ECTS - University of Pisa
Scheda programma d'esame
ELEMENTS OF THE PHYSICS HISTORY
MARCO MARIA MASSAI
Academic year2016/17
CoursePHYSICS
Code180BB
Credits6
PeriodSemester 2
LanguageItalian

ModulesAreaTypeHoursTeacher(s)
ELEMENTI DI STORIA DELLA FISICAFIS/08LEZIONI48
MARCO MARIA MASSAI unimap
Programma non disponibile nella lingua selezionata
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The student who successfully completes the course will be able to demonstrate a solid knowledge of history of science, in particular, physics during two periods, i.e. the XVII century and the XX century. In the first case, the object of study is the work of Galileo Galilei, focused on the astronomical observations during the years 1610, 1611 e 1612 ('Sidereus Nuncius', Lettere Copernicane, various letters, sections of 'il Saggiatore'). The second period is the forth decade of Novecento, and the work is the of Enrico Fermi's discovery of 'slow neutron effect', in via Panisperna. The student, also, will have the ability to move himself in the critical evaluation of Galileo contributions in demonstrate the Copernico's hypothesis, the developing of science through the work of Cartesio (Discours de la méthode).
Assessment criteria of knowledge
The student will be assessed on his/her demonstrated ability to discuss the main course contents using the appropriate terminology. During the oral exam the student must be able to demonstrate his/her knowledge of the course material and be able to discuss the reading matter thoughtfully and with propriety of expression.

Methods:

  • Final oral exam
  • Final essay
Teaching methods

Delivery: face to face

Learning activities:

  • attending lectures
  • participation in seminar
  • participation in discussions
  • individual study

Attendance: Advised

Teaching methods:

  • Lectures
  • Seminar
Syllabus
- Backgound of the ancient knowledge in astronomics: prehistory, Greeks, Egyptians, Babylonians, etc. - hystorical background of the Galileo'age - Galileo astronomical works (Sidereus Nuncius, lettere copernicane... - the birth of Scientific method - Renes Descartes: Discours de la méthode - the developing of mathematics contributions in science: Newton, Leibnitz. - Enrico Fermi's work: roman period, Manhattan Project, after the II World War. - elements of History of science: Thomas Kuhn work
Bibliography
Mandatory: - G.Galilei, Sidereus Nuncius, Lettere Copernicane, Il Saggiatore (only selected sctions), various letters; - Reneè Descartes, Discours de la méthode (selected sections) - Enrico Fermi's selected papers (Il Nuovo Cimento, Nature, La Ricerca scientifica). Suggested selections from: - Lucio Russo, The forgotten revolution - Thomas Kuhn, The structure of scientific revolution - MIchael Hoskin, The history of astronomy - Le scienze, biographies of: Galilei, Keplero, Newton, Descartes, Fermi
Work placement
Yes
Updated: 14/11/2016 17:27