[Physics and Astronomy]

Courses
101. An Introduction to the Large Scale. Although Immanuel Kant proposed the existence of galaxies more than two hundred years ago, most of what is known about galaxies has been learned in recent decades. Driving this sudden explosion of knowledge are the new technologies of radio, infrared, X-ray, and gamma-ray astronomy. This course explores the methods of contemporary astronomical research as they have been applied to the modern discovery of the galaxies. Laboratory exercises introduce various techniques of data acquisition in astronomy. Facilities include the Stephens Observatory 0.3-meter telescope, the planetarium, and portable telescopes. Enrollment limited to 64. Staff.

102. The Domain of the Sun. A survey of the solar system. Topics include theories of origin, results of the space program, new and unexpected discoveries about the sun, and developments in the search for extraterrestrial life. Enrollment limited to 64. E. Wollman.

104. The Evolution of Cosmology. As long as there have been natural scientists, there have been efforts to comprehend the size, shape, and internal motions of the universe as a whole. The application of Einstein's general theory of relativity to these questions has yielded new and unexpected possibilities. This course traces the essential developments in our understanding of the physical universe, with special attention to contemporary models. Enrollment limited to 64. E. Wollman.

110. Lunar and Planetary Science. An introduction to the solar system using the methods of physics and geology. The historical development of our understanding of planetary motion leads to the contemporary view of celestial mechanics essential to exploration by spacecraft. The composition, formation, and age of the solar system are examined, together with the physical processes involved in the development of planetary interiors and surfaces. Basic algebra and geometry are used throughout. Laboratory work emphasizes the principles of remote sensing and exploration technology. Nighttime telescope work is expected. This course is the same as Geology 110. Enrollment limited to 56. G. Clough.

115. Impacts and Mass Extinctions. What happens when a ten-kilometer rock, traveling at forty kilometers per second, hits the earth? As the dinosaurs discovered sixty-five million years ago, it is not a pretty picture. Scientists now believe that such catastrophically violent collisions, apparently common in the past, are inevitable in the future as well. But impacts alone may not explain the mass extinction events that have shaped the history of life on earth; global-scale volcanism and climate change are examples of more familiar processes. This course examines the role of impacts in the earths history and the heated debate regarding the causes of mass extinctions. Laboratory meetings include experiments, discussion, and written assignments. This course is the same as Geology 115. Enrollment limited to 64. Not open to students who have received credit for First-Year Seminar 154 or Geology 105. J. Creasy, E. Wollman.

381. Astrophysics. This course investigates the physics of astronomical phenomena and the instruments and techniques with which these phenomena are studied. Topics, which vary from year to year, include stellar structure and evolution, the interstellar medium, galaxies and galaxy clusters, dark matter, cosmic background radiation, and physical cosmology. Prerequisite(s): Physics 211, 222, and 301. This course is the same as Physics 381. E. Wollman.

385. Electromagnetic Radiation and Cosmology. This course develops fundamentals of astrophysics through a study of modern physical cosmology, with special attention to the role of electromagnetic radiation as both agent in and informant about the universe. Specific topics include the dynamics and thermodynamics of cosmic expansion, early universe nucleosynthesis, the cosmic microwave background radiation, structure formation, and dark matter. Both standard and nonstandard modes are considered. Prerequisite(s): Physics 211 and 222. This course is the same as Physics 385. E. Wollman. New course beginning Winter 2002 semester.

Short Term Units
s21. Planetarium Production. Since 1963, the College's Ladd Planetarium has been a resource for school and civic groups in the Lewiston-Auburn area. In this unit, students conceive, write, and produce planetarium shows for public presentation and educational outreach. Recommended background: one course in astronomy. Enrollment limited to 12. E. Wollman.

s22. The Exploration of Space. This unit is an intensive introduction to space exploration, emphasizing the science and technology upon which it is based. The unit is conducted as multiple parallel short courses, with topics including the mechanical engineering of spacecraft design, the mathematics of space navigation, the political history of space exploration, and the significance of exploration in the human experience. The unit makes extensive use of NASA data, films, and other materials. Recommended background: proficiency in high school algebra and trigonometry. This unit is the same as Geology s22. Open to first-year students. Enrollment limited to 30. G. Clough.