Department Contact Information

Physics Department

Location: 180-204
Phone: (805) 756-2448
Fax: (805) 756-2435
Email: physics@calpoly.edu
Chair: Jennifer Klay

Support Physics

Website Update

Bob Field

Bob Field

Bob Field

Research Scholar in Residence

Email: rfield@calpoly.edu
Office: 180-642

Personal Webpage

Education


  • Ph.D., University of Illinois, 1978
  • M.S., University of Illinois, 1972
  • B.S., Case Western Reserve University, 1970

Research Interests


Earth and Planetary Science

I am currently investigating the formation, composition, structure, and evolution of Jupiter and the Sun. I previously analyzed energy flow in the atmosphere of Venus and the interior of the solid Earth, the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. Students may learn to use Mathcad to solve differential equations.

Cosmic Evolution Project

In June 2015, I began a multi-year effort to develop a new website at www.evolution.calpoly.edu to promote and document cosmic evolution projects in four domains: universe, solar system, Earth and geobiosphere, and brains and tools. Each domain represents increasing complexity and concentration of energy flow. Students may study the composition, structure, and evolutionary history of one or more domains. Students may prepare evolutionary timelines of key historical events and may also choose to develop math models of complex systems.

About


I supervise student research projects in Earth and Planetary Sciences, usually involving physics majors and astronomy minors. I am also looking for students and faculty who want to explore cosmic evolution and/or develop the cosmic evolution project website. Contact me by email for research opportunities including individual student projects for credit (PHYS200, PHYS400, ASTR200, ASTR400, GEOL200, GEOL400, BIOL200, BIOL400, CHEM200, CHEM400, senior projects) and part-time paid research in the summer or possibly during the school year.

Selected Publications

Curriculum Vitae

Research Scholars

Cosmic Evolution Project

 

 

 
 

 

Related Content