MIT 的 Seminar 课程简介
S67 High Energy Particle Physics
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F] Recitation: T9-10:30 (24-043C)
In this seminar we will discuss the present status of high energy particle physics, the study of
fundamental processes and objects which are the underlying bases for all matter in the Universe.
As we will see, the majority of experiments carried out in this field requires particles with
extremely high energies and detectors utilizing today's foremost technologies. Prerequisite courses
and/or previous knowledge of modern physics are not necessary, but curiosity is important.
Richard Yamamoto came to MIT shortly after high school to obtain his BS and PhD degrees in
physics. He is a professor of Physics. Limited to 12.
R. Yamamoto
12.S54 Understanding Global Change through Simple Computer Models
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F] Recitation: TBA
The global climate system is a complex multicomponent system comprising the atmosphere, the
ocean, land, ice, and the biosphere. We will focus in this seminar on the atmospheric and oceanic
components, with special emphasis on the ocean, one of the major players in global change
processes. We will try to understand some of the fundamental mechanisms underlying projections
of global change through simple models. We'll look at simulations of changes in greenhouse
warming and of a simple two-box model of the coupled ocean/atmosphere system showing the
possibility of rapid climate transitions. We'll also look at results obtained with the most
sophisticated computer models of the ocean/atmosphere circulations, showing predictions and
perspectives of possible future scenarios linked to carbon-dioxide increase in the atmosphere.
Visualization of sophisticated model simulations will also be made on work stations. Reading
assignments will be given to help students to come up with their own questions for lively
discussion. Paola Malanotte-Rizzoli is Professor of Physical Oceanography in Earth, Atmospheric,
and Planetary Sciences. She was lured from theoretical physics into physical oceanography by the
problem in Venice of high water; she herself witnessed the Venice floods of November, 1966. Her
principal research interest lies in the modeling of ocean general circulation in different sub-basins
of the world ocean. She has also found time for sea-going expeditions, as well as reading classical
literature in various languages, playing music, and jogging. Limited to 12, including freshman
advisees
P. Malanotte-Rizzoli
12.S56 Global Positioning System: Civilian Tool or Military Weapon (New)
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F] Recitation: TBA
The use of Global Positioning System (GPS) in a wide variety of applications has exploded in the
last few years. Hikers, sailors, and aviators use the system as a navigation aid but many others use
GPS in ways that were not considered during its design. Some of the most stringent uses come
from meteorology where the system is used to track water vapor in the atmosphere, and from
geophysics where it is used to measure continental drift, deformation leading up earthquakes, and
mean sea-level rise. However, the system was designed as a military tool. In this seminar, we
explore how GPS works, the range of applications, and the conflict between civilian users and
military planners. This seminar is followed by a UROP in the spring semester where results from
precise GPS measurements will be analyzed and displayed on the web. Tom Herring is Professor
of Geophysics in the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences. He uses GPS to
measure millimeter-level motions of the Earth{146}s surface in California, Central Asia, and
China with the long-term aim of understanding earthquakes and other deformation processes. He
also studies the Earth{146}s atmosphere with GPS through the refraction of GPS signals.
T. Herring
18.S34 Mathematical Problem Solving
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F] Recitation: TBA
We will consider mathematical problems and puzzles of various kinds and at various levels of
difficulty, including problems that are easy but entertaining and problems that appear on
mathematical Olympiads or Putnam Examinations. Roughly half of the seminar meetings will be
lectures on general principles of use in problem solving and mathematical themes that appear
frequently in competition problems. Other meetings will be presentations and discussions, largely
by students, of solutions to problems on the weekly problem set. Problem sets will include both
easy problems for the less experienced and harder problems for the more experienced students.
Enrollment will be limited and at the discretion of the instructor. Upperclass students interested in
problem-solving are encouraged to apply and to include brief written comments on their interest
and experience. Hartley Rogers's main area of research is logic and probability. He is also
interested in physics and in theoretical computer science.
