farming and land use, environmental studies and sustainability.We will study alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal and biofuels, as well as conventional sources of energy such as hydro, nuclear, gas and coal. Fundamentals of energy generation will focus on the underlying physics. In seminar, we further explore social, political and/or economic aspects of energy production and use, such as environmental and food production concerns and policies, effects of the Sun on the Earth, energy needs of developing countries, etc. We will have a strong emphasis on sustainability studies. While calculus is a prerequisite, students who already know calculus may deepen their math skills by applying them to program material or research projects, in teamwork. Student research projects are a major part of this program. Students develop a research question that interests them, then design and carry out their research investigations in small teams. Research projects involve quantitative analysis as well as hands-on investigations. For example, research might include fieldwork, energy analysis of an existing system (natural or constructed) and/or design of a new small-scale energy system, possibly with community applications. Past projects have included solar systems, energy generation from waste products, water purification for boats or farm composters, efficiency improvements of campus buildings, analysis of wind and water systems and more. Student researchers from this program have often won grants from the college to work on practical campus projects. | EJ Zita | Tue Thu Fri | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
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Gerardo Chin-Leo and EJ Zita
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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 | |||||
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James Neitzel, Mario Gadea and TBD-chemistry
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Program | FR–SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 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 TBD-chemistry | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||
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Neal Nelson and TBA
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Program | FR–SRFreshmen - Senior | 12 | 12 | Day | F 13 Fall | This program introduces the logical, historical, mathematical and computational foundations of our understanding of nature that we call physics. Students in the program will study the evolution of rational thought, mathematical abstraction and physical theories of nature in the history of science. The intellectual tools of our investigations will be the systems of logic, mathematical modeling and computer programming that we use today for understanding our material world.Early Greek philosophers dared to assume that humanity could comprehend the true nature of the universe and the material world through rational thought. Using historical readings, we will investigate key conceptual developments in the evolution of scientific and mathematical thought from those early intellectual explorations to the 20th century.We will study logic and its relationship to early Greek rational thought, contemporary critical reasoning and scientific theories. We will see that careful contemplation and observation of the physical world from the early natural philosophers to the modern physicists have revealed an underlying order and led to the surprising conclusion that mathematics, computation and the nature of physical reality are deeply connected. We will learn the powerful formal systems of logic, modeling and computing into which the ideas of the early Greek philosophers have evolved today as the basis of our understanding.Class activities will include hands-on laboratory work along with lectures, workshops, weekly readings, seminar discussions, written essays and weekly homework problems. | Neal Nelson TBA | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||||
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Clyde Barlow and Neil Switz
Signature Required:
Winter Spring
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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 | |||
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Krishna Chowdary and Neal Nelson
Signature Required:
Spring
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Program | FR–SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | W 14Winter | S 14Spring | Scientists gather data, make observations, look for patterns, build models and use those models to predict behavior. Powerful models in physics help us explain interactions involving matter and energy. New models need new mathematical methods—for example, calculus was developed partly to understand models of motion. Even with powerful mathematics, a model may yield answers only in simplified circumstances. We can analyze more complicated physical systems by simulating them on a computer. Learning how to create and apply mathematical and computational methods effectively to models in physics will be one of the major goals of this program.In two quarters we will cover the equivalent of a year of calculus and physics and one quarter of computer programming at the introductory level through interactive lectures, small group workshops, hands-on and computer programming labs, seminars and projects. Students will have multiple opportunities to demonstrate their learning in individual and collaborative contexts, including in-class work, homework, lab write-ups, papers, presentations, projects, quizzes and exams. The work will be intense and invigorating, involving time-intensive engagement with textbooks and problem-solving in a supportive learning community that values the development of theoretical understanding that can be applied to practical problems.Our physics work covers modern mechanics and electric and magnetic interactions, developing macroscopic and microscopic models of matter and interactions using ideas such as conservation laws, Newton’s laws of motion, statistical and thermal physics and Maxwell’s equations for electricity and magnetism. We will study the programming language Python and develop numerical techniques that can be used to calculate and display our physics models. We will study calculus to apply it to physics and other science and social science fields as well as seeing how mathematics exists on its own as a sense-making endeavor.No previous background in computer science or physics is expected. Preparation in mathematics including pre-calculus or intermediate algebra and functions is required. Students who successfully complete the fall program The Physical World of Animals and Plants will be prepared for this program. Students with some previous work in calculus, computer science or physics may see that the intersection deepens their understanding of each. Successful completion of this program will be good preparation for further introductory work in computer science and intermediate or advanced work in mathematics and physics. | Krishna Chowdary Neal Nelson | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | ||||
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Krishna Chowdary, Sheryl Shulman and James Neitzel
