Luokkala Exploring Science Through Science Fiction

1. Auflage 2013
ISBN: 978-1-4614-7891-1
Verlag: Springer US
Format: PDF
Kopierschutz: 1 - PDF Watermark

E-Book, Englisch, 241 Seiten

Reihe: Science and Fiction

The material in this book forms the basis of an interdisciplinary, college-level course, which uses science fiction film as a vehicle for exploring science concepts. Unlike traditional introductory-level courses, the science content is arranged according to major themes in science fiction, with a deliberate progression from the highly objective and discipline-specific (e.g. Reference Frames; Physics of Space Travel and Time Travel) to the very multi-disciplinary and thought-provoking (e.g. Human Teleportation; Science and Society). Over 100 references to science fiction films and television episodes are included, spanning more than 100 years of cinematic history. Some of these are conducive to calculations (solutions included).

Zielgruppe

Lower undergraduate

Autoren/Hrsg.

Luokkala, Barry B.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Preface.- 1 Introduction: Discerning the Real, the Possible and the Impossible.- 2 What is the Nature of Space and Time? (the physics of space travel and time travel).- 3 What is the Universe Made of? (matter, energy and interactions).- 4 Can a Machine Become Self-Aware? (the sciences of computing and cognition).- 5 Are We Alone in the Universe? (the search for extraterrestrial intelligence).- 6 What does it Mean to be Human? (biological sciences, biotechnology and other considerations).- 7 How do We Solve Our Problems? (science, technology and society).- 8 What Lies Ahead? (the future of our technological society).- Appendix A: Catalog of Movies Cited.- Appendix B: Catalog of Television Series Episodes Cited.- Appendix C: Catalog of YouTube Videos Cited.- Appendix D: Solutions to Estimation Problems.

Über Autor(innen)

Barry Luokkala is a teaching professor and director of undergraduate laboratories in the department of physics at Carnegie Mellon University. He received his BS and MS degrees in physics at the University of Pittsburgh, where he did experimental research in the physics and chemistry of the ionosphere. He received his PhD in experimental condensed matter physics at Carnegie Mellon University. He has also served as program director for the Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the sciences and has been a science consultant for the Sloan Foundation Screenplay Competition in Carnegie Mellon’s School of Drama.