H. Rogers
22.S11 Exotic Energy Sources for the 21st Century (Revised Content)
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F]
We will explore some of the highly imaginative engineering proposals (all technically feasible but
otherwise ``far out'') to exploit unconventional energy sources such as methane hydrates,
proton-boron fusion, accelerator-driven spallation breeders, etc. Megaprojects such as solar
photovoltaic power beamed down from space stations and hydroelectric stations on an artificial
river from the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea are also candidates for our perusal. A suitable prize
will be given for the best participant-suggested concept. Students will be asked (with appropriate
guidance, coaching and feedback) to give two or three technical presentations of about 15 minutes
each, similar to those engineers deliver in a variety of professional settings. Here{146}s a great
opportunity to learn presentation skills in a safe, fun environment! Mike Driscoll has over 45 years
of experience as a student, practitioner, and teacher of engineering, the past 35 at MIT, where he is
currently engaged in research to develop even better nuclear fission reactors. Limited to 12,
including freshman advisees
M. Driscoll
22.S28 Progress and Other Disasters: The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Other Persons
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F] Recitation: W3-5 (38-166)
The history of large technological projects is filled with many successes, but also a substantial
number of failures that have usually occurred in ways thought to be impossible - or not thought of
at all - when the systems were designed. From the Titanic to the Challenger, systems fail. In this
seminar we will try to see whether these failures are perhaps just ``bad luck'' or whether there is
something fundamental to complex systems which makes them prone to failure. We will discuss
some complex systems, such as the Challenger disaster or Three Mile Island nuclear power reactor,
and see if there are common threads which can point us towards underlying problems. We may
also consider failures in complex political and social systems having similar origins. Occasional
guest experts may be invited to come talk with us. Depending on class interests and size, we will
divide up into smaller groups, and each group will make a presentation to the seminar describing a
particular systems problem. Larry Lidsky is a professor of nuclear engineering and has worked on
both the fusion and fission programs. Dick Lanza has worked in fields from elementary particle
physics to medical imaging, mostly in experimental work. Limited to 15, including freshman
advisees
L. Lidsky
TOX.S12 What Mutates People?
Prereq.: -- Units: 2-0-4 [P/D/F]
The cancer statistics from the nineteenth century to the present day show dramatic increases and
decreases in the rates for most, but not all, cancers. We know that turning a normal cell into a
cancer cell requires several genetic changes but we don't know what all of them are or what they
change in a cell's physiology. In a series of discussions we will first explore the cancer data and
then consider how we might distinguish the actual causes of the cancer causing mutations from
among three formal possibilities: induction by chemicals and radiation outside the body, induction
from internally generated reactive chemicals, and unforced errors in the DNA and chromosome
replication processes. William Thilly, MIT '67, is Professor of Toxicology and Civil Engineering.
He is the director of the Center for Environmental Health Sciences, a multidepartmental unit that
aims to discover what causes genetic change in humans and then engineer those causes out of the
environment. Limited to 15, including freshman advisees
18.419 Seminar in Theoretical Computer Science: An Eye for Elegance.
The course studies several examples of beauty in Mathematics, particularly in discovering
Algorithms. We neither try to define beauty nor imply aspects of a definition. Our strategy is
simple: we will present the algorithmic works of László Lovász in a nice, connected sequence.
Format: The course will be run in a seminar fashion. I will give roughly half the lectures and
students will give the other half. Prof. Lovász and Prof. Kannan will give guest lectures. Office
hours are on Mondays from 2:30 to 3:30, or by appointment.
Topics include:
Geometric Algorithms (convex programming, lattice algorithms),
Combinatorial methods (mainly graph algorithms),
Random walks on Graphs, Random walks in Convex Bodies.
Here is a sample of the questions that we will study in detail:
How to solve semi-definite programs? How to exploit duality in its many forms? How to compute
the volume? How to find a short lattice vector? How to decide if the edges of a graph can be
partitioned into matchings? Why do nice things happen with perfect graphs? When to stop on a
random walk?
Caltech 的 Seminar 课程简介
Ch 10 abc Frontiers in Chemistry.
