Contact
Associate Professor, Faculty of Science - Physics
- rafernan@ualberta.ca
Overview
Area of Study / Keywords
Theoretical & Computational Astrophysics Transients & Compact Objects
About
1999 - 2003 BSc Pontificia Univ. Católica (Chile)
2004 - 2009 PhD University of Toronto (Canada)
2009 - 2013 Postdoctoral Fellow, Institute for Advanced Study (USA)
2013 - 2016 Postdoctoral Fellow, UC Berkeley (USA)
2016 - 2022 Assistant Professor, University of Alberta
2022 - Associate Professor, University of Alberta
Research
Courses
ASTRO 495 - Special Topics in Astrophysics
The course covers specialized topics of interest to advanced undergraduate students. Consult the Department for details about current offerings. Prerequisites depend on the subject. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
ASTRO 595 - Special Topics in Astrophysics
The course covers specialized topics of interest to junior graduate students. Consult the Department for details about current offerings. Prerequisites depend on the subject. Credit for this course may be obtained more than once.
PHYS 124 - Particles and Waves
Algebra-based course primarily for students in life, environmental, and medical sciences. It guides the student through two distinct types of motion: motion of matter (particles) and wave motion. Vectors, forces, bodies in equilibrium, review of kinematics and basic dynamics; conservation of momentum and energy; circular motion; vibrations; elastic waves in matter; sound; wave optics; black body radiation, photons, de Broglie waves. Examples relevant in environmental, life, and medical sciences will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Physics 20 or equivalent, Mathematics 30-1. Physics 30 is strongly recommended. Note: Credit may be obtained for only one of PHYS 124, 144, EN PH 131 or SCI 100. Note: To proceed to PHYS 146 after taking PHYS 124, it is strongly recommended that a minimum grade of B- be achieved in PHYS 124.