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 develops closely related insights into the structure of matter. An excursion through the physical world that proceeds by means of colorful lecture demonstrations drawn from several areas of optics, acoustics, electricity, and magnetism. The course concentrates on describing natural laws in terms of vivid and useful images emphasizing, for example, the common features of musical instruments, broadcast transmitters, and radiating atoms. The behavior of waves of various sorts is used to explain 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 (spring 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-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 omitted in 2002–03.
Prerequisite: Some knowledge of high school physics will be useful, but is not required.
[Science A-41. The Einstein Revolution]
Catalog Number: 3581
Peter L. Galison
Half course (spring 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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2002–03.
Science A-43. Environmental Risks and Disasters
Catalog Number: 6001
Göran Ekström
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 12, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 5
An introduction to risks and hazards 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-47. Cosmic Connections]
Catalog Number: 6940
Lars Hernquist
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
This course will examine the origin and evolution of stars and planets, and will consider connections between astronomical events and the conditions that seem necessary for life to develop. The underlying theme is that humans are a part of an evolving Universe and that our presence is linked to the cosmos at large. To tell this story, we must talk about how the Earth and the Sun came about, and ultimately how the Milky Way and the Universe were created.
Note: Expected to be given in 2002–03.
Science A-49. The Physics of Music and Sound
Catalog Number: 8987
John Huth
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1:30–3, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Sound and music are deeply embedded in all cultures. An understanding of the production, transmission, and perception of sound and music can expand artistic and scientific horizons. Topics will include vibration, resonance, interference, harmony, dissonance, temperament, musical instruments, human auditory response, good and bad acoustics, and sound reproduction. The principles of music and sound are widely applicable to many branches of science and some of the connections will be developed. Hands-on digital and analog investigations will be provided. Mathematics background at the level of high school algebra and geometry is sufficient.
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, endocrine, 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 10, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
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 hominids (humans and their direct ancestors and collaterals), from hominid 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.
Note: Expected to be given in 2002–03.
Science B-29. Evolution of Human Nature
Catalog Number: 0152 Enrollment: Limited to 400.
Richard W. Wrangham and Marc Hauser
Half course (spring 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-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
Drawing upon physical, geometric, biological, and psychological descriptions of vision, the major effort is to understand how the phenomenon of visual experience can be understood in terms of the nature of light in the environment, the properties of the eye and brain, as well as more abstract descriptions of perceptual and cognitive systems.
Science B-46. Molecular Biology and the Structure of Life
Catalog Number: 3395
George M. Whitesides
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 2002–03.
Prerequisite: Secondary school chemistry.
Science B-53. Biology of Marine Organisms
Catalog Number: 7050 Enrollment: Limited to 96.
Robert M. Woollacott
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30; Tu., 3–5, 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.
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, bioengineered organisms, and human genetic disease are used to illustrate how evolution plays a critical role in modern society.
[Science B-57. Dinosaurs and Their Relatives]
Catalog Number: 0793
Charles R. Marshall
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Comprehensive exploration of the biology, evolution, and extinction of the dinosaurs and their closest relatives. Through this exploration, core concepts in paleontology, evolutionary biology, and geology will be introduced. Weekly sections center on the examination of fossil material.
Note: Expected to be given in 2002–03.
Science B-59. Genes and Human Diversity
Catalog Number: 0838
Maryellen Ruvolo
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An introduction to human evolution and diversity based on genetic evidence. This course covers an introduction to the human genome, the basics of population genetics, genetic diversity of living humans and our closest primate relatives, origins of modern Homo sapiens, the effects of human demographic history on the hunt for disease genes, forensic applications of DNA diversity, and genetic reconstructions of human history, and how these patterns correspond with linguistic diversity.