3 units (2-0-1); first, second terms. 6 units (1-4-1); third term. Open for credit to freshmen and
sophomores. Prerequisites: Ch 10 c prerequisites are Ch 10 ab, Ch 3 a, and either Ch 1 ab, Ch 41
ab, or Ch 21 ab, and permission of Instructor. Ch 10 ab is a weekly seminar by a member of the
chemistry department on a topic of current research; the topic will be presented at an informal,
introductory level. The other weekly session will acquaint students with the laboratory techniques
and instrumentation used on the research topics. Ch 10 c is a research-oriented laboratory course,
which will be supervised by a chemistry faculty member. Weekly class meetings will provide a
forum for participants to discuss their research projects. Graded pass/fail.. Instructors: Barton,
Lewis
E 10 Technical Seminar Presentations.
3 units (1-0-2); second, third terms. (Only graduating students required to take E 10 are permitted
to preregister. Others wishing to take the course should come to the organizational meeting and
will be admitted if there is room. NOTE: Those who neither preregister nor attend the O.M. may
not be permitted to enroll.). Guidance and practice in organizing and preparing topics for
presentation and in speaking with the help of visual aids, including blackboards, overhead
projectors, and slide projectors.. Instructor: Staff
Ge 10 Frontiers in Geological and Planetary Sciences.
3 units (2-0-1); third term. Open for credit to sophomores, juniors, and seniors; the course may be
taken multiple times. Prerequisites: Ge 1, 2, or 4 (enrollment can be concurrent), or consent of
Instructor. Weekly seminar by a member of the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences or a
visitor to discuss a topic of his or her current research at an introductory level. A second hour is
used to discuss proposals written by class members for future research projects in the area of each
seminar topic. The course is designed to introduce students to research and research opportunities
in the division and to help students find faculty sponsors for individual research projects. Graded
pass/fail.. Instructors: Stolper, Wyllie
Ph 10 abc Frontiers in Physics.
3 units (2-0-1); first, second, third terms. Open for credit to freshmen and sophomores. Weekly
seminar by a member of the physics department or a visitor, to discuss his or her research at an
introductory level; the other class meetings will be used to explore background material related to
seminar topics and to answer questions that arise. The course will also help students find faculty
sponsors for individual research projects. Graded pass/fail.. Instructor: Tombrello
Bi 80 Biology Major Seminar.
3 units (1-0-2); first term. Prerequisite: Bi 9 or permission of Instructor. May be repeated for credit,
with permission of Instructor. Discussions and student presentations designed for biology majors
from sophomores to seniors, to provide information and practice oral communication techniques.
Topics will include career choices, admission to medical or graduate school, student research
projects including senior thesis research, and current biological topics of interest. Graded pass/fail..
Instructors: Revel, Schuman
SES 102 abc Senior Seminar.
* 9 units (2-0-7). The first two quarters consist of directed tutorial study and research to develop
further the student's area of concentration in the option and to prepare the student for the writing
of a research paper. Work in the tutorial will comprise intensive reading in the relevant literature
and the beginnings of work on the paper. In the third quarter, students will present and discuss the
results of their research and successive drafts of their papers in a seminar for discussion and
criticism. Open to students in the SES option and the SES graduate minor, and to others by special
permission.. Instructor: Staff
APh 110 Topics in Applied Physics.
2 units (2-0-0); first, second terms. A seminar course designed to acquaint juniors and first-year
graduate students with the various research areas represented in the option. Lecture each week
given by a different faculty member of the option, reviewing, in general terms, his or her field of
research. Graded pass/fail.. Instructor: Bellan and applied physics faculty
Bi 127 Regulation of the Cell Cycle.
6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisites: Bi 8, Bi 9, Bi/Ch 110, or graduate standing. Enrollment
by permission of Instructor. An advanced seminar focusing on regulation of the cell cycle in
eukaryotes. Genetic, biochemical, and molecular studies of cell cycle control in different
biological systems including yeast, vertebrate and invertebrate embryos, and vertebrate cells in
culture will be featured. The relationship of cell proliferation, and the signals that control it, to
cellular differentiation will be a theme. Critical review of current literature will be central. Given
in alternate years; not offered 1998/99.. Instructor: Wold
Ge/Ay 133 The Formation, Evolution, and Detection of Planetary Systems.
