2 0 1 3 bulletin - Butler University

Associate Professor
Dan W. Kosik, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Gonzalo Ordonez, Ph.D.
Instructor
Jennifer L. Poor, Ph.D.
Associate Director, J. I. Holcomb
Observatory and Planetarium
Richard B. Brown, M.S.
Why Study Physics?
Physicists seek to understand the fundamental
workings of the physical world from the
tiniest particles known to the entire universe.
Majors develop mathematical, computer and
problem-solving skills to solve problems in
areas such as classical mechanics, electricity,
magnetism, thermodynamics, relativity, optics
and quantum mechanics. The skills mastered
by physics majors are an excellent foundation
for many professions in science, engineering,
medicine, business and law. Graduates find
opportunities for employment in education,
industry and research. A bachelor’s degree in
physics is also excellent preparation for pursuit
of an advanced degree not only in physics but
also in other fields such as computer science,
engineering, medicine and law.
Why Study Physics at Butler?
• Majors participate in research experiences
at about twice the national rate.
• Our students have 100% placement for
those who seek undergraduate research/
internship positions.
• Our student to faculty ratio is small: 7 to 1.
• Faculty has expertise in atomic physics,
geophysics, astrophysics, nuclear physics,
computational physics and condensed
matter allowing students a number of
choices for on-campus research.
• The department belongs to the Southeastern
Association for Research in Astronomy,
a consortium with telescopes in Chile and
Arizona, allowing research through remote
observing as well as on-site visitation.
• Students have the opportunity to work in
our Laboratory for Laser and Quantum
Physics which houses a YAG laser pumped
tunable dye-laser to study interactions
between light and matter.
• The department directs the Holcomb
Observatory and Planetarium, which is
home to a robotic 1-meter class telescope.
• Butler recently acquired Big Dawg, a supercomputer
with 384 compute cores, which
we use for departmental research.
• Students can earn a degree in mechanical
engineering, electrical engineering,
computer engineering or biomedical
engineering concurrently through our
Engineering Dual Degree Program (see
Engineering Dual Degree Program).
Physics Program Student Learning
Objectives
Students majoring in Physics here at Butler
will gain a working knowledge of the basic
concepts and theories of physics, which they
will demonstrate by applying them to novel
situations. They will learn to make inferences
and deductions about physical systems using
critical thinking, problem-solving techniques,
mathematical and computer modeling, and
laboratory experiments. They will gain the skills
to conduct lab or modeling experiments, to
analyze measurements, and to evaluate uncertainty,
and they will learn to communicate their
findings both through speaking and through
writing.
Degrees
• Major in Physics
• Minor in Astronomy
• Minor in Physics
• Major in Physics with Engineering Dual-
Degree Program (See Engineering Dual-
Degree Program.)
Requirements for the Major
• PH201, 202, Introduction to Analytical
Physics
• PH301, Modern Physics
• PH303, Electromagnetic Waves and Optics
• PH311, Experimental Modern Physics
• PH321, Intermediate Classical Mechanics
• PH325, Thermodynamics and Statistical
Physics*
• PH331 and PH332, Electromagnetic
Theory I and II**
• PH495, Senior Seminar
* Mechanical engineering students in the Engineering
Dual Degree Program may substitute
an appropriate engineering mechanics course.
** Electrical engineering students in the Engineering
Dual Degree Program may substitute
appropriate engineering electronics courses.
194
Butler University