Topic for Winter 2014: Survey of Modern Physics
This course is a survey of modern physics and how it revolutionized the way we think of nature. We will focus on how recent advances have led to technological developments (lasers, atomic clocks, GPS, hard drives, etc) that we now take for granted. Topics covered will include special relativity, quantum mechanics, and statistical mechanics. We will also discuss and read about current developments in quantum computing, information theory, etc. Readings will include Revolutions in Twentieth Century Physics by David J. Griffith and Fabric of Reality by David Deutsch

Topic for Winter 2014: Planetary and Stellar Atmospheres
This course describes our current understanding of planetary and stellar atmospheres -- how they have come to be, interact with one another, and continue to evolve. Aspects discussed include the creation of chemical elements in early super novae, solar system formation, space weather (e.g., aurora borealis), and planetary and stellar magnetic fields.