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Department Of Physics .: 1st Year : 2nd Year : 3rd Year : 4th year :. introduction Physics used to be called natural philosophy which emphasised its fundamental nature.  The study of physics provides an understanding of the structure and behaviour of all matter and energy in the universe from the cosmological scale right down to the sub-nuclear level.  Everyday experience can largely be explained using classical physics with its origins in Newtonian mechanics.  There are, however, many physical phenomena which  require the use of relativistic and/or quantum mechanics such as atomic, nuclear and particle physics, gravitation, low temperatures, laser physics and certain aspects of solid state physics.  Many of the technological developments we have today have resulted from fundamental studies in physics.  For example, the micro-electronic revolution which characterises our times originated from an academic study of semiconductors.  Earlier examples are the development of electrical and nuclear power.  Both classical and modern concepts will be covered thoroughly  in the physics  courses  spread over four years.

At present the Physics Department provides the physics component for the following degree programmes of the University:

(a) BSc Applied Physics
(b) BSc Biological Science
(c) BEng (Chem)
(d) BSc Education
(e) BEng (EE)
(f) BSc (Petroleum Geoscience)

To do a major in Physics, students would normally have to attain a minimum of C grade average in their first year courses.

course structure

Students need to complete 124 units of courses over a normal four-year period.

Course	Units	Notes
Major subject	78	20 units at year 3 level and 30 units at year 4 level.
Minor subjects	16	8 units at year 2 level and above.
Supporting courses	10	Determined by department on individual basis
Electives	4	From any faculty or department in the university.
University required courses	12	8 units of English and 4 units of MIB.
Faculty required courses	4	Computer science & mathematics courses
Total	124

teaching methods

As in existing programmes, courses will be taught through lectures, tutorials and laboratory exercises (practicals), all of which are compulsory. The number of lectures, tutorials and hours will be specified for each course in the detailed course outlines and in the Faculty Handbook. In addition, attendance and participation in Departmental seminars will be compulsory:

method of assessment and unit weighting of courses

Students are assessed for courses as follows:

a.	Continuous assessment involves course work such as solving problems and writing essays, etc.
b.	Examinations at the end of the semester during which the course units are taken.   Students must pass the examination for that particular course. The minimum pass mark is 40%.
c.	An overall pass mark of 40% minimum for that particular course

All Experimental Physics courses are assessed based on written laboratory reports, attendance and performance during laboratory classes. Students must obtained an overall pass mark of 40% minimum to pass any experimental physics course