BSc- PHYSICS

Physics

Award: BSc

Duration: 4 years

Introduction

Physics and Astronomy combine the study of the imperceptibly small scales of the quantum world with the large and often difficult to comprehend distances to stars and remote galaxies. Our goal as physicists is to understand the physical world by confronting theory with experiment with the aim of unravelling the fundamental laws that govern the Universe. This process often leads to useful technological applications in sectors related to energy, health, nutrition security, telecommunications and transport. Physics forms the basis of many other disciplines including astrophysics, biophysics, econophysics, geophysics, nanotechnology and physical chemistry. Moreover, physicists have been instrumental in developing the World Wide Web, investment models on the stock exchange, as well as medical techniques for diagnosing and eliminating certain diseases. They have also developed a theoretical framework to describe the evolution of the Universe from the big bang to the present day.

Why is this Course for Me?

An undergraduate course in Physics develops advanced analytical, communication, quantitative and technical skills which are applicable to virtually any field. Furthermore, the Physics programme will develop your IT and personal skills with a number of scenarios requiring teamwork. Using your unique skill set will allow you to make a highly valued contribution to solving the many open theoretical questions in modern physics or real-life challenges for promoting socio-economic and technological development in Botswana. An integral part of the BSc Physics programme is Astronomy and Astrophysics courses which place graduates in a good position to adapt to the growing, permanently changing and a highly competitive environment of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project in Botswana. Essentially, the project requires highest qualities of management, combined with a special knowledge of the various key areas of Astronomy.

What Will I Study?

The programme is designed to give students a rigorous applied, experimental and theoretical foundation in classical and modern physics. Students will also learn how to code in the Python programming language as well as gain a grounding in astronomy relevant to Botswana’s involvement in the Square Kilometre Array Project. The programme is designed to give students a solid understanding of the nature of the universe, including the latest discoveries and developments, as well as principal challenges in Space Sciences.

The modules you will study include:

• Astronomy & Astrophysics
• Classical Mechanics
• Computational Physics
• Electromagnetism and Waves
• Electronics & Applications
• Laboratory Physics
• Nuclear Physics and Applications
• Quantum Mechanics
• Solid State Physics
• Thermal and Statistical Physics
• Waves and Optics

A final year Physics research project is an integral part of the BSc Physics programme. Here, each student carries out research under the supervision of an academic within the department. Students will master very critical skills of conducting research, report writing, as well as presentation of scientific concepts.

Career and Graduate Study Opportunities

A Physics degree provides a pathway into a wide variety of exciting and rewarding careers across the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics spectrum. These include Education (both basic and tertiary); Energy companies; Diagnostic and research laboratories; the banking industry; government agencies; mining, engineering and manufacturing companies.

Self-employment is also a potentially lucrative avenue in an emerging economy such as Botswana. The degree will also lead to opportunities for higher education locally, regionally or internationally, which is an excellent chance to visit other countries and be exposed to alternative ideas and practices. Study Physics for countless opportunities in Science and other fields!