What are you looking for?
Ó Bob Field 2005
How much physics do you see in this photograph of a blue-eyed
brown pelican?
Are you interested in a physics or physical science senior project?
(If not, please read the red text near the bottom of this page)
I am Dr. Bob Field, adjunct professor in the Physics Department.
See me to learn more about my ideas for senior projects and the potential
benefits to your career as a research scientist, technology developer, and/or
science educator.
Astrophysical Systems
Analysis Projects In Depth
Look at my "Natural Enquirer" tabloid Newspaper stories about three previous senior projects
Evolving Stars and Planets: In general, students will analyze interactions of energy and matter in complex natural systems with simple math models. The goal is to understand the structure and evolution of the oceans, atmosphere, solid Earth, Sun and stars, cells, organisms, and ecosystems. Specific projects depend on student interests and skills. (Most projects use existing data as inputs to math models, but a resourceful student may borrow or develop instrumentation to collect data, including one of the deparmental optical spectrometers or the observatory telescopes.) Previous student projects have included MathCad models of transmission of sunlight in the atmosphere and in the ocean, an optical assembly that simulated a deep sea lobster eye, a model of the formation of the Earth, and models of stellar structure and evolution. Qualifications include critical thinking skills and curiosity about nature. Most projects are suitable for students with very good grade point averages. Most projects require the student to learn to run MathCad on a Windows computer. Most of my projects offer opportunities to observe natural phenomenon and create mathematical models. My projects encourage the student to be creative and to develop problem-solving skills while investigating the scientific principles underlying global natural phenomena. Careful observations of nature often inspire scientists to develop new ideas, designs, materials, processes, and technologies for research and industrial applications. Design and analysis skills are useful in many professions.
I earned a Ph.D. in 1978 in experimental solid state physics and laser spectroscopy and designed high power laser optical systems for 20 years. I occasionally taught physics labs and briefly studied solar energy and bioengineering. I prepare slide shows and temporary displays for the state park natural history museum.
Even if you are not interested in a senior project, you may be interested in seeing one of my fifteen 90-minute slide shows on global natural science, presented occasionally at the Morro Bay State Park Natural History Museum. I also have some temporary displays at the Museum from time to time. My programs are aimed to challenge a general audience interested in natural history. I always include ideas to challenge high school and college students and educators. I will talk to other local groups on request. To learn more about my slide shows and displays, send me an e-mail.
Go to list of Global Natural Science Talks
Look at a list of my favorite books related to Global Natural Science
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