THE UNIVERSITY OF LETHBRIDGE
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
Physics 2020 - Physics and Society
Spring 2006
Location : C - 610
Instructor: Dan Furgason
Office - E794
Phone - 329-2363
E-mail - Furgason@uleth.ca
Office Hours: Wednesday 10:00 - 12:00, or by appointment.
Lectures: Monday / Wednesday / Friday
Text:
2:00 - 2:50
Physics and Society Coursepack
Other Good References:
Lightman A., Great Ideas in Physics, 3rd Edition. Mcgraw-Hill.
Spielberg N., Anderson B., Seven Ideas That Shook the Universe,
Wiley and Sons
Calendar Description:
A course designed to foster an understanding of the way in which science and society
interact. By using examples drawn from historical antecedents of modern physics and
modern physics , various aspects (cultural, technological, social, and disciplinary) of the
science-society interaction will be critically examined and discussed.
Overview:
Physics 2020 is after all a course about physics. However, physics, like all other human
endeavors takes place in the context the humans, individually and collectively, find
themselves. To make the most of this course we need to examine not only some of the
more significant ideas associated with physics, but also the historical, political, social,
religious, and philosophical influences in which these ideas incubated and subsequently
matured to become what we now consider to be knowledge about the physical
universe.
While the focus is physics, what is true of physics is also true of the development of
other sciences, and for that matter most human activities. In this sense our discussions
will be wide ranging. Ethics, economics, linguistics, social responsibility, science policy
etc. are among the many topics that have a place in the interplay between science and
society.
We will examine a few of the major scientific ideas of recorded history, their impact on
the societies of the day, and in some cases, the consequences for their originators.
Marking Scheme:
Assignments :
Exams: (two)
Term Paper:
Participation:
25%
35%
25%
15%
Assignments :
Short answer questions based on reading and lecture materials.
Assigned on a class by class basis.
Exams:
Three exams are scheduled, you may write all three, but only the
two highest exam marks will be counted toward the final grade.
Exam dates : #1 Feb. 17
#2 April 12
#3 Scheduled final exam time
Each exam will be 50 minutes in length.
.
Term Paper:
Topics for the term paper can be any facet or application of physics
(science) from any age and its influence on the society of the day.
The body of the paper must be a minimum of 2500 words. Papers
must be typed and an electronic copy provided. Spelling and
grammar will be assessed in addition to content. An acceptable
topic and brief outline must be provided by Feb. 17, 2006. Due date
for the paper is April 12, 2006.
Participation:
Participation in class is of the upmost importance. Class activities
include, discussions, debates, and/or experiments.
Grade Assignments:
A+
96 - 100 %
B-
70 - 74 %
D
45 - 49 %
A
90 - 95 %
C+
65 - 69 %
F
< 45 %
A-
85 - 89 %
C
60 - 64 %
B+
80 - 84 %
C-
55 - 59 %
B
75 - 79 %
D+
50 - 54 %
Tentative Schedule For January
DATE
1.
Jan. 6
PREPARATION
Introduction
ACTIVITY
Expectations
Some Physics
- Dimensions / Scale / Forces
A1- What is a Science?
2.
3.
Jan. 9
Jan
11
Read :
The World of Physics
- Introduction (5 pages)
- The Rise of Science (18 pages)
A1 - Due
Discussion
Read:
Science the Never-Ending Quest
- The Size of the Earth (18 pages)
- The Riddle of the Heavens (15 pages)
Discussion
- Scientific Method
- Reasoning
- Greek Science
- Geo-centric model of the
universe
- Ptolmey / Copernicas / Kepler
- Helio-centric model of the
universe
Video
A2 - Hawking l
4.
Jan.
13
Video Outline (A2)
5.
Jan
16
Read:
Science the Never Ending Quest
-The Coming of the Calendar (7 pages)
- Learning to Count (15 pages)
A2 - Due
Discussion
6.
Jan
18
Video Outline (A3)
Hawking=s Universe ll
7.
Jan
20
None
A3 - Due
Discussion
- open discussion
- Hawking ll
8.
Jan
23
Video Outine (A4)
Hawking=s Universe lll
9.
Jan
25
Read:
Science as a Social Institution
- Forward / Preface (3 pages)
- Science and Social Structure (10 pages)
- Social Change and the Cultural Norms
of Science (10 pages)
Discussion
- open discussion
- Hawking lll
10.
Jan
27
Video Outine (A5)
Hawking=s Universe lV
11.
Jan
30
Summary Thus Far
- Astronomy continued
- Hawking l