FYS: Space, Time and the Cosmos (main page)

These pages have now been updated for 2023.  The Canvas pages for this class have not yet been created. 

>>>>> For information on the UC Davis first year seminar program please look here: http://fys.ucdavis.edu/. You can look here to find specific listings for the three sections I am offering in 2023 https://fys.ucdavis.edu/schedule .

As of 8/31/23 all three of my seminars are full.  For more inforation please see this page

IMPORTANT: In 2023, as in other years, the course will be run SYNCHRONOUSLY, so you will need to be present in the classroom at your actual seminar meeting time to participate in the class. There will be no asynchronous alternative form of participation (such as recorded lectures). This aspect is essential so the class can run as an interactive seminar, which is central to the whole concept of this class.  

ILLNESS: PLEASE contact me if illness or other emergencies disrupt your ability to participate in the seminar.  We can discuss accomodations. 

REQUIRED TEXTBOOK: The required textbook for the course is The Fabric of the Cosmos. Here is a list of additional recommended (optional) books.

FEATURES FOR THE SEMINAR:

  1. I want to create an environment where students feel free to really open up and pursue their curiosity. I want them not to worry about grades or about who knows more or less than them.
  2. There are people from all walks of life who enjoy talking at length about deep questions about the cosmos. I want this seminar fundamentally to be a place where students can experience that joy, with the benefit of learning from an expert what science currently has to say about such questions.
  3. I want the seminar to be enjoyable for students who are non-science majors as well as science majors. I'll foster an environment where students of different backgrounds will enjoy collaborating together, even if they do not start out with good feelings about group work.
  4. Student responsibilities:
    1. Reading: I will select a suitable a popular level book, and assign one chapter of reading per week. As the course progresses I may (at the student's request) make alternative assignments to individuals or groups who wish to follow up on specific topics.
    2. Reflection/Participation: Students will have several options to document their reflections on the subject and to participate in class discussions. These will include journaling, participation in discussions online and in class. These will emphasize the student's personal explorations and discovery on the topics of the course, and are not expected to be technical in nature. No prior knowledge of the subject is expected. I will make a point of creating a welcoming environment where participation is fun for everyone, regardless of background.
  5. The course has an active web component where various discussions can continue online, including those stimulated by alternate readings. The Canvas system offers some interesting possibilities.
  6. Details about assignments, grading, etc are provided specifically to enrolled students through the Canvas pages.