[Science A-16. Relativity and Quantum Physics]
Catalog Number: 5367
Henry Ehrenreich
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1:30–3, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Develops two important contributions to early 20th-century physics to illustrate modes of thinking about and approaches to quantitative physical descriptions in regimes for which commonsense perceptions are not helpful. These pertain to space and time in relativity and objects of atomic dimensions in quantum physics. Background information concerning waves and electricity is developed as needed.
Note: Expected to be given in 2000–01.
Science A-17. The Astronomical Perspective
Catalog Number: 5421
Owen Gingerich and David W. Latham
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 12, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5
Scientific discovery and our understanding of the cosmos. Gravity as the ruling force in the universe, from planetary theories of the ancient Greeks to pulsars, black holes, quasars, and modern cosmology. Did the Big Bang really happen? Will the universe ultimately collapse? These topics frame a historically oriented inquiry into scientific creativity from the philosophical perspective of the astronomer.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2000–01.
Science A-20. From Alchemy to Elementary Particle Physics
Catalog Number: 6071
Sheldon L. Glashow
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 12, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5
Chronicles the search for the most basic constituents of all matter, and for the rules by which they combine. Begins with the 19th-century vindication of early Greek notions of element and atom, and proceeds through a study of the basic laws of physics and how they have evolved. Recent exciting developments in elementary particle physics are seen as natural continuations of past endeavors; how our present understanding of atomic and subatomic structure results from a complex interplay between experimental and theoretical research. The study of several key developments in historical perspective (e.g., the explanation of combustion, the observation of radioactivity, the theory of relativity) leads to an appreciation of the current research frontier.
Prerequisite: Secondary school physics and chemistry, as well as some competence in elementary algebra and geometry.
Science A-24. The Dynamic Earth
Catalog Number: 3744 Enrollment: Limited to 100
Richard J. O’Connell
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10, a weekly section to be arranged, and one three-day camping field trip during Reading Period. EXAM GROUP: 3
A discussion of physical processes that formed the Earth and govern its continuing evolution. How internal workings shape the planet’s surface, producing volcanism, earthquakes, and the uplift of mountains. The course describes the theory of plate tectonics; reviews the observations and phenomena that led to the hypothesis; describes methods of deducing the present state, composition, and structure of the Earth’s interior; discusses the age and the thermal state of the Earth and the evidence for the flow and mobility of the interior. Students are encouraged to think critically, and to appreciate the uncertainties in current models and hypotheses.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2000–01.
Science A-29. The Nature of Light and Matter
Catalog Number: 1706
Roy J. Glauber
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Explores the ultimate nature of light and its interaction with matter. An excursion through the physical world that strives to develop an understanding of the modern concept of wave-particle duality. The background of that theory includes a succession of analogies, such as that of light with sound, and of the ways in which atomic particles and light behave. The course thus emphasizes, for example, the common features of musical instruments, broadcast transmitters, and radiating atoms. Lecture demonstrations, which are central in importance, are drawn from many areas of optics, acoustics, electromagnetism, and atomic physics. The behavior of waves of various sorts is used to elucidate the limitations on knowledge imposed by the uncertainty principle.
Note: May not be taken for credit by students who have completed Science A-26.
Science A-30. The Atmosphere
Catalog Number: 0477 Enrollment: Limited to 60
Steven C. Wofsy
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The physical and chemical processes that regulate climate and the composition of the atmosphere are introduced, including mechanics, thermodynamics, radiation, and chemical kinetics. Atmospheric temperature and precipitation; weather and climate; human activity as a factor for change; influence of carbon dioxide from fossil fuel on climate; modification of stratospheric ozone by industrial chemicals; air pollution; acid rain.
Science A-35. Matter in the Universe
Catalog Number: 5923 Enrollment: Limited to 325
Robert P. Kirshner
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 12–1:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 14, 15
The nature and history of matter revealed by astronomical observation and experimental physics. Explores the Big Bang and models of the universe, stellar evolution and supernova explosions, evidence for invisible matter and the development of structure in the universe. Demonstrates the physical principles used to interpret astronomical data and to construct a model for the evolution of the universe on the microscopic and cosmic scales. Examines the way microscopic properties of matter determine properties of people, stars, galaxies, and the universe as a whole.
Science A-36. Observing the Sun and the Stars
Catalog Number: 4775
Jonathan E. Grindlay and Robert W. Noyes
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and two laboratory sessions (daytime and evening) to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
The nature of the Sun and the stars, with emphasis on direct observations, to learn how we can understand the Galaxy and the Universe from stars, the basic building blocks. Students conduct visual observations to measure apparent motions of the Sun and stars, laboratory experiments with light and spectra, and make extensive telescopic observations of the Sun and stars using modern instrumentation to explore the energy output of the stars, their relative distances, their temperatures and chemical composition, and something of their life histories. Lectures and readings discuss the physical nature and evolution of stars as well as how stars are organized in our local stellar neighborhood, in our Milky Way Galaxy, and in the Universe.
