Hampshire students do not simply learn the principles of physics on the page. They apply concepts through extensive lab work, original research, functional design, and real world experience beginning in the first semester of college.
Hampshire’s academic structure allows students to incorporate physics into a variety of concentrations (music, education, or architecture, for example) and to pair a more standard physics curriculum with courses in areas like assistive technology or studio arts.
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How Things Work |
This course introduces students to college physics, projects, projects, and science through study of ordinary technological objects. Principles flow from everyday applications in mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and electronics and optics; eventually we may even make our own simple “paper clip” motors that run for hours on a single D battery. The mathematics level is algebra to precalculus. We also steadily build an individualized project, which may have been previously started in some other learning activity. This covers the five elements of a complete natural science experience including quantitative and verbal skills, the methods of scientific inquiry, and the importance of social context, all as applied to the topic of your own choice.
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Institute for Science and Interdisciplinary Studies
Five College Astronomy Department Moreover, by combining the traditional emphasis on small classes and individual attention that is found at small liberal arts colleges with the research opportunities and infrastructure of a large university, students can find a mix of fine teaching and rich opportunities for independent research. Some ten percent of the professional women astronomers in the U.S. did their undergraduate work in the Five College Astronomy program. |