Gerhard Lotz, PhD

About

Ph.D (Theoretical Nuclear Physics) University of Alberta, 1989

B.Sc. (Honours Physics) University of Alberta, 1982

I have been teaching physics and mathematics at Augustana since 1990.

How the physical world works fascinates me and I try to convey the beauty of physics and mathematics to students.

I am a theoretical physicist, but through teaching have come to really appreciate and learn the tools of the trade of the experimental side of physics.

I very much enjoy being active outdoors, especially running, biking and cross country skiing. I coach the Augustana running team ( augustanarunning.ca ) on the side.

Teaching

Teaching is at the heart of what we do at Augustana. 

I try to convey my enthusiasm for physics and encourage students to think broadly about what physics is, how it works, and why it is important to understand for living in our highly technological world.

I have taught every physics course offered at Augustana, and many mathematics courses.

Scholarly activity

My specific research is in theoretical nuclear physics. Basically I try to understand how the atomic nucleus works. In particular, I model photonucleon knockout reactions using the relativistic quantum mechanical Dirac equation.

It is important and fulfilling to be a generalist at a small undergraduate institution. I have developed strong interests in astrophysics and experimental physics while working at Augustana.

I enjoy learning more about and presenting interesting aspects of physics, such as astronomy, nuclear energy, and the nature of time, to broader audiences.

Selected publications and scholarly presentations:

Relativistic Calculations for Photonuclear Reactions (I). The direct knockout mechanism, G.M. Lotz and H.S. Sherif, Nuclear Physics A537 (1992) 285.

Pion Contributions to Photonucleon Knockout, G. M. Lotz, Canadian Prairie Theoretical Physics Network Conference, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada, August 2010.

Physics of Time, Gerhard Lotz, Strathcona Composite High School Advanced Placement Conference, Edmonton, Alberta, March 6, 2010

Missile Defense is Still Science Fiction, Gerhard Lotz, Winnipeg Free Press column, October 18, 2006.

From Atoms to the Universe – Colour Perspectives, Augustana theme faculty talk, Augustana Campus, Camrose, AB, Feb 27, 2017

AUMAT 116 - Calculus Concepts and Modelling

Foundational topic of calculus (including differentiation and integration of algebraic, trigonometric, exponential and logarithmic functions; Fundamental Theorem) with a focus on modelling and elementary differential equations. Prerequisite: Mathematics 30-1. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of AUMAT 116 or 110.

AUPHY 110 - Mechanics

Particle motion, force, Newton's Laws, gravity, work, kinetic energy, potential energy, momentum, systems of particles, rigid body motion, rotational motion, rotational dynamics, angular momentum, conservation principles. Prerequisites: Mathematics 30-1.

AUPHY 120 - Waves, Thermodynamics, and Optics

Oscillatory motion, waves on a string, sound waves, interference of waves, temperature, heat, entropy, first and second laws of thermodynamics, geometric optics, interference of light. Prerequisites: Mathematics 30-1.

AUPHY 170 - Introduction to Astronomy

An exploration of the nature of our universe and the process and instruments by which we have come to our present understanding. Topics include: celestial motion; the solar system; electromagnetic radiation, telescopes, and detectors; stars; galaxies; formation and evolution.

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