Science A-37. The Changing Surface of the Earth
Catalog Number: 5925
Paul F. Hoffman
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 1, a 90-minute weekly section or laboratory to be arranged, and two full-day field trips. EXAM GROUP: 6
Examines three grand quests in the history of Earth science: the age of the Earth, the origin of large features on the Earth’s surface, and the evolution of life, including humans. The concept of geological time grew out of opposition to biblical literalism in the 18th century, survived an attack from thermodynamics in the 19th century, and was resolved following the discovery of radioactivity and the development of advanced mass spectrometry in the 20th century. The changing surface of the Earth could not be understood until late 20th-century methods revealed the dynamic nature of the Earth’s interior. The evolution of life has been an intellectual battle-ground between evidence from fossils and living organisms. Throughout, the course will show how science feeds on the interplay between theory and observation.
[Science A-39. Time]
Catalog Number: 0077
Gary J. Feldman
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Studies the evolution, over the past three centuries, of our concept of time and of related questions, such as the predictability of the future. Newtonian mechanics envisions a universal time, symmetric between past and future. The distinction between past and future emerges in the 19th century from considerations of statistical processes. In the 20th century, the theory of relativity forces fundamental changes in the concept of time. Time ceases to be universal and becomes entangled with space and gravity. Quantum mechanics limits the predictability of the future and introduces recently verified effects so weird that Einstein wrote of them, “No reasonable definition of reality could be expected to permit this.”
Note: Expected to be given in 2000–01.
Science A-41. The Einstein Revolution
Catalog Number: 3581
Peter L. Galison
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 9-10:30, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
Albert Einstein has become the icon of modern science. Following his scientific, cultural, philosophical, and political trajectory, this course aims to track the changing role of physics in this century. Addresses Einstein and his engagement with relativity, quantum mechanics, Nazism, nuclear weapons, philosophy, and technology, and raises basic questions about what it means to understand physics and its history.
Science A-43. Environmental Risks and Disasters
Catalog Number: 6001
Göran Ekström
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
An introduction to risks and hazard in the environment. Different types of hazards are analyzed and compared: natural disasters, such as tornados, earthquakes and meteorite impacts; acute and chronic health effects caused by exposure to radiation and toxic substances such as radon, asbestos and dioxin; long-term societal effects due to environmental change, such as sea level rise and global warming. Emphasizes the basic physical principles controlling the hazardous phenomena and develops simple quantitative methods for making scientifically reasoned assessments of the threats (to health and wealth) posed by various events, processes and exposures. Discusses methods of risk mitigation and sociological, psychological and economic aspects of risk control and management.
Science A-45. Reality Physics
Catalog Number: 4562
Gerald Gabrielse
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
What flows from electrical wall sockets, cell phones and power lines? What are the risks? How do magnetic resonance imaging, X-rays and CT scans take pictures within our bodies, and with what danger? What are the lasers that inhabit grocery store checkout counters and CD players? What are atomic clocks? How have they and GPS satellites revolutionized navigation for backpackers and ships? How does Einstein’s famous formula describe the energy release from nuclei? What are nuclear reactors and nuclear waste? This quantitative study of the physics of daily life is intended to enable more informed choices in our society.
Science B-23. The Human Organism
Catalog Number: 6581
Joseph D. Brain (Public Health), Stephanie A. Shore (Public Health), and Richard L. Verrier (Medical School)
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 12, plus two two-hour laboratories and periodic section meetings to explore special topics in depth. EXAM GROUP: 5
The physiology and pathophysiology of the human body will be presented with special emphasis on cardiovascular, respiratory, and reproductive biology. Topics include not only the normal functioning of these systems but also their responses to infection, injury, and the environment. Through lectures and laboratories, students will explore how their own body functions. The relative power of diagnosis and treatment of disease (medicine) versus primary prevention of disease (public health) in promoting health will be emphasized.
Science B-27. Human Evolution
Catalog Number: 0470
David Pilbeam
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 9, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 2
A survey of human evolution as a particular example of general issues in evolutionary biology. Some principles of evolutionary theory, primate behavioral ecology, and functional morphology are used to interpret the fossil record of hominoids (apes and humans) and particularly the hominoids (humans and their direct ancestors and collaterals), from hominoid origins to the appearance of modern humans through to the origins of agriculture. Emphasis is on the dynamic (behavioral and ecological) interpretation of the human fossil and archeological record.
