Ben Zwickl
Associate Professor
School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
585-475-4512
Office Location
Ben Zwickl
Associate Professor
School of Physics and Astronomy
College of Science
Education
BS, Purdue University; MS, Ph.D., Yale University
585-475-4512
Areas of Expertise
Physics Education Research
Career Pathways
STEM Workforce Development
Laboratory Education
Optics and Photonics Education
Quantum Technology Education
Assessing Research Experiences
Currently Teaching
PHYS-222
Electronic Measurements
3 Credits
This course covers the fundamentals of AC and DC circuit theory, electrical analysis of simple linear networks, operations of and circuits containing diodes and transistors, linear and non-linear operation of op-amps and their applications, and analysis of basic digital circuits. Laboratory classes reinforce lecture material and teach practical skills in use of basic test and measurement equipment.
PHYS-225
Introduction to Computational Physics and Programming
3 Credits
This course introduces methods for using computers to model the behavior of physical systems. Students will learn how computers represent numbers, limits of computation, how to write computer programs, and to use good programming practices. Students will also apply numerical methods of differentiation and integration, and numerical solutions to differential equations in physical situations.
In the News
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November 11, 2020
![four student researchers wearing masks in a quantum research lab.]()
New study outlines steps higher education should take to prepare a new quantum workforce
Three researchers, including RIT Associate Professor Ben Zwickl, suggested steps that need to be taken in a new paper in Physical Review Physics Education Research after interviewing managers at more than 20 quantum technology companies across the U.S.
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October 29, 2020
![machine with a green laser beam.]()
Hands-On Lab Skills Key for Quantum Jobs
Physics talks to Ben Zwickl, associate professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy, about quantum physics
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September 13, 2019
![Gloved hands work on semiconductor wafer.]()
RIT Sponsored Research garners $74 million in funding
RIT had its second best year ever in sponsored research funding and a record year for research expenditures in fiscal year 2019. RIT received 366 new awards totaling $74 million in funding, and expenditures grew to $58 million.
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August 15, 2019
Associate professor leads optics education meeting
Select Scholarship
Journal Paper
Martin, Kelly Norris, et al. "Spewing Nonsense [or not]: Communication Competence and Socialization in Optics and Photonics Workplaces." Communication Education 67. 4 (2018): 414-437. Print.
Leak, Anne E, et al. "Hidden Factors that Influence Success in the Optics Workforce." Physical Review Physics Education Research 14. (2018): 10136. Web.
Hu, Dehui and Benjamin M Zwickl. "Examining Students’ Views about Validity of Experiments: From introductory to Ph.D. students." Physical Review Physics Education Research 14. (2018): 10121. Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin, et al. "Alternative Model for Administration and Analysis of Research-Based Assessments." Physical Review PER 12. (2016): 1-7. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M, et al. "Model-based Reasoning in the Physics Laboratory: Framework and Initial Results." Physical Review Special Topics Physics Education Research 11. (2015): 20113. Web.
Hoskinson, Anne-Marie, et al. "Bridging Physics and Biology Teaching through Modeling." American Journal of Physics 82. 5 (2014): 434-441. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M., et al. "Epistemology and Expectations Survey About Experimental Physics: Development and Initial Results." Physical Review Special Topics - Physics Education Research 10. (2014): 10120. Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin M., Noah Finkelstein, and H. J. Lewandowski. "Incorporating Learning Goals About Modeling Into an Upper-division Physics Laboratory Experiment." American Journal of Physics 82. 9 (2014): 876-882. Print.
Published Conference Proceedings
Owens, Lindsay, et al. "Misaligned Visions for Improving Graduate Diversity: Student Characteristics vs. Systemic/Cultural Factors." Proceedings of the 2018 Physics Education Research Conference, Washington, DC. Ed. Adrienne L. Traxler, Ying Cao, and Steven F. Wolf. Washington, DC: n.p., 2018. Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Contextualizing Problem-Solving Strategies in Physics-Intensive PhD Research." Proceedings of the 2016 Physics Education Research Conference Proceedings. Sacramento, California: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2016. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Characterizing Problem Types and Features in Physics-Intensive PhD Research." Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference. Sacramento, California: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2016. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M, et al. "Preparing Students for Physics-intensive Careers in Optics and Photonics." Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference, College Park, MD, July 29-30, 2015. Ed. Alice D. Churukian, Dyan L. Jones, and Lin Ding. College Park, MD: n.p., 2015. Web.
Hu, Dehui and Benjamin M Zwickl. "Framework for Students’ Epistemological Development in Physics Experiments." Proceedings of the Physics Education Research Conference, College Park, MD, July 29-30, 2015. Ed. Alice D. Churukian, Dyan L. Jones, and Lin Ding. College Park, MD: n.p., Web.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Framework for Students’ Epistemological Development in Physics Experiments." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Preparing students for physics-intensive careers in optics and photonics." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Framework for Students’ Epistemological Development in Physics Experiments." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Preparing students for physics-intensive careers in optics and photonics." Proceedings of the 2015 Physics Education Research Conference. College Park, Maryland: American Association of Physics Teachers, 2015. Print.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Zwickl, Benjamin M. "Preparing Students for Research Excellence in Optics and Photonics." Division of Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics (DAMOP). American Physical Society. Columbus, OH. 11 Jun. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Physics Education Research for the Laboratory Classroom." Making Laboratory-based Teaching More Effective. University of Liverpool. Liverpool, UK, NY. 13 Nov. 2013. Conference Presentation.
Zwickl, Benjamin. "Physics Education Research for the Laboratory Classroom." Invited Colloquium given to the Univ. of Rochester Institute of Optics. Institute of Optics, Univ. of Rochester. Rochester, NY. 23 Aug. 2013. Lecture.