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Physical Sciences
This course traces knowledge of the universe from astronomy’s ancient roots to the modern study of extrasolar planetary systems, cosmology, and black holes. Topics include Newton’s laws of motion and universal gravitation, Kepler’s laws, orbital dynamics, and space travel. Additionally, students will contemplate the nature of light, the nature of matter, and nuclear physics. This knowledge to will be used to explore the properties of our sun, solar system, further galaxies, the creation of chemical elements, and the expansion of the universe. By the end of the course, students will be prepared to explore dark energy and the fate of the universe as we know it.
Summer B: In Person
July 16 to August 02, 2024
Monday–Friday, 9:10–11:00 a.m. and 1:10–3:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
ASTO0102 | Section 001 | Call Number 10389
View course availabilitySummer B: In Person
July 16 to August 02, 2024
Monday–Friday, 9:10–11:00 a.m. and 1:10–3:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
ASTO0102 | Section 002 | Call Number 11615 - CLASS IS FULL!
View course availabilityThis course offers an intensive exploration of one of the fundamental principle of physics –relativity. Both Galilean and special relativity will inform the class's practical application of algebra and space-time diagrams to work through examples, exercises, and problems. Participants will discover how special relativity changes our conceptions of time and length measurements. Students will examine general relativity as a lens to understand concepts such as black holes, gravitational waves, and the evolution of the universe. In the process of exploring these challenging topics, course participants expand their capacity for creative problem solving and their ability to think critically and independently.
Summer A: In Person
June 24 to July 12, 2024
Monday–Friday, 9:10–11:00 a.m. and 1:10–3:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
SREL0101 | Section 001 | Call Number 12127
View course availabilityThis course covers the fundamentals of Quantum Physics, from experimental basics to the introduction to the theoretical framework. The course focuses on developing students’ knowledge and skills in modern quantum science with its numerous applications. The course will include lectures with an emphasis on derivation and problem sets, essays, and group projects.
Topics include:
- Quantum mechanics (ideas of quantum state, its evolution, and application to simple quantum systems, such as atoms)
- Quantum optics (quantum theory of light and its interaction with other quantum systems, such as atoms)
- Quantum computing (qubits, and their state manipulation).
This course is designed for motivated high school students who want to expand their knowledge of modern physics.
Prerequisites: Students are expected to have a strong background in algebra and classical mechanics. The knowledge of other physics fields (e.g., optics, electricity, and magnetism) is beneficial, but not essential.
Summer B: In Person
July 16 to August 02, 2024
Monday–Friday, 11:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:10–5:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
PHYS0101 | Section 001 | Call Number 12121 - CLASS IS FULL!
View course availabilitySummer B: In Person
July 16 to August 02, 2024
Monday–Friday, 11:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:10–5:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
PHYS0101 | Section 002 | Call Number 13711 - CLASS IS FULL!
View course availabilityIs the universe infinite or finite? What is the curvature and overall shape of the space we live in, and how might we detect this? In this course, participants learn how models for topological spaces relate to theories on the shape of the physical universe. Philosophical discussions are informed by pencil and paper computations, experiments with common household materials, and interactive online games and modules.Participants gain, in addition to early exposure to modern content at the intersection of topology and physical cosmology, an appreciation for rigorous mathematical thinking that is motivated not so much by numbers and quantity as by profound questions about the nature of our world.
Summer B: In Person
July 16 to August 02, 2024
Monday–Friday, 11:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:10–5:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
COMO0101 | Section 001 | Call Number 10438
View course availabilityChemistry, the central science, is the science of molecules and bonds. Its signature is change in all its manifestations, from events that happen on a geological time scale to those that happen instantaneously, from the cosmological to the subatomic scale. Chemistry provides powerful scientific tools that extend our ability to sense the magnitudes of change by stretching the limits of what we know of our universe.
Intensive Seminars in Modern Chemistry is designed for highly motivated students who want to strengthen their understanding of chemistry and current research methods. The daily program follows a seminar format, beginning with a presentation by senior faculty members and researchers that is expanded upon through small group discussions and laboratory experiences.
Topics have been selected because they stand out as essential themes of current research, illustrate the methods of science, lend themselves to historical development, and highlight the role of chemistry as the central science. Through integrative experiments and collaborative projects, students discover the synthetic and analytic dimensions of chemistry in forensic, environmental, and materials problems. Experiments emphasize the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
Formal training includes instrumental methods in spectroscopy, chromatography, magnetic resonance, and computer simulations with state-of-the-art equipment in the department’s modern laboratories. Guest lecturers and field trips to area research facilities round out the program. Students are expected to complete a small research project, prepare a scientific paper, and participate regularly in class discussions.
Summer A: In Person
June 24 to July 12, 2024
In Person
Instructor(s):
MOCH0208 | Section 001 | Call Number 10405 - CLASS IS FULL!
View course availabilityDesigned for aspiring physicists and mathematicians, students will delve into the powerful mathematical tools essential for understanding and solving complex physical problems.
Students will develop an understanding of these methods by learning to model, analyze, conduct theoretical investigations and interpret physical phenomena. Through engaging lectures, hands-on problem-solving, and interactive projects, participants will gain proficiency in applying concepts to real-world scenarios. Emphasis will be placed on developing critical thinking skills and intuition to tackle challenges encountered in theoretical and experimental physics.
This course provides a valuable head start for those planning to pursue studies in physics, engineering, mathematics, or related fields at the collegiate level.
Summer A: In Person
June 24 to July 12, 2024
Monday–Friday, 11:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:10–5:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
APAM0101 | Section 001 | Call Number 12045 - CLASS IS FULL!
View course availabilityQuantum mechanics is the science of the “small”; understanding how matter and light behave. An exciting application of modern physics, the field focuses on computing objects such as expectation values, vector evolution, and decoherence times through linear algebraic frameworks. The result of this work includes advancements in cybersecurity, electronics, aviation, communications, and engineering (to name a few). Through this course, students will explore the basics of theoretical foundations, equations, computations, and principles that impact the way we live today, and our future. Beginning with an exploration of topical ideas from popular physicists, students will work through probability theory that will lead to sophisticated explanations of the world, as well as computations that will provide an elevated level of awareness for how humans work and play. By the end of the course, students will look at the world differently, and be prepared for more sophisticated study in this area.
Summer A: In Person
June 24 to July 12, 2024
Monday–Friday, 11:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:10–5:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
PHYS0102 | Section 001 | Call Number 12122 - CLASS IS FULL!
View course availabilitySpecific course details such as topics, activities, hours, and instructors are subject to change at the discretion of the University.
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