Category Archives: Readings

Next week: scientific scandals

Posted on 2013/03/06 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, Next week is our ninth of the semester, and we will focus on scientific scandals. Most of the cases we will discuss happened when scientists went off the rails and committed ethical sins. But there is a significant … Continue reading →

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Reading for Feb 27

Posted on 2013/02/13 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, Next time we will continue developing our ability to tell science apart from pseudoscience. We will discuss the material in Chapter 12 of Carl Sagan’s famous book “Demon Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the Dark”. Please … Continue reading →

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Preparation for Feb 6

Posted on 2013/01/30 by kiwinerd

Hi everybody, Next week we will have a fun group discussion about the testability of string theory. To help get ready for our conversation, please think over your own opinions on testability of string theory and your reasons for holding … Continue reading →

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Notes for Jan 23

Posted on 2013/01/16 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, Here are my notes on Big Bang Cosmology, Part 1 of 2. I suspect that you will enjoy learning this stuff a lot. You may also enjoy perusing at your leisure the following cosmology sources which I will … Continue reading →

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Reading for Nov 28

Posted on 2012/11/21 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, It was fabulous to see almost all of you in class today. Yay! Next week we will be talking about two big ideas that came out of string theory: (1) Extra Dimensions of Space and (2) T-Duality. To … Continue reading →

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Reading for Nov 21

Posted on 2012/11/14 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, Next week we will be talking about how string theory unifies together gravity and quantum mechanics. I am assigning two chapters of Greene for this week’s reading assignment because I think he actually does a really nice job … Continue reading →

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Reading for Nov 7

Posted on 2012/11/03 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, This coming week we’re back to the usual class format: two solid hours of discussion. Our focus will be Quantum Mechanics (Part II). We will talk about the wavelike properties of quanta like electrons. Before class, please read … Continue reading →

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Reading for Oct 24

Posted on 2012/10/18 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, Next week we start on Quantum Mechanics. I think you should find it interesting and fun. Our second seminar class on QM will be in Week 9, the week after you give your Fall Oral Presentations. In advance … Continue reading →

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Reading and Notes for Oct 17

Posted on 2012/10/10 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone, I hope you enjoyed the small-group discussions during class today. You looked like you were having fun while discussing the physics. The great thing is that we covered pretty much everything you’ll need to finish your Essay 2 … Continue reading →

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Notes and Reading added for Oct 10

Posted on 2012/10/03 by kiwinerd

Hi all, I have most of your essays handed in already – thanks! I look forward to receiving the rest of them shortly. Guess what I’ll be doing this weekend? Grading! I have updated our Summary Notes with material for … Continue reading →

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