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Foundations II

Use the cards to forage; use the module numbers when following the recommended sequence.

  • 01 / Mechanics + electromagnetism

    Prerequisite: Wave 1 calculus, vector calculus, ODEs, linear algebra

    Exit: Convert forces, fields and conservation laws into predictive models; move between particle, rigid-body, orbital and field descriptions.

  • 02 / Thermodynamics + statistical mechanics

    Prerequisite: Wave 1 probability, calculus, ODEs

    Exit: Track energy/entropy/free energy; derive equilibrium tendencies; connect microscopic states to macroscopic limits and transport.

  • 03 / Quantum + condensed matter

    Prerequisite: Wave 1 linear algebra, ODEs, probability; Module 1

    Exit: Reason with wavefunctions/operators and connect quantum states to bands, semiconductors, phonons, magnetism and superconductivity.

  • 04 / Chemistry + materials

    Prerequisite: Modules 1-3; Wave 1 thermo/optimization concepts

    Exit: Predict bonding, reaction direction/rate, electrochemistry, diffusion, phase behavior and processing-structure-property links.

  • 05 / Electronics + embedded systems

    Prerequisite: Module 1; Wave 1 signals/control

    Exit: Design and instrument circuits from passive networks through semiconductor interfaces, sensing, power conversion and real-time embedded control.

  • 06 / Mechanical design + fluids + structures

    Prerequisite: Module 1; Module 4; Wave 1 control/optimization

    Exit: Turn loads and flows into safe geometry; reason about stress, fatigue, shells, fluids, pumps, pressure systems and mass-efficient structures.

  • 07 / Molecular + cell biology

    Prerequisite: Module 2; Module 4; Wave 1 dynamics/probability

    Exit: Model cells as chemical, energetic, informational and mechanical systems; understand membranes, metabolism, signaling, division and gene expression.

  • 08 / Genetics + evolution + systems biology

    Prerequisite: Module 7; Wave 1 dynamics/probability/causal inference

    Exit: Reason about inheritance, variation, population change, gene circuits, network motifs, stochastic expression and evolutionary robustness.

  • 09 / Neuroscience + physiology

    Prerequisite: Modules 5,7; Wave 1 signals/control/probability

    Exit: Connect electrophysiology and neural coding to whole-body homeostasis, cardiovascular/respiratory/endocrine/renal control.

  • 10 / Manufacturing + operations

    Prerequisite: Modules 4-6; Wave 1 optimization/metrology

    Exit: Translate prototypes into processes with rate, yield, variation, quality, cost, maintenance, supply chain and learning curves.

  • 11 / Safety + reliability + security

    Prerequisite: All prior modules; Wave 1 causal/metrology/control

    Exit: Design systems that remain safe and dependable under component failure, software defects, organizational drift, misuse and adversaries.