EXP 105: The Nuclear Challenge

EXP 105: THE NUCLEAR CHALLENGE
Fall 2007

Course Overview
Tentative Course Outline
Tentative syllabus
More about EXP 105

Atomic Bomb over Nagasaki.
Source: atomicarchive.com

Sequoya Nuclear Power Plant near Chattanooga, TN

Sequoyah Nuclear reactor near Chattanooga, TN
Source: riker.unm.edu

Courses

Classes meet Tuesdays 1:30 - 4:00 P.M., Room S273 SC
Nancy H. Kolodny
Office:258 SC	Research Lab: L225
Telephone: x3044	e-mail: nkolodny@wellesley.edu
Website: www.wellesley.edu/Chemistry/kolodnyn.html
Office Hours:	Wednesday 2:00-4:00 P.M.
	Thursday 1:30-3:00 P.M.
	Or by appointment
FirstClass Conference:	EXP105-F07

Since the discovery of nuclear fission in the 1930s, the potential of nuclear energy both for war and for peace has presented an ongoing challenge to humanity. Daily newspaper accounts of developments in Iran and North Korea and of the need for sources of energy other than fossil fuels highlight the importance of understanding the potential of the nucleus. This course will examine the development of nuclear weapons and the treaties limiting them, as well as the ongoing danger of nuclear terrorism. It will also examine peaceful uses of nuclear energy for the generation of electricity and for medical diagnosis and treatment, as well as the waste disposal problems that result from these uses. Course materials will include primary and secondary historical documents, literature and films.

“The Nuclear Challenge” will meet once a week for 150 minutes. There will be a 10 minute break in the middle of the class period. Classes will be in a discussion format. Guest lecturers from the Wellesley faculty and beyond will share their expertise on such topics as the historical background leading to the development of nuclear weapons, nuclear weapons as seen through drama, nuclear disarmament treaties and electricity production. We will visit the Seabrook Nuclear Power Station.

Assignments will include three short papers during the semester and a final paper/presentation. Quizzes will be given to encourage mastery of factual material.

Your grade in EXP 105 will depend on:

Papers 30%
Quizzes 10%
Final project/presentation 35%
Class participation 25%

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TENTATIVE COURSE OUTLINE

Introduction
The science of the nucleus: radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion
Setting the stage: Europe and Asia between World Wars I and II
The Manhattan Project; the development and use of nuclear weapons by the U.S. in Japan; “Copenhagen”
Post-WW II atomic weapons development and controversy
Nuclear non-proliferation treaties
Peaceful uses of nuclear energy: generation of electricity; nuclear medicine
Nuclear waste disposal
Nuclear terrorism

TENTATIVE SYLLABUS
Class	Date	Topic
1	9/4	Introduction Science of the nucleus Introduction to research resources by Ms. Betty Febo
2	9/11	Europe in the 1930’s and 40’s Guest Lecture: Dean Andrew Shennan Asia in the 1930’s and 40’s Guest Lecture: TBA
3	9/18	The Manhattan Project: Nuclear weapons development “The Day After Trinity”
4	9/25	“Copenhagen” Guest Lecture: Professors Nora Hussey & Diego Arciniegas “Copenhagen” dramatic reading
5	10/2	Debate on President Truman’s Decision Nuclear proliferation/Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaties Guest Lecture: Professor Robert Paarlberg
	10/9	Fall Break – no class
6	10/16	Electricity Generation & Distribution in U.S. Guest Lecture: Mr. Jeremy Newberger
7	10/23	Science/technology/politics/economics of nuclear energy
8	10/30	Visit to Seabrook Nuclear Power Station
	11/6	Tanner Conference - no class
9	11/13	Three Mile Island (TMI) and Chernobyl Nuclear energy development since TMI & Chernobyl
10	11/20	Nuclear Medicine; Nuclear Waste Disposal
11	11/27	Nuclear Terrorism
12	12/4	Student Presentations: Global Nuclear Energy
13	12/11	Student Presentations: Global Nuclear Energy