Lectures
Twice a week we attended lectures. Dr. Larry Weaver gave many of the talks. The topics were often chosen by the students and included things like cosmology, Gauge theory, and quantum mechanical spin. Other lectures were given by professors talking about their research which gave me more insight into the kinds of things my fellow REU students were doing.
Ethics
Once a week there was an ethics class taught by Dr. Bruce Glymour and Dr. Amy Lara. The focus was on ethical issues that one might face in a career in science. Some were obvious issues like fabrication of data others were more nuanced like crediting authors in papers.
Electronics Class
Dr. Brian Washburn gave a series of electronics focusing on voltage dividers, filters, and operational amplifiers. Each week we had a lab activity that related to one of the aforementioned things. Additionally, we also learned how to solder circuits.
SUROP Seminars
SUROP also held a weekly seminar focused on issues related to grad school. Topics included applying to graduate school, writing personal statements, asking for letters of recommendation, fellowships, and curriculum vitae writing.
Life in the Little Apple
While it's no secret that Manhattan, KS is not a large place, the city has a surprising amount to offer. The K-State Gardens and Beach Museum of Art are both on campus and free to the public. Located across the street from campus is place called Aggieville which has myriad shops and restaurants. A few miles away from campus is the Sunset Zoo. Not far outside of Manhattan is the Konza Prairie which has some beautiful trails.
To see photos of what Manhattan has to offer click here.