Topics include 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. It investigates the historical development of our understanding of planetary motion, the composition, formation, and age of the solar system, and physical processes involved in the development of planetary interiors and surfaces. Mark Semon has taught this with Hong, and Jack Pribram is teaching it with Eric this year. Topics include the nature of physics and religion, with special emphasis on cosmology and environment. The environmental focus is on global warming, energy science, and energy policy.
Labs emphasize hands-on experimental work, and computer data analysis.
Classes use computer simulation, video and demonstrations to complement lecture and problem-solving. The physics department has contributed a great deal to the program in Environmental Studies. As the first chairperson of this new program, John Smedley has overseen its development into a very popular major, and has coordinated the program's first two faculty hirings. Ron was on the Bates faculty in the 1970's. Hong Lin is on sabbatical leave this year and continues her research in the optics of photorefractive materials.