Physics and Technologies of the Future

In this course, intended for students who have an interest in science and technology but have not yet taken physics, participants are introduced to key concepts in the field and look at how these concepts are changing the world. Topics covered include electromagnetics, quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, Newtonian mechanics, waves, stars and galaxies, nuclear physics, Einstein’s theory of relativity, and string theory. Having gained an understanding of these concepts, students explore new technologies in areas such as renewable energy, virtual reality, and biotechnology.

Participants explore material conductivity by building circuits, assemble a physical model for understanding conversion of energy, experience virtual reality through Google glasses, write onto computers directly from brain signals, and work with MATLAB to create simulated models. They also work in groups on projects that they present at the end of the course.

Lectures and hands-on experiments are supplemented by tours of Columbia's research laboratories and visits to locations such as The Museum of Natural History, The National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), and The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.

Please note that hands-on work for this class is conducted in a traditional classroom rather than in a laboratory.