Fall 2006

10/14/2006 | Biophysics and Single Molecules – Where Smaller is Better -- Gerard Blab (U-M Physics)

Many processes inside a living cell are determined by specific actions of only a small number of molecules. Discover how modern biophysical methods can visualize these processes on length- and time-scales where the physical principles we know from the 'big' world around us have some quite unexpected consequences, and find out why sometimes one must think very small in order to learn more about the big picture.  

10/21/2006 | Higher, Faster, Longer: From Model Rocketry to Rocket Science Part 1 -- Andrew Tomasch (U-M Physics)

Explore the physics and engineering techniques of hobby experimentation by examining a variety of flying model rockets, airplanes and toys in the first lecture. The second lecture will illustrate how principles learned from experimentation can be applied to the design and construction of new undergraduate lab experiments.

10/28/2006 | Higher, Faster, Longer: From Model Rocketry to Rocket Science Part 2 -- Andrew Tomasch (U-M Physics)

Explore the physics and engineering techniques of hobby experimentation by examining a variety of flying model rockets, airplanes and toys in the first lecture. The second lecture will illustrate how principles learned from experimentation can be applied to the design and construction of new undergraduate lab experiments.  

11/04/2006 | Apocalypse Maybe: Speculative Doomsday Scenarios for the End of the Earth Part 1 -- Eli Rykoff (U-M Physics)

What would happen to the Earth if a massive star exploded nearby? What if an asteroid or comet hit the Earth? Could Little Green Men invade our planet? In this series, we will address various doomsday scenarios and the implications for humanity and life on Earth. The first talk addresses the death of stars, including our own Sun. The second talk will investigate the unlikely possibility that a large object could hit the earth. Finally, the series closes with more speculative and outlandish scenarios, including the possible “Big Rip” at the end of the universe.  

11/11/2006 | Apocalypse Maybe: Speculative Doomsday Scenarios for the End of the Earth Part 2 -- Eli Rykoff (U-M Physics)

What would happen to the Earth if a massive star exploded nearby? What if an asteroid or comet hit the Earth? Could Little Green Men invade our planet? In this series, we will address various doomsday scenarios and the implications for humanity and life on Earth. The first talk addresses the death of stars, including our own Sun. The second talk will investigate the unlikely possibility that a large object could hit the earth. Finally, the series closes with more speculative and outlandish scenarios, including the possible “Big Rip” at the end of the universe.  

11/18/2006 | Apocalypse Maybe: Speculative Doomsday Scenarios for the End of the Earth Part 3 -- Eli Rykoff (U-M Physics)

What would happen to the Earth if a massive star exploded nearby? What if an asteroid or comet hit the Earth? Could Little Green Men invade our planet? In this series, we will address various doomsday scenarios and the implications for humanity and life on Earth. The first talk addresses the death of stars, including our own Sun. The second talk will investigate the unlikely possibility that a large object could hit the earth. Finally, the series closes with more speculative and outlandish scenarios, including the possible “Big Rip” at the end of the universe.

12/02/2006 | Automobile Efficiencies: Reducing Fuel Use While Improving Safety Part 1 -- Marc Ross (U-M Physics)

Reducing the mass of motor vehicles is critical to improving their fuel economy. It is commonly accepted that lighter cars will be more dangerous. In the first talk, we will examine technologies that can result in dramatic improvements in fuel economy. The second talk will explore how improved design can result in decreased vehicle mass while preserving safety.  

12/09/2006 | Automobile Efficiencies: Reducing Fuel Use While Improving Safety Part 2 -- Marc Ross (U-M Physics)

Reducing the mass of motor vehicles is critical to improving their fuel economy. It is commonly accepted that lighter cars will be more dangerous. In the first talk, we will examine technologies that can result in dramatic improvements in fuel economy. The second talk will explore how improved design can result in decreased vehicle mass while preserving safety.