WRIT 074: PHYSICS

Fall 2021 Courses

WRIT 074 301

MW 5:15 - 6:45 PM

Kehayias

Quantum Physics in Everyday Life

Fulfills the Writing Requirement

(No advanced physics needed, just curiosity of the world around us.) The mystery and craziness of quantum physics doesn't have to be limited to lab experiments and professional researchers; it is in the everyday world all around us. The strange, and yet very real, effects of quantum physics tells us that particles can behave like waves, be in multiple places (and also nowhere), and be linked to each other across the universe. But this also tells us about our toasters, sense of smell, how objects are solid, the way radiation works, and much more. We will start our exploration with the friendly and approachable book Breakfast with Einstein: The Exotic Physics of Everyday Objects, by Chad Orzel. We will apply our knowledge by looking at issues in our current world in a related topic (from internet access to alternative energy) and looking at the research and recommendations for how to address these problems. Throughout the course we will develop critical reading and writing skills in collaborative work, discussions, and writing for academic and public audiences.