11363

SCI 123 Paints and Examination of Paintings

Simeen Sattar

M . . . . . . W . .

8:30 - 10:30 am 8:30 - 11:30 am

HEG 106

SCI

This course is about the composition of pigments, dyes and paints, the chemistry underlying selected techniques (e.g. Attic vase and fresco painting), and scientific methods for examining paintings, with an emphasis on case studies. As light and atoms and molecules are central to paints and techniques for examining paintings, the course begins with these foundational topics. Laboratory work includes synthesis and analysis of pigments and dyes, preparation of binders and paints, and fresco painting. Students pre-registered for the course undertake to review selected topics from high school chemistry and take an online quiz before the start of the semester to assess their understanding. Class size: 18

11364

SCI 143 Starlight

Simeen Sattar

. T . Th .

3:10 - 5:10 pm

HEG 106

SCI

One of our species’ most amazing achievements is that we have a pretty good idea of what stars are made of, despite our confinement to Earth. Not even a space probe has gone anywhere near any star besides the Sun. Our understanding of the composition of stars comes from close examination of starlight (by a process resembling Isaac Newton’s decomposition of sunlight into its colors) and our modern understanding of atoms and molecules. This course is about the analysis of starlight: what it tells us about the composition of stars, their temperatures and their motions. We start with inquiring into the nature of light and the structure of atoms and molecules and their energy levels. This understanding will be applied to light coming from stars and other astronomical objects. Laboratory experiments involve the use of spectrophotometers to study light emitted, absorbed and reflected by atoms and molecules. Although the course is intensive, no mathematics beyond algebra is required. Class size: 18

11362

SHP 223 Physical Science after Newton

Peter Skiff

. T . Th .

1:30 - 2:50 pm

HEG 102

HIST

A survey of major agendas of physical science since 1750. Characteristic episodes include Lavoisier and the theory of elements; Maxwell and the mathematization of physics; arguments about light from Newton, Young, Michelson, and Einstein; twentieth-century atomic theory; and the emergence of "big science”. Class size: 24