Matter and Motion: The Physical Science Behind Climate Change

Taught By:

This year, Matter and Motion has two tracks available, with part-time and full-time options within each track.

Precalculus track: Students proficient in high school Algebra 2 or equivalent can study precalculus, algebra-based physics, and general chemistry.
Calculus track: Students proficient in precalculus can study calculus, calculus-based physics, and general chemistry.

Observations of the natural world reveal an underlying order, which scientists try to understand through model building and experimentation. Physical scientists seek to reveal the fundamental nature and composition of matter and its interactions - essential to understanding modern technological society as well as our environment. This rigorous program integrates first-year college chemistry and physics with math to explore how scientists make sense of the natural world. A special focus will be the physical science of climate change. Students will work to develop a firm background in college-level science, becoming prepared for further intermediate and advanced work in the mathematical and physical sciences.

The work will be intensive and challenging but also exciting; students should expect to spend at least 50 hours per week engaged with material during and outside of class. Important for success will be a commitment to working hard and effectively in groups. The program will include readings, lectures, labs, workshops, seminars, and projects, along with homework sets, writing assignments, quizzes, and exams. Students can expect to spend at least a full day in lab each week, maintain lab notebooks, and write formal lab reports.

All areas of the program will emphasize the use of mathematical methods and developing critical thinking and communication skills. Successful students will improve their conceptual understanding and problem-solving abilities, their ability to collaborate effectively, and gain hands-on experience in physical science. Students will apply these skills and knowledge to complex problems showing the rich inter-connectedness of mathematical and physical systems.

Depending on their math background, students will choose between precalculus or calculus. Fall and winter precalculus covers functions that model change, including linear, polynomial, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, and rational functions, as well as parametric and polar curves. Calculus will cover the techniques, concepts, and applications of differential calculus (in fall) and integral calculus (in winter). In spring, calculus topics will include partial derivatives, multiple integrals, and sequences and series. Math topics will be linked to models in the physical sciences and climate change.

Fall quarter general chemistry will include fundamental concepts of atomic structure, stoichiometry, and the periodic table. Winter quarter will build on this foundation, emphasizing kinetics, thermochemistry, and acid-base chemistry. Spring quarter will emphasize acid-base equilibrium and the relationship between free energy and equilibrium.

Student may choose between algebra-based physics (taken concurrently with precalculus) or calculus-based physics (taken concurrently with calculus). Fall quarter physics begins the study of classical mechanics, focusing on matter and its interactions at the macroscopic and microscopic levels, fundamental conservation laws, and introducing computer modeling. Winter quarter concludes our study of classical mechanics and begins the study of electricity and magnetism. In spring, we finish our study of electric and magnetic interactions and waves.

Fall and winter seminars will include climate science (for sophomores, juniors, and seniors), while first-year students will take the foundations of college success course Greener Foundations. In spring quarter, students will present at Evergreen's Science Carnival.

By the end of the program, successful students will be prepared for upper-division work that has a general chemistry prerequisite, and depending on the track chosen, will be prepared for upper-division work in mathematics and physics. Particular upper-division Evergreen science programs that students may be prepared for include: Atoms, Molecules, and Reactions (2023-24); Mathematical Systems (2023-24); Physical Systems and Applied Mathematics (2024-25); and Environmental Analysis (2024-25).

For more information on the program, visit this site: https://sites.evergreen.edu/mnm2223/

Registration

Enrollment Conditions:

New students accepted in winter and spring with signature. For winter, students will need to demonstrate prerequisite knowledge equivalent to chemistry, mathematics, and physics content covered in fall quarter through previous coursework and/or through taking fall quarter exams. For spring, students will need to demonstrate prerequisite knowledge equivalent to chemistry, mathematics, and physics content covered in fall and winter quarters through previous coursework and/or through taking fall and winter quarter exams. Contact Krishna Chowdary at chowdark@evergreen.edu for more information.

Prerequisites:

Proficiency in high school algebra II/intermediate algebra is required for general chemistry, precalculus, and algebra-based physics. Proficiency in precalculus is required for calculus and calculus-based physics.

Winter Registration:

Signature Required

Students will need to demonstrate prerequisite knowledge equivalent to chemistry, math, and physics content covered in fall quarter through previous coursework and/or through taking fall quarter exams. Contact Krishna Chowdary at chowdark@evergreen.edu for more information.

Course Reference Numbers

So - Sr (16): 20109

Spring Registration:

Signature Required

Students will need to demonstrate prerequisite knowledge equivalent to chemistry, math, and physics content covered in fall and winter quarters through previous coursework and/or through taking fall and winter quarter exams. Contact Krishna Chowdary at chowdark@evergreen.edu for more information.

Course Reference Numbers

So - Sr (16): 30110

Fr (16): 30111

(1 - 16): 30112

Fall Registration:

Course Reference Numbers

So - Sr (16): 10075

Fr - Sr (1 - 16): 10079

Fr (14): 10171

Academic Details

Fields of Study:

Chemistry

Mathematics

Physics

Preparatory for studies and careers in:

chemistry, mathematics, physics, other natural sciences, medicine/health care, engineering, and math and science education.

Credits:

Variable Credit Options:

Students may opt to take portions of the program. Students interested in registering for fewer than 16 credits should contact the faculty to discuss options and to obtain a signature. Students with questions about the various credit options or about their readiness for any portion of the program should contact any of the faculty team via email, with particular questions about chemistry to Dharshi Bopegedera, about math to Rachel Hastings, and about math and physics to Krishna Chowdary.

Maximum Enrollment:

Class Standing:

Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

Fees:

$50 required lab fee in fall quarter, $100 lab fee in winter and spring quarters.

Special Expenses:

Math and science textbooks can be very expensive. However, those texts cover the entire year, and students will be required to have access to these texts for successful completion of the program. Used versions of most of your textbooks are readily available.