PHYS 125 – Big Science in Twenty-First Century Europe

Four credits,
FDR-SC, GL, EXP
Two weeks on campus, two weeks in Italy and Switzerland
Professor Tom McClain

Though the United States has often been at the forefront of big science since the middle of the twentieth century, there are indications that this may be changing. In this course, we will learn about particle physics and gravitational wave astronomy as we travel to two of the premier "Big Science" sites in Europe: the large hadron collider at CERN in Geneva and the VIRGO gravitational wave detector in Tuscany. While in Europe, we will also examine the question of how twenty-first century science is able to thrive in centuries-old European societies. No background in physics or mathematics beyond high school algebra is required.

Program fee (Paid to W&L): $4,831
Includes programming, room, most breakfasts (~13), fees, most in-country transportation.

Additional costs: airfare, all lunches and dinners, cell phone, spending money, passport, and visa fees (if applicable).

For further details, please contact Professor McClain (mcclaint@wlu.edu)

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 Applications open October 5th, 2023