Skip to main content

Life in the Universe & The Laws of Physics

Program(s): Immersion

This course treats our current understanding of the role that the laws of physics play in the development, existence, persistence, and prevalence of life in the universe. Starting with the big bang theory, we will explore how the laws of physics guided the evolution of the universe through the processes most likely to have produced life on earth as it exists today. Through discussion- and group-based learning as well as laboratory exercises, we will study the fundamental interactions and the early universe; nuclear, atomic, and molecular structure; Newton's laws and the formation of stars, galaxies, and planetary systems; thermonuclear fusion in stars; the physical origin of the chemical elements; the laws of electricity and magnetism and electromagnetic radiation; the laws of thermodynamics, atmospheric physics, and physical processes on the primordial earth.

See sample syllabus here.

Remote or Residential

✓ Residential (On-Campus)

 

Course Considerations

Students must have completed Algebra 2 to be successful in this course. 

Course Overview

Start Date

June 17

End Date

July 05

Current Grade / Education Level

9th Grade
10th Grade
11th Grade

Program

Immersion

Class Details

Course Code

PHYS 11000 94

Class Day(s)

Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri

Class Duration (CST)

9:00

3:00 P.M.

Session

Session I

Course Length

3 weeks

HS Orientation Date

June 15
June 16

Primary Instructor

David Reid

Academic Interest

Physical Sciences (e.g., astronomy, physics)