PHYS080 - Phys and Consciousness

We will explore basic quantum physics (theory and modern technology), as well as the link to quantitative thinking and areas of consciousness and brain research. This will include phenomena in classical and quantum physics, the nature of physical measurements, observation, the role of the observer, the role of the human mind in interpreting reality and consciousness. Brain imaging studies enabled by physical phenomena may be used to support certain theories of how we process information. The course will review cutting edge physical phenomena and be as quantitative as possible. We will explore related areas of psychology including the area of emotions and try to explore new links between them and the limits of quantitative approaches in these topics. We will explore decision making and links to quantum theories. For example, the making of a decision has been hypothesized to collapse "a thought wave into a particle". Much of human thinking is probabilistic in nature and we will link this to physics. We will explore quantum entanglement, quantum computing, information, and free will. We will explore work showing that quantum models were able to predict effects shown in national surveys. We will explore how the physical reality works, including how the brain works, how this is linked to ways of thinking and deciding, as well as psychology (develop useful methods for rational living).