Science B-29. Human Behavioral Biology
Catalog Number: 0152 Enrollment: Limited to 400
Irven DeVore, Marc D. Hauser, and Richard W. Wrangham
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 1, and a 90-minute weekly section/laboratory to be arranged. Additional meeting times for two required film showings to be announced. EXAM GROUP: 6
Human biology and behavior are considered in a broad evolutionary context, showing how the facts of development, physiology, neurobiology, reproduction, cognition, and especially behavior are informed by evolutionary theory and comparative evidence. Field and experimental data on other species are introduced with the aim of illuminating human behavior. Behavior is traced from its evolutionary function as adaptation, through its physiological basis and associated psychological mechanisms, to its expression. The role of ecology and social life in shaping human behavior is examined through the use of ethnographies and cross-cultural materials on a variety of human cultures. Topics include basic genetics, neural and neuroendocrine systems, behavioral development, sex differences, kinship and mating systems, ecology, language, and cognition.
Science B-34. The Earth’s Environment and Resources
Catalog Number: 5898
Heinrich D. Holland
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10, and a weekly section to be arranged; also two half-day field trips plus one full-day field trip across Massachusetts. EXAM GROUP: 3
Explores three major themes: (1) the Earth is a very complex system whose operation involves the interplay of physics, chemistry, and biology; (2) natural resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, are formed during the operation of this system; the distribution and abundance of these resources sets important limits on the future of mankind; (3) the use of natural resources modifies the environment on local, regional, and global scales; some of these modifications have major implications for humanity during the next century. Environmental problems and environmental restoration are emphasized.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2000–01.
Prerequisite: Secondary school physics and chemistry highly recommended but not required.
Science B-40. The Biology of Trees and Forests
Catalog Number: 2635
Donald H. Pfister
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and a weekly section/laboratory to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Trees are prominent and important organisms in the ecosystem. By photosynthesis, trees convert carbon dioxide into organic molecules that are used as energy reserves and as structural components of these plants. Oxygen is also released. Trees, carbon cycling, and the greenhouse effect are intimately intertwined. This course uses trees as examples to explore several facets of plant biology as they relate to identification, growth, reproduction, physiology of transport, ecology, management, and use of plant products.
Science B-44. Vision and Brain
Catalog Number: 4722
Ken Nakayama
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Recounts how vision has been studied since antiquity; then surveys scientific studies by contemporary researchers. Focuses on how the facts of visual experience and performance can be understood in terms of the images sampled from the environment, the properties of the eye and brain, and more functional descriptions of perceptual and cognitive systems.
Science B-46. Molecular Biology and the Structure of Life
Catalog Number: 3395
George M. Whitesides and Walter Gilbert
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 9, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 2
Describes the applications of molecular biology to medicine, evolution, forensics, and biotechnology. Modern biology is based on a view of life in which a small set of key molecules—DNA, RNA, and proteins—play central roles. This view makes it possible to discuss a remarkable range of characteristics of living organisms using a common set of principles. Also considers the implications of molecular genetics and the human genome project.
Science B-48. From DNA to Brain
Catalog Number: 3320
Howard C. Berg and John E. Dowling
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and a weekly discussion/demonstration section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Explores the way in which information is stored and processed by biological systems, first by molecules—DNA, RNA, protein, and phospholipid—then by cells and cell assemblies, particularly the nervous system. Learning how DNA gives rise to brain and how the brain works are among the greatest challenges in modern biology. Our hope is to give students a taste of this remarkable enterprise.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2000–01.
Prerequisite: Secondary school chemistry.
[Science B-53. Biology of Marine Organisms]
Catalog Number: 7050 Enrollment: Limited to 65
Robert M. Woollacott
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30, and a two-hour weekly section to be arranged. Two half-day and one full-day field trips will substitute for three weeks of section. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Explores the life histories and adaptations of marine life and the ecosystems of the sea. Centers on the complex interrelationships of organisms, the diversity of various habitats, reproductive strategies, and speciation as well as the interplay of currents, light, temperature, and nutrient supply on the distribution of life in the sea.
Note: Expected to be given in 2000–01.
Prerequisite: Secondary school biology.
Science B-55. Evolutionary Biology
Catalog Number: 1199
Stephen R. Palumbi
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 12, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5
Explores the process of biological evolution, the way the biosphere has changed over time, and how human actions affect the evolutionary process, thereby changing our contemporary biological environment. Examines the mechanics and pace of evolution, from the molecular to the species level, with an emphasis on the ecological context of natural selection. The evolution of antibiotic resistance, HIV, and bioengineered organisms are used to illustrate how evolution plays a critical role in modern society.