Analytical Mechanics An intermediate-level course in the kinematics and dynamics of particles and rigid body motion. The topics will include: analysis and application of Newton's law of mechanics; the concepts of work, energy, and power; energy conservation; momentum and momentum conservation; torque, angular momentum, and angular momentum conservation; oscillatory motion; and central-force motion. Lagrange's and Hamilton's formulations of classical mechanics will be introduced with emphasis placed on developing problem-solving strategies and techniques.

Senior Project Independent research project incorporating both written and oral presentations.

Cosmic Beginnings and Endings The study of astronomy is driven by questions about the origins and ultimate fate of objects in the cosmos. Astronomical time scales often far exceed human ones, meaning that we rarely get to watch astronomy happen in the same way that we can watch experiments in a traditional physics laboratory. Astronomers can only observe objects as they are and must develop theories and models about how they came to be and how they might cease to be. In this course, we will explore scientific models about the cosmic beginnings and endings of some of the most fundamental objects in the Universe (and of the Universe itself). Topics will include the Big Bang, the ultimate fate of the Universe, the formation of the first stars and galaxies, the births and deaths of stars, and the search for life in the Universe. The course has no prerequisites, but students should expect to solve quantitative problems using algebra and trigonometry and to read scientific articles regarding recent astronomical discoveries.

Oscillatory Motion, Waves, Optics, and Thermodynamics  This calculus-based course covers oscillations, wave motion, sound, geometrical optics, physical optics, and thermodynamics.  Other physics topics may be added at the discretion of the instructor.  Lab experiments will explore these topics and develop skills in experimentation and data analysis.

An Introduction to Astrophysics In this course students will learn the fundamental concepts and techniques used by astronomers to understand the universe and its contents. These include the physics of light (which conveys the properties of astrophysical phenomena) and gravity (the fundamental force that drives orbits). We will apply these techniques to learn about the physics of stars including stellar interiors and stellar atmospheres as well as their nuclear energy generation processes. We will use real astrophysical data to explore the wide-ranging properties of stars and stellar evolution from birth to death. Students will engage with the literature and learn to use data analysis tools, including Python programming, to analyze real data. No prior experience with programming is required.  (PHYS  0110 OR PHYS  0111 OR PHYS  0114), AND

Observational Astrophysics This is a lecture and laboratory course covering techniques in modern observational astrophysics, at an advanced level. Students will be trained to operate the telescope in the Mittelman observatory on campus and will gain expertise in the acquisition and analysis of digital images. Students will design and conduct a variety of observational projects from canonical experiments that illuminate the nature of stars and galaxies to originally conceived projects such as photometric studies in the time domain. Skills in computer-based data reduction, analysis, and presentation will be developed and emphasized. The course may also include theoretical modeling techniques that would make use of advanced computation and data mining methods. Students will write up their observing projects and results in comprehensive reports to satisfy the College writing requirement. Nighttime attendance at the observatory outside of formal class meeting time will be required.

Michael Dunham

Reviews and ratings for Michael Dunham at Middlebury College.Michael Dunham teaches Analytical Mechanics, Senior Project, Cosmic Beginnings and Endings and more.  Explore top rated instructors and find the best for you.Is Michael Dunham good ? Find out on MiddCourses.

This class, at least with Dunham, is not bad at all. It's interesting material, with the one reasonable downside that you don't go that in depth on any of it. Dunham has a sort of dry humor that I kind of like because it's chill enough yet he clearly does actually find interest in what he's teaching. He's also a very receptive teacher who is quite fair with grading. The homework is not overbearing by any means, neither are the quizzes. Even the exams are not just random new stuff thrown at you, but rather genuine reflections on what was learned. The labs are straightforward and should be no struggle. All together, it is genuinely quite a good class (especially if you want to take it as a Freshman Fall class).