Workshops Conducted by the Physics Alumni Association

1. Understanding and Supporting Undergraduates’ Psychological Well-being (CaPSU Initiative)

Cultivating a Supportive Campus Environment

A pivotal workshop on "Understanding and Supporting Undergraduates' Psychological Well-being" was successfully held at the PGIS Auditorium. This crucial event was collaboratively organized by the Physics Alumni Association and the Student Advisory, Welfare, and Grievances Committee (SAWGC), benefiting immensely from expert contributions from the Counselling and Psychological Support Unit (CaPSU).

The key resource person for this insightful session was Dr. Rasangi Adicaram, who serves as the Director of CaPSU, a Lecturer in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Peradeniya, and a Consultant Psychiatrist at Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya. Approximately 100 student counselors, probationary lecturers, and graduate teaching assistants from the Faculty of Science actively participated in this interactive and highly informative workshop.

We extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Rasangi and her dedicated team (Ms. N.M.W. Chamodhi and Ms. I.G.B. Senarathna), the Dean and Heads of Departments of the Faculty of Science, the Director of PGIS, and all participants for their valuable contributions towards the resounding success of this significant event.

2. Audio-Visual Technology for University Academic Support (AV Workshop)

Empowering Educators with Modern Classroom Tools

The Physics Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Lanka Education And Research Network (LEARN), successfully conducted a specialized workshop on "Audio-Visual Technology for University Academic Support." This program was specifically designed to empower Teaching Assistants (TAs) and Technical Officers (TOs) with the essential skills to effectively utilize and manage modern AV equipment for enhanced academic delivery.

Participants gained hands-on experience and valuable insights into various audio equipment, cable management, analog and digital audio/video mixing, and the effective assembly and configuration of AV setups for voice-intensive teaching. This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering technologically adept educators within the university.

We extend our sincere appreciation to LEARN, particularly to Mr. Thiwanka Umagiliyage (Lead Resource Person, Senior Solutions Engineer, LEARN) and Prof. Roshan G. Ragel (Consultant & Chief Executive Officer, LEARN), as well as Dr. Kapila Wijayaratne (Vice President (Academic), Physics Alumni Association, University of Peradeniya) for their invaluable expertise and contributions to this highly practical and beneficial workshop. 

3. Introductory Computer Programming (Python) Course

Mastering the Fundamentals of Coding for the Future

The Physics Alumni Association, in a significant collaboration with the Department of Computer Engineering (PeraCom), successfully organized and conducted the "Introductory Computer Programming (Python)" course. This fully online, free, and evening program was meticulously designed for any member of the University of Peradeniya community – students or staff – especially beginners without prior programming experience, or those keen to sharpen their coding skills.

Spanning 8 weeks and totaling 45 hours of comprehensive instruction, the course combined synchronous (Zoom®) and asynchronous (CourseNetworking® LMS) learning modalities, requiring a weekly commitment of 2 hours online and 3+ hours of self-learning. Participants delved deep into core programming concepts.

The course was expertly led by Prof. Roshan G. Ragel, Head of the Department of Computer Engineering, University of Peradeniya, and Consulting CEO of LEARN. He was supported by a dedicated team of instructors and undergraduate mentors, including Ms. Isuri Devindi (Temp. Lecturer), Mr. Ridma Jayasundara (TA), Mr. Tamish Wanduragala (TA), and Mr. Chatura Thimanka (TA). Upon successful completion of the modular assessments, participants were awarded an e-verifiable certificate. This initiative truly empowered a new generation of coders within the university community.

4. Mathematical Methods for Scientists – I (Online Bridging Course)

Strengthening Foundations for Scientific Exploration

The Physics Alumni Association, in close collaboration with the Department of Mathematics, proudly concluded the “Mathematical Methods for Scientists – I” online bridging course. This program served as a vital academic bridge, meticulously designed to help A/L students in both physical and biological sciences significantly strengthen their foundational understanding of mathematics.

Expertly guided by Dr. Manoj Chaturanga Mudalige, the course spanned a full semester, featuring engaging weekly live sessions via Zoom. It comprehensively covered essential and advanced topics, including Matrices, Linear Algebra, Vector Calculus, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Complex Variables & Functions, and Fourier & Laplace Transforms. This rigorous preparation equipped students not only for success in honors-level physics but also for a broader range of interdisciplinary scientific studies. We extend our profound appreciation to Dr. Manoj Chaturanga Mudalige and all the dedicated participants whose enthusiasm and unwavering commitment ensured the resounding success of this pivotal course.