The Freshman Seminar Program has been designed to provide new students with the opportunity to explore an intellectual topic with a faculty member in a small seminar setting. Freshman seminars are offered in all campus departments, and topics may vary from department to department and semester to semester. Enrollment limited to 15 freshmen.

Single emissive molecules are about as bright as the dimmest stars that are just visible to the human eye. We will team up to build, from scratch, an optical laser microscope capable of imaging single molecules. Our goal will be to attempt actual visual observation of these molecules using our naked eyes, replacing conventional detectors. Throughout the process, we will engage in discussions on optics, lasers, and the profound impact of single-molecule imaging on quantum technologies and our understanding of biology. Students from all majors are eligible to participate. No prior knowledge in science is needed. Curiosity is a plus.

Class meets Wednesdays 2pm - 4pm beginning October 16th - November 27th

Repeat Rules