Summer Mini Courses at New Mexico Tech
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Courses
for Summer Program
June 22-27, 2008
Atmospheric Physics - Global Warming
One of the more controversial topics of contemporary discussion is the subject of climate change and global warming. This course will introduce students to the techniques and data used by weather forecasters, and will explore the concept of climate change. Students will explore the issues of global warming and stratospheric ozone depletion, and will learn the basic principles of physics used to study the atmosphere and its patterns of weather. Hands-on laboratory experiments will include direct atmospheric measurements, remote sensing techniques and analysis of satellite weather data.
The study of chemical engineering is a little over a century old, an offshoot of mechanical engineering fueled by the need for chemical processors. The discipline involves applying fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, and biology to the engineering of processes. This course will focus on “Sustainable Energy Systems” through hands-on experiments on hydrogen fuel cells, solar photovoltaics and fermentation of ethanol from biomass. Students also will be briefed on the fundamental principles of engineering that drive these technologies and how they fit into our future energy mix.
Explore and compare the basic operating systems of Windows, Linux and Macintosh through this introductory course in computer science. Students will be introduced to a broad range of concepts related to computer architecture, networks and operating systems, and will learn the basics of a high-level programming language by writing code to solve simple problems. Instruction in web page design also will give students a glimpse into the diverse field of multimedia.
Crime scene investigation is a high-profile field, if television ratings are any indication; but its foundation is firmly rooted in classic genetics and molecular biology, which of course predate television by centuries. Learn the basics of forensic DNA analysis and their crime-scene applications through classes in Mendelian genetics and DNA structure and function. Students will do their own genetic profile to learn techniques employed by forensic laboratories; and will solve a “crime” by testing DNA samples left at the scene. As part of the course, a forensic scientist will discuss careers in the field. All in all, a fun way to explore an exciting contemporary discipline.
Limit 16 Students
Agua es Vida! Earth is the only
known planet with water. Humans, who can last a month without food, die will
after a week without water. Our health depends on clean, safe water—from the
water we drink to the fish we eat, to the lakes we swim in. Water is the
basic element for a prosperous community. Clean water supports our quality
of life. The benefits of a clean, safe water environment are clear. Come and
enjoy a fun-filled week learning about the wonderful world of water. Lab
exercise and field trips included.
In the wake of 9/11 and the growing focus on homeland security, the field of Information Technology (IT) takes on greater importance in the world stage. Students will explore issues such as information security and assurance; and will apply their knowledge and skills to solve a real-world problem, as part of a final report and presentation. The course includes a segment on web site design, implementation and maintenance as part of an introduction to computer programming. Learn basic IT concepts with an eye on their applications in contemporary society.
Materials have uniquely defined major milestones in the evolution of men and women and their global cultures, from the Stone Age to the age of composite materials. Today, new concepts in materials science are discovered over the space of months rather than centuries. This laboratory course will answer questions such as: What materials will be used in the next-generation computer chip? How do you build a bridge that won’t rust, yet will be strong, flexible and disaster-resistant? Can explosives be used to combine materials? Learn the answer to these and other questions in a course designed for inquisitive students with an interest in chemistry.
Mechanical Engineering is a multi-disciplinary area specialized in fluid-thermal systems, solid mechanics, mechatronics systems, explosives, bio-medical and aerospace engineering. Students will learn and have hands-on experiences with pumps, internal combustion engines, robots and artificial lung. Have you ever seen a water or wind tunnel? You will use high-tech computerized tunnels and learn how these tunnels are used for aircraft, rocket or even boat design. You will use various vegetable oils and biodiesel fuels to measure engine performance and emissions. What about driving our mini-baja race car? You will enjoy driving SAE Mini-Baja car and learn design aspects of the vehicle. Finally, you will see demonstration of blowing up a car and learn more about explosives.
The process of mineral extraction dates back to prehistoric days, when humans learned to mine and shape copper during a period of history called the age of metal. Mining has a history steeped in tradition, from the slaves of Sardinia to the coal miners of West Virginia. Learn about mining – its contributions, challenges and basic design and operations – through lectures and field trips to mine sites. Be prepared to dress properly for trips to a surface copper mine in Silver City, a large surface coal mine in Grants, and to the Waldo underground mine near Magdalena.
Petroleum engineering focuses on the
exploration and extraction of finite resources buried deep beneath the
earth’s surface. The field comprises a wide range of topics, with economics,
geology, geochemistry, and intelligent systems among them. Students will
learn the basics of how to find, drill and produce oil and natural gas
through a hands-on course of experiments and classroom discussion. Learn
more about one of the highest paid engineering professions in the world.
Do others often describe you as creative? Do you enjoy writing? Learning new technology? If the answer to these questions is yes, consider the mini course in Technical Communication. This exciting and growing field offers many opportunities for individuals who want to combine their strengths in communication with their interest in science and technology. In this course you will learn some basics of Macromedia’s Dreamweaver, practice using a digital camera, and combine words and images by making your own web site. Field trips to local organizations where technical communication plays an important role will be part of the week, including a trip to the Very Large Array (VLA) which is run by the National Radio Astronomical Observatory (NRAO) here at Tech (and which you may have seen in the movie Contact).
Courses :: Overview :: Cost and Requirements