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.

Seminar on fundamental topics and new discoveries in physics. Also an introduction to the physics major program and faculty research.

Seminar on fundamental topics and new discoveries in physics. Also an introduction to the physics major program and faculty research.

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.

Individual work under the supervision of a faculty member on an experimental, theoretical, or literature review project in physics. This work may lead to a senior thesis project or may be concluded by a written report at the end of the term. May be repeated for up to a maximum of 6 credits toward degree.

Intensive individual work on an experimental or theoretical problem in physics under the guidance of a faculty member. The special project is to be selected at the beginning of the senior year. Credit will be assigned in the second semester.

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.