9 units (3-0-6); third term. Review current theoretical ideas and observations pertaining to the
formation and evolution of low-mass stars and their associated planetary systems. Ongoing and
proposed observational strategies for the detection of extra-solar planets, planetary systems, and
brown dwarfs will be discussed and analyzed. Instruction will be via seminars by staff and
students. Given in alternate years; not offered 1998/99.. Instructors: Brown, Kulkarni
Ge 135 Regional Geology of Southern California (Seminar).
6 units (3-0-3); second term. Prerequisite: Ge 11 ab or equivalent. Reading and discussion of
selected topics in the geology of southern California and adjacent areas, with emphasis on
outlining the important regional research problems.. Instructor: Silver
Ae 150 abc Aeronautical Seminar.
1 unit (1-0-0); first, second, third terms. Speakers from campus and outside research and
manufacturing organizations discuss current problems and advances in aeronautics. Graded
pass/fail only.. Instructor: Knauss
E 150 abc Engineering Seminar.
1 unit (1-0-0); each term. All candidates for the M.S. degree in applied mechanics, electrical
engineering, materials science, and mechanical engineering are required to attend any graduate
seminar in any division each week of each term. Graded pass/fail.. Instructor: Staff
Env 150 abc Seminar in Environmental Engineering Science.
1 unit (1-0-0); each term. Seminar on current developments and research within the field of
environmental engineering science, with special consideration given to work at the Institute.
Graded pass/fail.. Instructor: Hering
Ch 163 Lectures-Seminars in Physical Chemistry.
6 units (2-0-4); third term. Prerequisites: None. This course involves lectures by the Instructors
and seminars by the students, centered upon a particular theme in current physical chemistry and
in its application to inorganic chemistry, electrochemistry, theoretical chemistry, chemical reaction
rates, chemical dynamics, or some combination of these fields. Examples of topics are "Electron
Transfer Reactions in Chemistry and Biology," "Chemical Reaction Rates and Dynamics," and
"Electron Transfers and Related Processes at Interfaces." Open to all students. Students are also
encouraged to propose a theme.. Instructor: Marcus
Ae 208 abc Fluid Mechanics Seminar.
1 unit (1-0-0); first, second, third terms. A seminar course in fluid mechanics. Weekly lectures on
current developments are presented by staff members, graduate students, and visiting scientists
and engineers. Graded pass/fail only.. Instructor: Dimotakis
Ae/AM 209 abc Seminar in Solid Mechanics.
1 unit (1-0-0); first, second, third terms. A seminar for staff and students of all divisions whose
interests lie in the general field of solid mechanics. Reports on current research by staff and
students on campus are intermixed with seminars given by invited lecturers from companies and
other research institutions. Graded pass/fail only.. Instructor: Staff
Env 210 Advanced Seminar in Microbiology.
3 units (1-0-2); first term. Prerequisite: Instructor's permission. A seminar course for advanced
graduate students and staff to discuss current research and technical literature in the field of
microbiology. As the topics will vary, it may be taken any number of times. Not offered 1998/99..
Instructor:
CE 211 Advanced Hydraulics Seminar.
4 units (2-0-2); every term. A seminar course for advanced graduate students to discuss and review
the recent technical literature in hydraulics and fluid mechanics. Civil and environmental
engineering topics that are not available in courses offered by the Division of Engineering and
Applied Science. Subject will vary depending upon the needs and interests of the students. May be
taken any number of times with the permission of the Instructor.. Instructor: Staff
SS 212 abc Application of Microeconomic Theory.
9 units (3-0-6). May be repeated for credit. A working seminar in which the tools of
microeconomic theory are applied to the explanation of events and the evaluation of policy..
Instructors: Jackson, Palfrey, Camerer
Bi 214 Control of Development and Function in Hematopoietic Cells.
6 units (2-0-4); first term. Prerequisites: Bi 114 or graduate standing. An advanced seminar based
on reading from the current literature. Mechanisms of cell fate determination and lineage
commitment, cell activation, and physiological function will be discussed, with an emphasis on
lymphocytes. Not offered 1998/99.. Instructor: Rothenberg
Ay 215 Seminar in Theoretical Astrophysics.
