| Mathematical Thinking |
Liberal Arts |
3151 (001) |
Fall 2026 |
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Description
This course surveys various ideas in math in search of an understanding of what mathematical thinking is. The aim is to consider the underlying thought patterns of a particular math topic. What is that type of math used for? Why and how did it develop? What does it help humans do? What does it tell us about how humans think abstractly? Topics typically include deductive reasoning and logic, coding, geometry and the link to algebra and music, proofs, probability and statistics, symmetries, tilings. Classes are typically run in an interactive lecture style. Students work many steps and examples along with the lecture. This allows students to use their own experience to learn of the strengths, weaknesses, and mental leaps found in the various topics. Students will look for connections between different topics and their use, and also for the use of mathematical thinking in their own lives and work.
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Class Number
1870
Credits
3
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| Discoveries in Physics |
Liberal Arts |
3204 (001) |
Spring 2026 |
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Description
This course investigates the process of discovery in science, and in particular in physics. The historical and contemporary physics experiments we will study have led to some of the most profound insights we have about the natural world, be it on the largest scales or the smallest.
The discoveries typically studied include: the search for aether, the discovery of pulsars, the discovery of the Higgs particle, and parity violation. Contemporary topics vary but may include tests of the speed of light, the measurement of gravity waves, or the imaging of black holes. Students will learn the background physics and context necessary to understand the experiments and their results. Additionally, we investigate the process of scientific discovery, the mindset of scientists, and the difficulties and the payoffs of research. We evaluate the culture of science, how that creates and is created by scientists. Finally, we consider the influence of awards, the general public, and the media on scientists, their discoveries, and our perception of them.
Assignments include weekly homework reviewing factual material, several guided-journal writings, several in-class labs, two exams, and a short final presentation on a student chosen topic.'
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Class Number
1691
Credits
3
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| Green Physics |
Liberal Arts |
3206 (001) |
Spring 2026 |
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Description
The mitigation of and adaptation to the challenges of today's world relies heavily on our scientific understanding of nature and the universe we live in. In this course, we will look at specific areas of physics - energy, radiation, fluid, thermodynamics - and investigate how they relate to our changing planet. We will look at energy production such as solar, geothermal, wind, nuclear; the physics of extreme weather, for example hurricanes and fires; and tipping points or positive-feedback loops. We will also investigate how understanding the natural world can gives us ways to work with it, e.g. passive solar systems, broad levees, mitigation of urban heat islands. Not all topics will be covered in each class, as flexibility will be allowed for student interest and current events. The course includes regular homework covering factual information, readings for discussion, some hands-on work, and a short research project.
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Class Number
2161
Credits
3
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| Physics for Our Changing Planet |
Liberal Arts |
3206 (001) |
Fall 2026 |
|
Description
The mitigation of and adaptation to the challenges of today's world relies heavily on our scientific understanding of nature and the universe we live in. In this course, we will look at specific areas of physics - energy, radiation, fluid, thermodynamics - and investigate how they relate to our changing planet. We will look at energy production such as solar, geothermal, wind, nuclear; the physics of extreme weather, for example hurricanes and fires; and tipping points or positive-feedback loops. We will also investigate how understanding the natural world can gives us ways to work with it, e.g. passive solar systems, broad levees, mitigation of urban heat islands. Not all topics will be covered in each class, as flexibility will be allowed for student interest and current events. The course includes regular homework covering factual information, readings for discussion, some hands-on work, and a short research project.
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Class Number
2155
Credits
3
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| Physics of Motion |
Liberal Arts |
3252 (001) |
Fall 2026 |
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Description
This class provides a basic introduction to the conceptual and quantitative framework necessary to understand the physics of the dynamical world around us. Some questions we address are: What do we need to know to describe motion? How do we model the movement of objects (kinematics)? What makes an object move (interactions, dynamics)? What different ways do we have to think about motion (forces, energy)?
Reviewing skills in algebra as we go, we cover Newton's laws of motion and the analysis of physical systems in terms of forces and energy. We study the motion of objects on surfaces and those moving through the air. We take an introductory look at the forces of gravity and surface forces like friction and the so-called normal force. Some time will be spent studying the lack of motion, or static equilibrium. Laboratory and problem solving explorations help us develop important physical concepts and scientific reasoning skills. Applications are drawn from everyday phenomena as well as topics in architecture and design.
Assignments include weekly homework, in-class problem solving and lab activities, two to three exams, and a short final project on a topic of the student's choosing.
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Class Number
1131
Credits
3
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