Science A-35. The Energetic Universe
Catalog Number: 5923 Enrollment: Limited to 325.
Robert P. Kirshner
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
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
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and two one-hour laboratory sessions (daytime and evening) to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Direct observations of the Sun and the stars, to learn how we can understand the Galaxy and the Universe from stars, the basic building blocks. In small sections, students conduct visual observations to measure apparent motions of the Sun and stars and make hands-on telescopic observations of the Sun and stars using modern instrumentation to explore their energy output, relative distances, temperatures and chemical composition, and something of their life histories. Lectures and readings discuss the physical nature and evolution of stars in our Milky Way Galaxy, and how observing stars in distant galaxies enables us to map the Universe.
[Science A-39. Time]
Catalog Number: 0077
Gary J. Feldman
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 12:30. EXAM GROUP: 5, 6
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 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 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Some knowledge of secondary school physics useful, but not required.
Science A-41. The Einstein Revolution
Catalog Number: 3581
Peter L. Galison
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11, 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 the 20th- and 21st- centuries. Addresses Einstein’s 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 omitted in 2009–10.
Science A-43. Environmental Risks and Disasters
Catalog Number: 6001 Enrollment: Limited to 140.
Brendan J. Meade
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11, and a 60-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
An introduction to risks in the environment. Different types of hazards are analyzed and compared: natural disasters, such as tornados, earthquakes, and meteorite impacts; adverse health effects caused by exposure to radiation and toxic substances such as radon, asbestos, and arsenic; long-term 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 posed by hazardous 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
David Charbonneau
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 2009–10.
Science A-49. The Physics of Music and Sound
Catalog Number: 8987
Eric J. Heller
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2–3:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Sound and music are integral parts of all human cultures, and play critical roles in communications and social interactions. In this course, we explore the science of the production, transmission, and perception of sound, with the aim of expanding both scientific and artistic horizons. Topics will include the nature of vibrations, resonance, interference, harmony, dissonance, musical instruments, and human auditory response. Principles of physics are slowly worked into the course as topics arise. The mathematical background of students is assumed to be at the level of high school algebra and trigonometry.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of the Physical Universe.
Science A-50. Invisible Worlds: Micro- and Nanothings. Science, Technology, and Public Policy
Catalog Number: 5565
George M. Whitesides and Mara Prentiss
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
What we perceive as “reality” is the best effort of our senses to interpret a deeper, largely invisible, reality that is unnervingly strange. This course will survey the world of very small things, objects with dimensions of nanometers and micrometers. The behaviors of these objects are often entirely counterintuitive; they can also be quite useful. Micro- and nanostructures are the basis both of fundamentally new science, and of ubiquitous technologies: quantum dots, computers, the biological nanomotors that power muscle, buckyballs, tools for examining single mammalian cells, lasers. The course will describe these objects and how they function; it will also touch on issues of commercialization, economics, public policy, and ethics that spring from the avalanche of discovery and invention in this area.
[Science A-52. Energy, Environment, and Industrial Development ]
Catalog Number: 1387
Michael B. McElroy
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Uses the historical background of industrial development from the New England industrial revolution as the framework for studying the technical aspects of succeeding waves of industrial development. Study and understanding of the underlying technologies will develop the technical knowledge and computational skills to prepare citizens to make informed numerical estimates of energy use and environmental consequences of current and proposed energy and industrial systems. Principles of physics and chemistry are worked into the course as dictated by the topics.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Students are expected to have a background of high school algebra and trigonometry.
[Science A-54. Life as a Planetary Phenomenon ]
Catalog Number: 5680
Andrew H. Knoll and Dimitar D. Sasselov
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
This course considers the relationship between life and the planet on which it resides. It examines the scientific quest to understand where life might thrive beyond Earth. On Earth, life was born of planetary processes and has been sustained by plate tectonics and other physical processes. Through evolution, life has in fact emerged as major influence on our planet’s surface. Fundamental features of terrestrial life and evolution are addressed in the context of astronomy, planetary physics and chemistry. These, in turn, provide a basis for the exploration for other habitable planets, both within our solar system and in the greater universe.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Science B-27. Human Evolution]
Catalog Number: 0470
Daniel E. Lieberman
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30, and a 90-minute weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Why are humans the way we are? To address this question, this course reviews what happened in human evolution from the divergence of the ape and human lineages to the origins of our own species, Homo sapiens. Emphasis is placed on the primary fossil, archaeological, and comparative evidence for human evolution, and on the principles of evolutionary theory, behavioral ecology, functional morphology, and molecular evolution used to interpret these data.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Science B-29. Evolution of Human Nature
Catalog Number: 0152 Enrollment: Limited to 300.
