Faculty Teaching Mentor badgeLaurence Lurio, Ph.D.

Distinguished Teaching Professor
Department of Physics

Teaching Expertise and Approach

Laurence teaches introductory, upper level undergraduate and graduate level physics courses. He describes his approach to teaching as follows:

"Teaching at Northern Illinois University presents unique challenges and opportunities, particularly given the diverse backgrounds of our students, many of whom are first-generation college students from less affluent families and from minority communities. My initial enthusiasm for teaching physics was met with the reality that many students lacked the necessary mathematical and analytical skills. This challenge has driven my focus on balancing core skill development with subject matter advancement, often through methods like peer instruction and flipped classrooms.

I've also worked closely with colleagues to improve assessment tools and enhance our teaching strategies. While upper-division courses allow for more personalized instruction, my greatest impact has been in the introductory courses, where I've spearheaded department-wide initiatives such as incorporating learning assistants and methodical assessment practices. Over my twenty five years at NIU, I've learned that while I can't change every student's life, making a difference for even one student is a significant achievement."

Types of Courses Taught

  • General Education
  • Large Enrollment
  • Seminar
  • Honors
  • Independent Study
  • Undergraduate
  • Graduate

Courses Taught

  • PHYS 253 - Fundamentals of Physics I: Mechanics
  • PHYS 273 - Fundamentals of Physics II: Electromagnetism
  • PHYS 283 - Modern Physics
  • PHYS 284 - Modern Physics Laboratory
  • HON 310 - Honors Seminar: Physics of Sports
  • HON 310 - Honors Seminar: Physics of Quantum Computing
  • PHYS 335 - Biophysics
  • PHYS 459 - Physics of Quantum Computing
  • PHYS 790 - X-Ray Scattering
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Laurence Lurio portrait photo

Contact

Laurence Lurio
Pronunciation LOR-ence LUR-ee-oh
llurio@niu.edu
815-260-4900
LaTourette Hall 206
Personal Website

LinkedIn page