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Physical Sciences
This curricular option familiarizes students with the foundations of physics and chemistry from a modern perspective.
Lectures, discussions, and simulations focus on topics such as electromagnetic radiation, spectroscopy, elementary particles, the quantum mechanics of atoms, special relativity, and gravitation.
Simulations and virtual experiments concentrate primarily on the interference of electromagnetic waves, the orbital motion of planets, and conservation laws.
Summer A: In Person
June 30 to July 18, 2025
Monday–Friday, 11:10 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and 3:10–5:00 p.m. ET
In Person
Instructor(s):
INPS0115 | Section 001 | Call Number 10419
View course availabilitySummer B: Online
July 21 to August 01, 2025
Monday–Friday, 12:00–3:00 p.m. ET
Online
Instructor(s):
INPS0115 | Section D01 | Call Number 10026
View course availabilityThe origin and evolution of the Universe is one of the greatest (and oldest) questions ever asked. In a little over a century, cosmology has matured as a discipline due to improvements in our understanding of fundamental physics and technological advances allowing us to map the Universe in unprecedented detail and perform complex calculations. This course is an introductory review of the field of cosmology for students with a background in physics and math, but not necessarily astronomy. The course focuses on the field of cosmology, its early history, and its relationships to observational astronomy and particle physics. We will discuss the observations that led scientists to believe that the Universe is expanding, explanations for the expansion, the origin of the Universe and the evolution of its constituent materials, including dark matter and dark energy. We will also discuss general relativity and its implications for the structure of the Universe, its history, and predictions regarding astrophysical phenomena such as black holes. In-class discussions and activities based on primary source research papers will complement in-class problem solving and supplemental readings.
Summer A: Online
July 07 to July 18, 2025
Monday–Friday, 8:00–11:00 a.m. ET
Online
ASTO0101 | Section D01 | Call Number 10001
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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