Contact Information
Todd Pedlar
Professor of Physics
Physics Department Head
Office
Valders 272D
Phone: 563-387-1628
Departmental Program
Students who major in physics take the four courses in the Introductory Sequence to get an overview of the many topics and fields within physics. Physics majors then will take upper division courses including two semesters of Advanced Lab and at least two out of three of Phys 361 (Classical Mechanics), Phys 364 (Electricity and Magnetism), and Phys 411 (Quantum Mechanics).
Many of our majors in physics will graduate from Luther and enter graduate programs in engineering. Many of those students might instead major in Engineering Science.
See the Requirements page for details about studying for a BA in Physics.
Introductory Sequence
- Phys/Engr 150: Introduction to Physics and Engineering
- Phys 201: Foundations of Physics I (Mechanics)
- Phys 202: Foundations of Physics II (Classical Thermal Physics, Electrostatics, Magnetism, Optics)
- Phys 203: Foundations of Physics III (Relativity, Quantum Mechanics, Atomic and Molecular Physics)
- Phys 250: Mathematical Methods for Science and Engineering
Engineering and Engineering-Related Courses
- Engr 251: Statics
- Engr 351: Mechanics of Materials
- Engr 353: Fluid Mechanics
- Phys 359: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Upper Division Courses
- Phys 311: Analog Electronics
- Phys 312: Projects in Physics and Engineering
- Phys 354: Astrophysics
- Phys 359: Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- Phys 361: Classical Mechanics
- Phys 364: Electricity and Magnetism
- Phys 411: Quantum Mechanics
Advanced Special Topics
- Phys 369: Numerical Physics
- Phys 401: Nuclear and Particle Physics
General Courses of Interest
- Phys 114: Physics in the Arts
- Sci 111: Physical Science
- Sci 112: Energy and the Physical World
- Sci 121: Introduction to Astronomy
- Sci 125: Great Ideas in Natural Science
Note that courses are taught once a year, once every other year, or on a more intermittent schedule. Note that while the frequency that a course is taught can change at any time, below is the typical scheduling of physics courses at Luther.
Courses typically offered once a year:
- Sci 111 (currently taught by Chemistry department faculty)
- Phys 150 (Fall), Phys 201 (Spr), Phys 202 (Fall), Phys 203 (Spring)
- Phys 311 (Fall), Phys 312 (Spr)
Courses typically offered every other year include: Phys 114 (Spr), Sci 121, Engr 251 (Fall), Engr 351 (Fall), Phys 359 (Fall), Phys 361 (Spr), Phys 364 (Spr), Phys 411 (Fall).
Courses offered on a more intermittent schedule: Sci 111, Sci 112, Phys 354, Phys 369, Phys 401.
Class Schedule by Semester
| Fall 2023 | January 2024 | Spring 2024 | Fall 2024 | January 2025 | Spring 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phys 150 (Introduction to Physics and Engineering | Engineering 251 (Statics) | Phys 152 (General Physics II) | Phys 150 (Introduction to Physics and Engineering | Engineering / Physics / Math 250 (Mathematical Methods for Scientists and Engineers) | Phys 152 (General Physics II) |
| Phys 151 (General Physics I) | Phys 201 (Foundations of Physics I) | Phys 151 (General Physics I) | Phys 201 (Foundations of Physics I) | ||
| Phys 311 (Analog Electronics) | Phys 312 (Project Design and Implementation) | Phys 202 (Foundations of Physics I) | Phys 203 (Foundations of Physics III) | ||
| Phys 359 (Thermodynamics and Stat Mech) | Phys 361 (Classical Mechanics) | Phys 411 (Quantum Mechanics) | Phys 364 (Electricity and Magnetism) | ||
Contact Information
Todd Pedlar
Professor of Physics
Physics Department Head
Office
Valders 272D
Phone: 563-387-1628