Events at Physics |
Events During the Week of April 23rd through April 30th, 2017
Monday, April 24th, 2017
- Plasma Physics (Physics/ECE/NE 922) Seminar
- Understanding the Plasma Response to Resonant Magnetic Perturbations
- Time: 12:00 pm - 12:55 pm
- Place: 2317 Engineering Hall
- Speaker: Dr. Alan Turnbull, General Atomics, USA
- Cosmology Journal Club
- An Informal discussion about a broad variety of arXiv papers related to Cosmology
- Time: 12:15 pm - 1:15 pm
- Place: 5242 Chamberlin Hall
- Abstract: Please visit the following link for more details:
http://cmb.physics.wisc.edu/journal/index.html
Please feel free to bring your lunch!
If you have questions or comments about this journal club, would like to propose a topic or volunteer to introduce a paper, please email Amol Upadhye (aupadhye@wisc.edu). - Host: Amol Upadhye
Tuesday, April 25th, 2017
- Chaos & Complex Systems Seminar
- Scenarios, simulations, and sustainability science: Planning for the future of complex systems
- Time: 12:05 pm - 1:00 pm
- Place: 4274 Chamberlin (refreshments will be served)
- Speaker: Chris Kucharik, UW Nelson Institute
- Abstract: Cleaning up the Yahara lakes is difficult because they are part of a complex system, where the needs of humans and ecosystems compete and long-term challenges, such as climate change and land use planning have many possible consequences and solutions. How can we better prepare for the future given this complexity and uncertainty? We can start with scenarios, or provocative and plausible stories that guide numerical simulations of the future. Together, these tools can help us understand how our decision-making today could impact our lakes and landscapes in the future. This presentation will cover the process and new model results that are a part of Yahara 2070, a set of scenarios created for the Yahara River watershed by the Water Sustainability and Climate Project at UW-Madison.
- Host: Clint Sprott
- Theory Seminar (High Energy/Cosmology)
- what can we learn from the current Higgs data?
- Time: 3:30 pm
- Place: 5280 Chamberlin
- Speaker: Peisi Huang, Texas A&M
- Abstract: I am going to use the tth excess as an example to discuss the possibilities for new physics as indicated from the current Higgs data. I am going to review the excess in the tth channel, and discuss two possible interpretations.The first one is that the tth coupling is SM-like, the signal is due to stop pair production. The second one is the tth coupling is enhanced, and the enhanced gluon fusion is canceled by the presence of light stops. Then I am going to discuss the implications of a modified tth coupling, light stops, and a modified Higgs trilinear coupling to double Higgs production.
Wednesday, April 26th, 2017
- No events scheduled
Thursday, April 27th, 2017
- Astronomy Colloquium
- Simulating the Evolving Milky Way: From Disk to Halo
- Time: 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
- Place: 4421 Sterling Hall, Coffee and cookies at 3:30 pm, Talk at 3:45 PM
- Speaker: Sarah Loebman, University of MI
- Abstract: The Milky Way is the most observationally accessible galaxy in our Universe. In many ways it is also a "typical galaxy," making it an important benchmark for studying galaxy formation. For this reason, uncovering the formation history of the Milky Way is the key goal of major ongoing surveys such as APOGEE and Gaia. However, observations of the Milky Way span a complex multi-dimensional space which necessitates sophisticated modeling to interpret. In this talk, I will highlight some recent achievements utilizing state-of-the-art simulations to aid in our exploration of the Milky Way's formation and evolution. In particular, I will discuss recent APOGEE observations of the Milky Way's disk and the role radial migration has played in redistributing stars within it. I will also discuss observations and simulations of kinematics in the Milky Way's stellar halo, emphasizing how measurements of kinematic moments hold power for constraining the merger history of the Milky Way. Finally, I will discuss a strong prediction of LCDM - that stellar halos are radially anisotropic - and I will highlight the potential Gaia holds for testing this prediction in the Milky Way.
- Host: UW Astronomy Department
Friday, April 28th, 2017
- Physics Department Colloquium
- A research-validated approach to transforming upper-division physics courses
- Time: 3:30 pm
- Place: 2241 Chamberlin hall
- Speaker: Steve Pollock, Colorado University
- Abstract: At most universities, including the University of Colorado, upper-division physics courses are taught using a traditional lecture approach that does not make use of many of the instructional techniques that have been found to improve student learning at the introductory level. We are transforming upper-division courses (E&M, quantum, and Classical Mechanics) using principles of active engagement and learning theory, guided by the results of observations, interviews, and analysis of student work at CU and elsewhere. I will outline these reforms including consensus learning goals, clicker questions, tutorials, modified homeworks, and more, as an example of what a transformed upper-division course can look like, and as a tool to offer insights into student difficulties in advanced undergraduate topics. We have examined the effectiveness of these reforms relative to traditional courses, based on grades, interviews, and attitudinal and conceptual surveys. Our results suggest that it is valuable to further investigate how physics is taught at the upper-division, and how education research may be applied in this context.
- Host: Baha Balantekin
- Physics Awards Banquet
- Time: 5:30 pm - 8:00 pm
- Place: The University Club
- Abstract: Awards presentation for student and alumni award winners.
- Host: Albrecht Karle