PHYSICS 480
		Research Participation

		Syllabus
		Winter 2007

Instructor:	Dr. Jorge Talamantes
		Science II, room 275
		phone:	654.2335
		fax:	654.2040

Meeting times:	To be Arranged
		
Office hours:	See http://www.csub.edu/~jtalamantes

Dates to keep 	01/23/07 -	last day to withdraw without a "W".
in mind:	02/20/07 -	last day to withdraw for serious and
				compelling reason.

Catalog 	PHYS 480 Research Participation (1-5). Individual study,
Description:	under supervision, in scientific investigation.
		(Experience as a research assistant does not count for
		credit.) May include research in the areas of curriculum
		and materials development. May be repeated. Prerequisite:
		consent of instructor.

Assignment:	Student will research the topic of complex systems in general,
		and address the following points/questions:
		1. Study the epidemiological characteristics of
		   Coccidioidomycosis (valley fever). Appropriate references
		   will be provided.
		2. What are complex systems, how they are characterized, what
		   mathematical, numerical tools are relevant and useful. 
		   Appropriate references will be suggested.
		3. Give a few examples of complex systems.
		4. Explain how these systems have been studied.
		5. Give a more detailed account of a biological complex
		   system.
		6. Find a biological complex system which might have some
		   similar characteristics to Coccidioidomycosis, describe that
		   system and how it has been studied, and what results have
		   been obtained.

Grade:		A letter grade will be assigned on
		1. Class participation, as measured by periodic 
		   interactions with the instructor.
		2. A written report on research performed during the quarter.
		   This report is due the last day of classes (03/12/07).