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Program | FR–SRFreshmen - Senior | 16 | 16 | Day | F 13 Fall | In this program, we will explore a fascinating intersection of biology, mathematics and physics. Our program title and central questions are inspired by Vogel’s . How do the laws of physics constrain the form, function, growth, motion and interactions of plants and animals? How do organisms take advantage of material and physical opportunities? What mathematical models can we develop by examining the biological and physical worlds, and how can those models help us to explain and predict behavior in those worlds? This program welcomes students new to studying science at the college level and those looking for science as part of their broad general liberal arts education. This program is also intended to prepare students for further introductory study of science in programs such as Introduction to Natural Science and Models of Motion, Matter and Interaction, with particular attention to developing foundational skills in quantitative and scientific reasoning and an emphasis on modeling physical and biological situations. This program also welcomes students with a background in biology or physics, allowing them to apply, extend and integrate these areas, and exposing them to material not typically covered in separate treatments of biology and physics.We will work to create a supportive and collaborative learning environment through interactive lectures, seminars, hands-on workshops and labs and field trips. Students will have the opportunity to improve their capacities as quantitatively and scientifically literate citizens, including work on their ability to read scientific texts, solve theoretical and applied problems, work in lab, interpret and create graphs, work collaboratively and communicate creatively and effectively. Students will develop and demonstrate their learning through in-class and homework assignments, short papers, quizzes and presentations. | Krishna Chowdary Sheryl Shulman James Neitzel | Freshmen FR Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | |||||
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EJ Zita
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Course | SO–SRSophomore - Senior | 8 | 08 | Day | W 14Winter | S 14Spring | How is energy harvested and transformed, used or abused? What effects do human systems have on Earth’s climate? What are the consequences for human societies? What can we learn from the past? How can we live more sustainably?We will investigate questions such as these, as a learning community seeking deeper knowledge and wisdom together. One of our primary means of inquiry is seminar: small teams pre-seminar on weekly readings in advance, we all seminar together twice a week and we share essays and peer responses online. This seminar is shared with students in Energy Systems and Climate Change.Students will share questions and growing understanding about readings, and will discuss ideas and concern for the future. SciSem students will write 3-4 essays and many peer responses individually, and will post pre-seminar assignments with teams. Learning goals include deeper understanding of sustainability and climate change, science and scientific methods and improved skills in writing, teamwork and communication. Details will be available at http://192.211.16.13/z/zita/scisem.htm. | EJ Zita | Tue Thu | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Winter | |||
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Allen Olson, TBA (mathematics), Douglas Schuler and Emily Lardner
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Program | SO–SRSophomore - Senior | 12 | 12 | Evening and Weekend | F 13 Fall | W 14Winter | S 14Spring | The promise of a liberal arts education has always had two dimensions: the opportunity to develop personal skills and abilities and the opportunity to develop the skills and abilities needed to engage meaningfully in a diverse society. In this program, we will focus on both aspects while exploring the transformation of ideas and ideas about specific transformations.Our explorations will be set within a context of 'transformations' as viewed from multiple disciplines. For example, we will study the physics of energy transformations within the context of climate change. We will consider transformations in thinking made possible by skillful and attentive reading and writing. We will explore the use of social theory and technology in social transformation. We anticipate additional topics such as transformational geometry and its role in both mathematics education and computer graphics. At the core of this program will be guided instruction at multiple levels in writing and mathematics as well as a general focus on the creation, critique, and communication of ideas.While we study the theme of transformations from disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives, we will also look at the role of education and the specific goals of each student. Andrew Delbanco argues that a liberal arts education helps "people take stock of their talents and passions and begin to sort out their lives in a way that is true to themselves and responsible to others." To this end, we will ask each student and the learning community as a whole a variety of questions: In what ways will you and your college classmates transform the world after you graduate from Evergreen? What knowledge and skills will you need to participate in and contribute to these transformations? What do we need to know and be able to do in order to not just survive but thrive in the present? How can you use your education to contribute to the wider public good? How is education itself transformational, and what type of education is best to promote the learning we need?The design and structure of this program attempts to find ways to build on what incoming students already know, especially students who transfer into Evergreen after completing work leading to significant learning in other contexts. Our definition of "transfer student" includes community college transfers as well as veterans of the military and individuals returning to college after starting their careers. The program is also designed to support students who plan to become teachers and need specific credits in mathematics and other areas.The program is based on creating and sustaining cohorts of learners and we aim to develop a sense of community that extends beyond the first year of a transfer student's time at Evergreen. Students who have participated in the Transformations program are welcome to return in future years to serve as peer mentors, project team members, research associates, or casual observers. A variety of credit options are available for these future roles. | Allen Olson TBA (mathematics) Douglas Schuler Emily Lardner | Mon Wed Sat | Sophomore SO Junior JR Senior SR | Fall | ||
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Paula Schofield, Brian Walter, Richard Weiss, Abir Biswas, Michael Paros, Clyde Barlow, Benjamin Simon, Judith Cushing, Dharshi Bopegedera, Rebecca Sunderman, EJ Zita, Donald Morisato, Clarissa Dirks, James Neitzel, Sheryl Shulman, Neal Nelson and Lydia McKinstry
Signature Required:
Fall Winter Spring
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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. (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. (biology) is interested in immunology, bacterial and viral pathogenesis, vaccine development and gene therapy applications. Recent focus has been on developing novel methods for vaccine delivery and immune enhancement in finfish. Specific projects include using attenuated bacteria to deliver either protein-based or nucleic acid vaccines in vivo and investigating bacterial invasion mechanisms. In collaboration with (faculty emerita) other projects include characterization of bacteriophage targeting the fish pathogen and elucidation of phage and host activities in stationary-phase infected with T4 bacteriophage. Students with a background in biology and chemistry will gain experience in laboratory research methods, including microbiological techniques, tissue culture and recombinant DNA technology, and may have opportunities to present data at regional and national conferences. (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 Brian Walter Richard Weiss Abir Biswas Michael Paros Clyde Barlow Benjamin Simon 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 | |||
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Clyde Barlow
Signature Required:
Fall Winter Spring
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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 | |||
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EJ Zita
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 | ||
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Richard Weiss
Signature Required:
Fall Winter Spring
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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 |