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College of Arts & Sciences

Physics

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Dr. James Bowen

Assistant Professor of Physics

Department of Mathematics, Computer Science & Physics

Boyd Science Center 223

What is physics?

About

Does thinking about the laws of motion make your head spin, or does the study of electricity give you a charge? Physics is the most fundamental science.

Physics is the science of matter, motion, energy, and the interactions between them. It doesn’t just happen in a lab: Physics exists everywhere. Think about cell phones. They work on the principles of electricity and magnetism. Or what about the selfie? The lens on your phone works because of the laws of optics. If you like understanding and solving problems, becoming a physics major might be for you.

Why study physics at Baker University

Baker University’s physics majors get more hands-on experience in one year than some students at larger universities get in their entire college careers. Baker University offers state-of-the-art equipment, small class sizes, and a balance between theory and experimentation. You will have internship opportunities and options to participate in research projects with organizations such as the National Science Foundation and at major research universities.

         

 

Engineering 3+2

Physics is the perfect major for students in our 3+2 preprofessional engineering program. These students end their undergraduate years with two degrees, a bachelor in science from Baker and a degree from either the University of Kansas, Washington University in Saint Louis, or the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

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Students Walking On Campus In Front Of Mulvane Boyd Center

Career Opportunities for Physics Majors

Here are career options for physics majors:

  • Nuclear physicist
  • Astronomer
  • Patent agent
  • Meteorologist
  • Data scientist
  • Computer scientist
  • Optical engineer
  • Aerospace engineer
  • Technical writer
  • Seismologist
         

Internships

At Baker University, our physics majors benefit from valuable real-world experiences through paid internships in a variety of exciting fields. Students have the opportunity to explore their interests and expand their skills in areas such as environmental engineering, petroleum engineering, and nuclear energy and technology, equipping them with practical insights and a competitive edge in the job market.

Physics Course Descriptions

Scholarships

Physics Majors

The Department of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Computer Science, Mathematics, and Physics
  • Dr. Calvin Foreman Memorial Scholarship
  • Howard T. Bonnett Scholarship
  • Jennifer Burton Memorial Scholarship
  • Grace Barnhill Champlin Memorial Scholarship
  • Platt-Butler Endowed Scholarship

Meet the Faculty

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Dr. Ran Sivron

Associate Professor of Physics

B.A. Israeli Institution of Technology, Ph.D. Montana State University

Expertise: black hole astrophysics, astronomy, astronomy pedagogy

Office: Boyd Science Center 223

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Dr. James Bowen

Assistant Professor of Physics

B.S. University of Idaho, B.S. University of Idaho, M.S. Iowa State University, Ph.D. University of Kansas

Expertise: experimental high-energy nuclear physics

Office: Boyd Science Center 223