PHYS 440A (01) - Hon/Searching for Our Place in the Universe: Foundation and Limits of Certainty in Physical Science

PHYS 440A (01) - Hon/Searching for Our Place in the Universe: Foundation and Limits of Certainty in Physical Science

Hon/Our Place in the Universe

Durham Engineering&Physical Sciences::Physics
Credits: 4.0
Class Size: 25 
Term:  Spring 2026 - Full Term (01/20/2026 - 05/04/2026)
CRN:  56614
Grade Mode:  Letter Grading
We explore models of the universe and our place in it. We discuss the foundation of ideas about motion on Earth and in space, as well as the history of modern physics and astronomy, which have changed how we understand space and time. We consider the sources and limitations of human knowledge concerning the origin of the universe, the mystery of the origin of life and evidence that our description of reality is incomplete.
Registration Approval Required. Contact Instructor or Academic Department for permission then register through Webcat.
Only the following students: Honors College Admit, Honors Program
Attributes:  Writing Intensive Course, Physical Science(Discovery), Honors course
Instructors:  John Gianforte

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/20/2026 5/4/2026 MWF 10:10am - 11:00am DEM 253

Booklist

Book Details
COSMOS 85
by SAGAN Required
ISBN
978034533135 9
PUBLISHER
PENG RAND
365 STARRY NIGHTS 82
by RAYMO Required
ISBN
978067176606 1
PUBLISHER
S+S
EBK COSMOS 80
by SAGAN Required
ISBN
978030780098 5
PUBLISHER
VST