Luke Keller

Professor, Physics and Astronomy
School: School of Humanities and Sciences

My methods and philosophy of teaching physics focus on developing students' physical intuition, analytical and critical thinking skills, observational skills, problem-solving skills, and imagination in a collaborative environment. I emphasize the value of observing nature and methods of asking and answering questions about our physical surroundings, especially with students in my introductory courses. When teaching about technological applications, I promote a conceptual approach; students learn to understand specifications of a particular problem or application and then apply the appropriate physics fundamentals and a basic knowledge of available technology to a workable solution. I understand that most of my students will not become professional scientists. I try to demonstrate to them that developing the skills emphasized in science, and physics in particular, is a useful part of any quality education and will serve them well in any career they choose.

Here are the courses I teach at Ithaca College. If you are a student in one of my classes head to Canvas for course materials.

  • PHYS-160 Physics of Sound
  • PHYS-310 Math Methods for Physics
  • PHYS-102 Introduction to Physics I
  • PHYS-101 Introduction to Physics II
  • PHYS-104 Physics of Human Movement
  • PHYS-118 Principles of Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism
  • ICSM-105 The Nature of Science
  • ASTR-174 Solar System Astronomy
  • ASTR-175 Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe
  • PHYS-217 Principles of Physics III: Heat and Optics
  • PHYS-218 Principles of Physics IV: Modern Physics
  • PHYS-421 Quantum Mechanics
  • PHYS-470 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics: Atomic Physics
  • PHYS-470 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics: Spectroscopy
  • PHYS-470 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics: Astrophysics
  • PHYS-470 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics: Advanced Optics
  • PHYS-470 Selected Topics in Advanced Physics: General Relativity