Course Info: NS-0283

A first course of college physics with labs for scientists and engineers (and for serious philosophers), this class took quantum mechanics as its content. Using two-state systems including electron spin and photon polarization, we developed the actual quantum theory in its matrix mechanics form. That theory underlies our current understanding of atoms, particles, and virtually all physical processes. It is fundamental to the modern physics behind nuclear applications, electronic devices and lasers. Our course content was relevant to quantum teleportation, computation and information and had important philosophical consequences as well. Quantum mechanics underlies all chemistry and molecular processes, including biology. The math we used was serious and taught within the syllabus, especially using linear algebra, complex numbers and trigonometry, but required only a minimum of calculus. The course had three themes: quantitative approximations to interesting phenomena; formal use of mathematics to describe observations; the philosophical and cultural significance of interpretations of physical theory. In effect students confronted material exactly as modern physicists confront Nature, working cooperatively because impossible puzzles have to be converted into problems. Problems of difficulty ranging from "almost too easy" to "OMG hard" had to be solved. Despite knowing principles and theoretical frameworks, having participated in their development, only gradually did the meaning emerge from the mathematical manipulations.