PhiDiP 03/01/2017: Quantum Misconceptions

Quantum reality can be counter-intuitive and bizarre, even to those of us studying physics. Because of its inherent strangeness, the subject is often misunderstood or misrepresented, especially outside of the scientific community.

Here are just a few examples of the misconceptions inspired by quantum reality:

4 Common Misconceptions About Quantum Physics

PhiDiP (Philosophical Discussions in Physics) meets Wednesdays at 2:00 pm and is open to all. While NC 3405 is under construction we have been meeting in Plaza 220-A3, but please note that the location is subject to change in the future.

SPS Zone Meeting!

Every year, the chapters in our SPS zone (CO & WY) get together at a Zone Meeting to share ideas, present research, and just have a good time! These meetings are local mini-conferences that allow students to broaden their professional network and develop into publicly-engaged scientists.

This year, the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, CO is hosting our Zone Meeting on March 4 from 9 AM - 6 PM. We are very fortunate that this meeting is FREE, is just a short drive away, and carpooling is possible! Our chapter (MSU & CU Denver) will be hosting the workshop "Let's Take Outreach to the Next Level," sharing some of our best outreach techniques and learning from others. If you have an interest in seeing the facilities at School of Mines, connecting with SPS National, getting to experience a scientific conference, or you just LOVE free food, this meeting is for you! Please join our chapter in representing our unique department!

The deadline for registration is Wednesday, February 22!
To register (it's free!), please sign up at the following link ASAP:
Zone 14 Meeting Registration

If you have ANY questions at all, please email us at sps.metro.ucd@gmail.com or ask on the SPS #slack channel!

PhiDiP 2/15/2017: Philosophy Within the Classical Limit

This week in PhiDiP we will be discussing philosophy in the context of Newtonian physics. How did the Principia Mathematica influence philosophical thought in the 17th century? What were Newton's own thoughts on philosophy? How did philosophical movements such as rationalism, empiricism, and mechanistic theory arise from the scientific revelations of the time?

Here's some light background reading for your reference:
Science and Enlightenment

...and some not-so-light-but-quite-interesting reading to peruse at your leisure if you would like to learn more about the subject:
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Newton's Philosophy

This discussion will be in anticipation of a three week series on Quantum Mechanics, in which we will examine how 20th century scientific discoveries have influenced modern philosophy.


PhiDiP (Philosophical Discussions in Physics) meets Wednesdays at 2:00 pm and is open to all. While NC 3405 is under construction we have been meeting in Plaza 220-A3, but please note that the location is subject to change in the future. 

Colloquium 02/10/2017

This Friday, February 10th, Dr. Mark Siemens from the University of Denver will be presenting a colloquium on light with orbital angular momentum! The event takes place in North Classroom 3604 at 3:30 PM, but all are encouraged to come early to meet and speak with Dr. Siemens. Light refreshments will be provided.

PhiDiP 02/08/2017 What Makes Us Curious?

PhiDiP meets today, 02/08/2017, at 2pm in Plaza 220-A3. We will be discussing a curious little thing called curiosity and planning some topics for the semester. All are welcome!

Here's a little more on curiosity from the Harvard Business Review:
Curiosity is as Important as Intelligence

PhiDiP 02/01/2017: What is Science?

Welcome back to classes! We will be holding our first PhiDiP meeting of the semester Wednesday February 1, 2017 at 2:00pm in the Psychology Department Conference Room (Plaza 220-A3)

For our first discussion will be asking the question: What is science?

The following links provide an overview of perspectives on this question from scientists and non-scientists alike:

What Is Science? From Feynman to Sagan to Asimov to Curie, an Omnibus of Definitions

George Orwell: What is Science?

Please check back for regular website updates.

PhiDiP 11/29/16: All About Time

This Tuesday we will be holding our final PhiDiP discussion of the semester and we will be talking all about time. Why does time seem to flow in only one direction? How would the universe differ if time flowed backwards? How are entropy and the arrow of time related? Could the second law of thermodynamics ever be violated, allowing entropy to decrease in a system? What do the concepts of past, present, and future really mean?

For background material this week we have an article and a brief video.

First up is an article about the role of time in physics and some of the challenges we face in defining even everyday concepts like 'now.' Thanks to Dr. Loats for the recommendation!

Now-And The Physics of Time
"Time is elusive and enigmatic. The moment now is ephemeral. Quandaries and confusion about time date back as far as Aristotle and Augustine, and as recently as Einstein and Feynman"  Read more...


Maxwell's Demon-The Demon That Betters The World
A short video (3min) that provides an introduction to a thought experiment known as 'Maxwell's Demon' which would theoretically violate the second law of thermodynamics. The video also addresses some of the recent progress made in actually creating an experiment to test this idea.