This course focuses on theoretical and practical aspects of doing science. In particular we talk about how to design good experiments that can create high-impact knowledge, and how to organize the work so that ideas become reality. It does not require any previous knowledge, only things we learned in high school.
This will be a very practical course. Of course, there is nothing more practical than a good theory. But we will also teach good practices for everyday projects.
Classes
Here you will find the slides from the classes and other supplementary material. Notice that some things are said but not written, so you better take good notes. We recommend taking notes with pen and paper using the Cornell Method.
- Class 1: Why? How? Who? What?. (Feb 20,
2024). [Slides].
What is the scientific method? How can we do better science? - Class 2: Divide and conquer. (Feb 22,
2024). [Slides].
Enrico Fermi’s method. - Class 3: Interval Arithmetic. (Feb 27,
2024). [Slides].
Handling uncertainty carefully. - Class 4: Significant Figures. (Feb 29,
2024). [Slides].
Handling uncertainty carefully. - Class 5: How do we measure?. (Mar 5,
2024). [Slides].
Learning to observe. - Class 6: Error propagation. (Mar 7, 2024).
[Slides].
Handling uncertainty. - Class 7: The library of Babel. (Mar 12,
2024). [Slides].
Answer to the homework. - Class 8: Statistical uncertainty. (Mar 14,
2024). [Slides].
Measuring. - Class 9: How do we know what we know?. (Mar 19,
2024). [Slides].
Where is the Truth? - Class 10: Beyond perception. (Mar 21,
2024). [Slides].
How do we know what we know. - Class 11: What is Science?. (Mar 26,
2024). [Slides].
What is science? - Class 16: Getting things done. (Apr 25,
2024). [Slides].
lead yourself? - Class XX: Time Management. (Jun 2, 2024).
[Slides].
Managing time is managing yourself. How can you be a leader if you do not lead yourself?
Homework
Homework is an integral part of this course, since we want to match theory and practice. Besides, without practice we tend to forget more often. All homework should be sent to andres.aravena+msr@istanbul.edu.tr before the deadline to get a grade. Please be careful, otherwise you will get a grade zero.
- Homework
1 (Deadline: Tuesday 7 of March at 16:00).
Handle large numbers - Homework
2 (Deadline: Tuesday 28 of March at 16:00).
Error propagation
Attendance
By regulation from the Rectory, students need to attend at least 70% of the classes. If you cannot attend, you must deliver all homework on time. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The attendance book is updated every class and can be seen in Google Sheets.
Plan
In the first part of the semester I want to talk about Science in general, and about measurements in particular.
- What is Science? What is not Science?
- How do we know what we know?
- How do we ask good Scientific Questions?
- How to train our intuition to estimate measurements?
- How to control the margin of error of measurements?
- How to come out with simple models to explain complex phenomena?
The midterm exam is usually a homework, so there is no time pressure. After that, I want to talk about good practices on personal project management
- Time management
- Collaboration with team members
- Coordination tools
- Handling lab records and logs
- Presenting effectively your work to colleagues