Renuka Rajapakse, PhD

A laboratory course that accompanies PHY 102. Experiments provide students with a solid understanding of basic DC circuit concepts and an introduction to AC circuits.

A laboratory course that accompanies PHY 102. Experiments provide students with a solid understanding of basic DC circuit concepts and an introduction to AC circuits.

An introduction to astronomy that describes the advancement of astronomical knowledge and surveys the contents, properties, and physical processes of the universe. Simple mathematics will be used. Evening observing sessions at the UMass Dartmouth Observatory will be offered. The course is designed for non-science majors.

An introduction to astronomy that describes the advancement of astronomical knowledge and surveys the contents, properties, and physical processes of the universe. Simple mathematics will be used. Evening observing sessions at the UMass Dartmouth Observatory will be offered. The course is designed for non-science majors.

The development of the mathematical and computational tools needed for solving more advanced physics problems. Series and complex numbers, complex roots and powers, linearity, special matrices, partial differentiation with change of variables, vector fields and physics of div, grad and curl. Analytical solutions and computer simulations are emphasized.

Advanced treatment of a special topic in physics or astrophysics with an emphasis on recent developments in these areas. The subject matter varies according to the interests of the instructor and students.

Application of computational techniques to computer simulations in physical science and engineering. The course covers physical concepts such as realistic projectile motion, planetary systems, nonlinear dynamics, chaos and fractals, and electromagnetic and quantum systems. The course exposes students to numerical algorithms and methods such as solutions to optimization, quadrature, fast Fourier transform, and boundary value problems, and gives hands-on experience in programming and computer simulations.