FRS 002M —
Sec. 001 —
(2 unit) — CRN 55913 — W 12:10-2:00pm — 25 Wellman
Physics in the 20th Century: The Advent of the Nuclear
Age
Instructor: Barry Klein, Department of Physics, College of Letters and
Science
Description: The 20th Century showed remarkable scientific and
technological advances related to the evolution of our physical understanding
of "matter" at the atomistic and nuclear levels. This seminar course
will provide the historical perspective to this evolution by tracing
these developments
in physics in terms of the scientific personalities involved and the
impetus provided
by the applications, culminating in the development of nuclear weapons. We will
use as a textbook the wonderful and beautifully written book The Making of the
Atom Bomb, by Richard Rhodes, a book that won the Pulitzer Prize,
which has left
a lasting impression on all of those who have read it. Through
readings, discussions
and class presentations, we should all learn to appreciate the
fascinating personalities
involved in these advances, and to put aspects of our present-day
world in perspective.
The goals of the seminar are to introduce students to the evolution
of 20th century
physics with an emphasis on our modern understanding of the atom and
the nucleus
in particular. By using an historical view and focus on the physics
"greats"
who were key to developing our understanding of matter, we will
attempt to "humanize"
the developments that led to our view of the atomistic world.
Format: The course will include lectures introducing
the basics
of modern atomic and nuclear physics. A set of notes on modern
physics developed
by the instructor will be distributed to the students. The course will include
a visit to the UC Davis Crocker Laboratory and a talk by a guest lecturer who
will discuss a special topic. The students will also present a class
talk on one
of the major physicists discussed in Rhode's book. A term class talk and paper
on the scientists in the book will be required.
Grading:
Grades will be determined by class participation (1/3); talk to class
(1/3); and
term paper — 5 pages double-spaced minimum (1/3).
About the Instructor: Barry M. Klein is a Professor of Physics
and Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Davis. He is a former Chairperson of the
Department of Physics with a research focus on condensed matter
theory. His career
has included working at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory and the
National Science
Foundation. He has a long-standing interest in the history of science and how
our scientific understanding has evolved in the "modern era."