Models of Motion

Models of Motion is a deep exploration of physics, mathematics, and computation. Students will create and manipulate rigorous mathematical and computational models of the physical world to gain insight and skills in calculus, computer science, discrete mathematics, and calculus-based physics. Students who complete the program should be well-prepared for upper-level undergraduate study in physical science and mathematics and, with particular preparation in spring, for advanced work in computer science.

The work will be intensive and challenging but also exciting; students should expect to spend at least 50 hours per week engaged with material during and outside of class. Important for success will be a commitment to working hard and effectively in groups. The program will include readings, lectures, labs, workshops, seminars, and projects, along with homework sets, writing assignments, quizzes, and exams. Students can expect to spend up to half a day in lab each week, maintain lab notebooks, and write formal lab reports.

All areas of the program will emphasize the use of mathematical methods and critical thinking and the development of proficient writing and speaking skills. Successful students will improve their conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities, their ability to collaborate effectively, and gain hands-on experience in physical science. Students will apply these skills and knowledge to complex problems showing the rich inter-connectedness of mathematical and physical systems.

Fall quarter calculus will engage with the techniques, concepts, and applications of differential calculus. Winter quarter will focus on the techniques, concepts, and applications of integral calculus and separable differential equations. In spring quarter, the topics will include the geometry of space, sequences, series, partial derivatives, and multiple integrals. Throughout the year these topics will be linked to models in the physical sciences.

Fall quarter physics begins the study of classical mechanics, focusing on matter and its interactions at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, fundamental conservation laws, and introducing computer modeling. Winter quarter concludes our study of classical mechanics and begins the study of electricity and magnetism. In spring, we finish our study of electric and magnetic interactions and waves. In addition, we will explore Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity.

Fall quarter computer science will introduce students to the fundamentals of programming and problem solving using Python. In winter, we will focus on object-oriented programming in Python and start the study of discrete mathematics, including the study of logic.

By the end of the program, successful students will be prepared for upper-division work in mathematics and physics. Particular upper-division Evergreen science programs that students may be prepared for include: Physical Systems and Applied Mathematics (2022-23) and Mathematical Systems (2023-24). Students preparing for upper division work in computer science should take Computer Science Foundations in spring rather than continuing with Models of Motion in spring.

Anticipated credit equivalencies:

Fall - Calculus I, University Physics I, Computer Programming I, and Seminar in Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics

Winter - Calculus II, University Physics II, Computer Programming II, and Discrete Mathematics

Spring - Calculus III, University Physics III, Special Relativity