Bachelor of Science in Astronomy & Astrophysics

Philosophy of the Programme

The philosophy of the programme is to foster excellence in Space Sciences and Astrophysics observations; creativity and innovation, academic freedom, professionalism and integrity through quality scholarship and research. This is in line with the University of Nairobi philosophy which is guided by the need to connect to and inspire the Kenyan community, to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the Kenyan society so that it can excel in the whatever it chooses to do so with passion, moral responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism.

Rationale of the Programme

This is a revised B.Sc Program that aims at providing sufficient basis for specialization in Astrophysics and Space Science. It captures the strengths of the Department in terms of expertise and infrastructure Astrophysics and Space Science. Some of the units in the old program have been re-structured or re-packaged while a number of new units have been introduced to enhance the areas of specialization.

Goal of the Programme

The B.Sc. Astrophysics and Space Science degree program is designed to train high-skilled graduates with relevant skills to work in the areas of Basic and Applied Space Sciences, such as Satellite Space Stations (e.g., San Marco in Malindi), Astronomical observatories and Aeronautical Engineering Departments and Remote Sensing. The mounting of this course is meant to offer a basis for serious capacity building to attain the critical mass of expertise needed for the development of Space Science and astronomical observatories in Kenya, which ultimately will be critical to the establishment of a Kenya Space Agency and a Kenya Astronomical Observatory. Currently Kenya is engaged in joint Space Science activities, with the Italian Government through the San Marco Project in Malindi. Kenya is also one of the 8 partner countries that will host radio Astrophysics dishes for the Square Kilometer Array telescope (SKA)- which will be the largest telescope in the world. Kenya is also in the process of converting redundant telephony satellite dishes at Mt. Longonot to Radio Telescopes, for use as part of the African Very Long Base Interferometry Network (African VLBI). To enrich and improve quality and relevance of this program, the Department maintains close links with the needs of practice through scholarship, research and consultancy with key industry players.

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme

At the end of the programme, the learner should be able to:

1. Demonstrate relevant scientific knowledge, creativity, skills and techniques in solving problems in Astrophysics and Space Sciences
2. Apply acquired relevant scientific writing, logical reasoning, and analytical skills
3. Utilize acquired knowledge to undertake and solve problems that contribute to the advancement of Astrophysics and Space Sciences,
4. Addryess emerging societal issues in industry and academia using acquired knowledge
5.  

MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMMES

The programme is offered through both Face to Face and by Open, Distance and e-Learning (ODeL) mode of learning

 

Face to Face mode of Learning

This delivery mode shall use face to face full time learning through:

1. Lectures and tutorials with lecture notes, LCDs, Whiteboards/black boards Instruction Materials and equipment
2. Group discussions amongst learners
3. Class experimental demonstration/simulation
4. Practical laboratory work  with laboratory manuals as course materials

Open, Distance Learning, and e-Learning (ODeL)

The Open, Distance and Electronic learning modules are largely home and /or office-based and include:

1. Written self-instructional study modules issued at registration time, for example:

1. Study course materials like booklets
2. Relevant literature
3. Interactive devices and self-tests

2. Face to face introductory tutorials.
3. Mediated technical learning materials for example:

1. Audio visual
2. E-learning

4. Limited face-to-face sessions to provide overview of the course at commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.
5. Support study centers at the University of Nairobi
6. Access to information through computers at the University of   Nairobi and other resource centers.
7. Use of libraries at the University of Nairobi and other institutions
8. Orientation:

1. Orientation on ODeL delivery
2. Study, reading and computer skills
3. Time management and techniques of handling assignments
4. Mentorship, guidance and counselling
5. Emphasis is on satellite centers that serve as a link between the University and the learner in the following manner: registration, collecting reading materials, collecting results and programmes, examination information, posting timetables and holding meetings.

ATTACHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Physics students and graduates have attachment opportunities in the following sectors of the economy

• Energy sector such as Kenya power and lighting company (KPLC), Kenya power generating companies (such as Olkaria etc)
• Telecommunications and IT industry
• Satellite Space Stations (e.g., San Marco in Malindi)
• Aviation Industry such as Kenya Airways.
• Government agencies such as the Ministry of Public Works (Materials Branch), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Industrial Research Development institute (KIRDI), Kenya Intellectual Property Institute (KIPI).

 

Contact Person

For more information, contact

The Chairman,

+254794587955, +254204924119