Prof Peet’s lecture notes for Sep 12

Posted on 2012/09/10 by kiwinerd

Hi everyone,

As a courtesy to students, I provide all my class notes online. (It helps students with disabilities — and ensures that you can concentrate on listening and talking in class, rather than writing.)

This is the first instalment – I will post pre-class notes regularly on the Monday/Tuesday before our Wednesday seminar class.

For future classes, I will also post a “plain-English summary” for you to read before class, to allow you to be well prepared for our discussions.

Cheers,

Prof. Peet.

 

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Welcome, 2012-13 class!

Posted on 2012/06/22 by kiwinerd
[Smiley picture of Prof. Amanda Peet]

Prof. Peet

Synopsis

Have you wondered about the origin and workings of the natural world around us? Have you found science interesting but felt shut out because it was too full of math and jargon? Have you felt a pull to become more science-literate? If so this seminar course is for you or for anyone interested in understanding more about the universe, including our planet, seen through the lens of modern physics.

Ideas on the menu will include: space and time, relativity, black holes, quantum physics, particle physics, unification, big bang cosmology, extra dimensions, “branes” and string theory. The intriguing story of these integrated phenomena unfolds over a wide distance and a long time. We will also discuss how to distinguish between real science and pseudoscientific rubbish.

No prior experience with physical science will be required, but familiarity with Grade 10 mathematics will be assumed. Students from diverse academic backgrounds are warmly welcome.

Essential Information about the Course

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