Richard W. Wrangham, Marc D. Hauser, and Karen L. Kramer
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30, and a 90-minute weekly section/laboratory to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
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-35. How to Build a Habitable Planet
Catalog Number: 7621
Charles H. Langmuir
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
The steps involved in creation of our habitable planet: the Big Bang, origin of the elements, formation of minerals, origin of the solar system, formation of planets, origin of life, co-evolution of ocean, atmosphere, solid earth and biosphere, development of plate tectonics, operation of the modern whole earth system, and climate regulation. Finally we consider the arising of intelligent life that can understand and influence the planetary system, and whether Earth may be a microcosm reflecting laws of planetary evolution that may be common to a class of planets throughout the universe, or alternatively may be a low probability accident.
Note: Expected to be omitted in 2009–10.
Science B-40. The Biology of Trees and Forests
Catalog Number: 2635
Donald H. Pfister
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, and a weekly section/laboratory to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
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 (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Focuses on the mechanisms by which the brain understands the visual world. Topics include the nature of light in the environment, physical properties of the eye, techniques of depiction in art, structure and function of the normal visual system, and deficits arising from damage to the eye or the brain. The course will survey interdisciplinary material from physics, physiology, medicine, psychology, and art.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Science B-53. Marine Biology
Catalog Number: 7050
Robert M. Woollacott
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1, and a two-hour weekly section/laboratory to be arranged, including one required field trip. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
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. Explores human impacts on marine organisms and ecosystems.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of Living Systems.
[Science B-57. Dinosaurs and Their Relatives]
Catalog Number: 0793
Charles R. Marshall
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 9:30–11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
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 2009–10.
Science B-60. Origins of Knowledge
Catalog Number: 8280
Koleen McCrink and Elizabeth S. Spelke
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
This course explores the origins and development of knowledge in the human child, in relation to two larger time scales: biological evolution and historical/cultural change. Drawing on evidence from experimental, comparative, and developmental psychology, cultural anthropology, linguistics, cognitive neuroscience, and history of science, it focuses on knowledge development in the domains of number, space, mind, biology, physics, and language. Questions include: How does human biology constrain and support human cognition? How variable are human knowledge systems across different cultures and times? What aspects of knowledge are unique to humans? How does knowledge change as children grow and adults gain expertise?
Science B-62. The Human Mind: An Introduction to Mind, Brain, and Behavior
Catalog Number: 3167
Steven Pinker
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 1:30–3, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An introduction to the workings of the human psyche. The course will introduce major approaches to the study of the mind such as psychoanalysis, behaviorism, cognitive neuroscience, and evolutionary psychology; controversies such as nature-nurture, consciousness, and free will; and specific topics such as perception, reasoning, language, emotion, sexuality, cooperation, love, violence, humor, beauty, religion, and the self. Research from numerous disciplines will be discussed: primarily scientific psychology, but also neuroscience, genetics, evolution, artificial intelligence, philosophy, and the social sciences.
Note: This course, when taken for a letter grade, meets the General Education requirement for Science of Living Systems. Meets the introductory course requirement of the Psychology Concentration.
[Science B-64. Feeding the World; Feeding Yourself]
Catalog Number: 2078
N. Michele Holbrook and Noreen Tuross
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
What is the capacity of our planet to feed the ever-increasing human population? How do we define a healthy human diet? Here we consider food as a biological resource and an ecological process, addressing such themes as the biological basis for agricultural productivity, the history of human innovation in increasing crop production, and the relationship between diet and health. Specific topics include plant and animal domestication, the efficiency of energy conversion by plants and animals, the biochemistry of food and digestion, the opportunities (and risks) associated with genetic manipulation and food preparation, and the challenges resulting from climate change.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Science B-65. Evolutionary Biology
Catalog Number: 9680
Jonathan Losos
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
An exploration of the process of biological evolution, the way the biosphere and its inhabitants have changed through time, and how human actions affect the evolutionary process, thereby changing our contemporary biological environment. The mechanics and pace of evolution are examined from the molecular to the species level with an emphasis on the ecological context of natural selection. Modern approaches to the study of evolution–from genome sequencing to manipulative experiments in natural populations–are emphasized. Current controversies over the occurrence of evolution are discussed.