9 units (3-0-6); second term. Course for graduate students and seniors in astronomy and planetary
science. Students will be required to lead some discussions. Topic changes each time the course is
offered. Not offered 1998/99.. Instructor:
Bi 220 Advanced Seminar in the Molecular Biology of Development.
6 units (2-0-4); second, third terms. Discussion of current papers on various pertinent topics
including nucleic acid renaturation, hybridization, and complexity studies; synthesis and turnover
of transcripts, transcript prevalence, and the dynamics of gene expression; transcription-level
regulation of gene function; molecular aspects of differentiation in certain more intensely studied
systems, etc. Quantitative aspects and biophysical background of relevant measurement methods
are emphasized. Given in alternate years; offered 1998/99.. Instructor: E. Davidson
Bi 224 Principles of bioLOGICal Analysis.
6 units (2-0-4); second term. A graduate seminar course designed to illustrate how basic principles
of logic and scientific methodology are applied to resolve questions about the function and
regulation of biological systems. This course will draw upon examples from research papers in
cellular and molecular biology to demonstrate how fundamental issues such as necessity and
sufficiency, direct and indirect action, cause and effect, etc., underlie the execution and
interpretation of most experiments in biology. The point of this course will be to give students a
"conceptual tool kit" that they can apply to the resolution of experimental problems in any area of
modern molecular and cellular biology. Given in alternate years; offered 1998/99.. Instructor:
Deshaies
Ge 225 abc Planetary Sciences Seminar.
1 unit (1-0-0); first, second, third terms. Required of all planetary-science graduate students;
others welcome. First term: current research by staff and students. Second and third terms:
planetary research with spacecraft and current developments in planetary science.. Instructor: Staff
Ay 235 Research Seminar.
1 unit (1-0-0); third term. Will present seminars on current research interests of the astronomy
faculty to graduate students during the fall term.. Instructor: Staff. BIOCHEMISTRY
Ph 242 ab Physics Seminar.
3 units (2-0-1); first, second terms. Topics in physics emphasizing current research at Caltech. One
two-hour meeting per week. Speakers will be chosen from both faculty and students. Graded
pass/fail.. Instructor: Vogt
EE 243 abc Quantum Electronics Seminar.
6 units (3-0-3); first, second, third terms. Advanced treatment of topics in the field of quantum
electronics. Each weekly seminar consists of a review and discussion of results in the areas of
quantum electronics and optoelectronics.. Instructor: Yariv
Env 250 Advanced Environmental Seminar.
Units by arrangement, not to exceed 4 units (2-0-2); each term. Prerequisite: Instructor's
permission. A seminar course for advanced graduate students and staff to discuss current research
and technical literature on environmental problems. As the subject matter changes from term to
term, it may be taken any number of times.. Instructor: Staff
Bi 260 How to Present a Seminar.
6 units (3-0-3); third term. Prerequisite: graduate standing in Biology, or Instructors' permission..
General data presentation techniques, including how to design a seminar, how to develop or set up
a problem, the design of clear visual aids, the appropriate and clear description of data, and the
presentation of conclusions and future directions. We will also focus on general speaking skills
and discuss how to give a good journal club presentation. Students will have the opportunity to
practice speaking skills and work on individual presentations. Graded pass/fail. Given in alternate
years; offered 1998/99.. Instructors: Laurent, Schuman
Ge 277 Quaternary Tectonics Seminar.
6 units (1-3-2); second term. Detailed analysis of one or more active tectonic regions, including
discussion of published literature, and field examination. Not offered 1998/99.. Instructor: Sieh
Ge 282 abc Division Seminar.
1 unit; first, second, third terms. Presentation of papers by invited investigators. In charge:
Westphal and Wasserburg.. Instructor:
CS 284 abc Computer Science Seminar on Mathematics of Program Construction.
9 units (3-0-6); first, second, third terms. Prerequisite: CS 20 or permission of Instructor. This
course addresses the mathematical basis of programming. First term: predicate calculus, lattice
theory, sequential programming. Second term: relational calculus, programs as trace-sets, temporal
properties. Third term: models of concurrency and concurrent programming. Offered 1998/99..
Instructor: Staff