Peter Kaur

Background

Peter Kaur is on the faculty of the Department of Physics & Astronomy and holds a Ph.D. from Virginia Tech. Before Porter, Peter taught physics at a liberal-arts college.

Peter's work centers on teaching and curriculum in nuclear and particle physics and optics and photonics, including course redesign and mentoring newer instructors.

Areas of expertise

• Nuclear and particle physics
• Optics and photonics
• Undergraduate research and project mentoring

Teaching

Peter regularly teaches courses in Physics, Astronomy. Specific sections and syllabi are listed in the class schedule each term.

Peter designs courses around clear, visible learning outcomes, frequent retrieval practice, and prompt feedback, and revises the sequence each year based on where students actually get stuck.

Advising and office hours

Peter advises students in the Physics & Astronomy programs and holds weekly office hours during the fall and spring terms, posted on the office door and in the course pages. Prospective students are welcome to email to arrange a visit or a call.

Advising conversations usually cover course sequencing, whether to add a minor or a concentration, and how classroom work connects to internships, research, or graduate study. Students who are undecided are welcome; part of the job is helping them narrow things down.

Recent and representative work

Peter's recent activity centers on teaching scholarship and curriculum work in nuclear and particle physics and optics and photonics. Representative items:

• A redesigned course sequence in nuclear and particle physics, with open or low-cost materials.
• A conference presentation on teaching optics and photonics at the undergraduate level.
• Mentoring of new instructors and teaching assistants in the department.

Titles and venues here are illustrative. UW–Porter Falls is fictional; Peter has no real publication record.

Get in touch

The fastest way to reach Peter is email (pkaur@uwporterfalls.edu); messages during the fall and spring terms are usually answered within two business days. Prospective students and families can ask the Physics & Astronomy department office to set up a call, a class visit, or a meeting during an admitted-student day.