DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
The Department of physics is one among the 5 departments of the School of Physical Sciences (SPS) which is located in Chiromo Campus, along Riverside Drive off Chiromo Road. The mandate of the department by extension emanates from that of the University of Nairobi and this includes teaching and learning, research and consultancy and community work.
Physics is a basic science that is concerned with the basic principles that underlie all phenomena in the universe. Physics is the basis of all engineering and technology. Studying physics prepares you to push back the boundaries of knowledge in this most fundamental of the natural sciences. It also provides training in the concepts and methods of science for application in many professional areas, as well as gives a more substantial basis to understanding many aspects of modern society.
Degree Programs in Physics
The department offers the following undergraduate (B.Sc.) and postgraduate (M.Sc. and Ph.D) degree programs through face-to-face, and Open, Distance and electronic Learning modes (ODeL).
- B.Sc. in Physics
- B.Sc. in Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation
- B.Sc. in Astrophysics and Space Science
- M.Sc. in Physics
- Ph.D. in Physics
A: BACHELOR OF SCIENCE (PHYSICS)
The B.Sc in Physics degree program is designed to produce graduates with the requisite knowledge and practical skills in the various areas of physics and offers a unique range of educational opportunities spanning the diverse range of professions in the education, finance, water, energy, information technology, infrastructural development and environmental studies among others. The driving philosophy is geared towards the promotion of effective training, relevant research and academic excellence in Physics and related fields. To enrich this program, the Department maintains close links with the needs of practice through scholarship, research and consultancy in interactive areas recognized by the National Science Council, Industries, Private sector and Internationally.
The B.Sc in Physics degree is a four (4) year degree program structured either as 3-3-1-1 for Majors OR 3-3-2-2 for Non-Majors. Majors in physics have the opportunity to specialize in the following thematic areas during the 3rd and 4th years of study.
- Theoretical Physics
- Experimental Condensed Matter Physics
- Geo and Space Physics
- Electronics and Instrumentation
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Laser Physics and Spectroscopy
Career Prospects For Bsc In Physics
Physics Graduates have opportunities for:
- Further studies (M.Sc. or Ph.D) in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Medical Physics etc.
- Research/service providers in such sectors as Energy, Telecommunications, Electronics & Internationally
B. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MICROPROCESSOR TECHNOLOGY AND INSTRUMENTATION
B.Sc. (MTI) is concerned with the principles and applications of computer and information technology in industrial and scientific microprocessor-based instrumentation which are practically in every sector of our society, such as industry, education, tourism etc. The programme is anchored in the applications of principles of physics, electronics, and information technology in the world today and it provides an avenue for graduate studies to venture in the areas of Computer Technology, Scientific and Industrial Instrumentation, Solid State and Semiconductor Device Physics, and advanced technologies for electronic devices and new materials. The program is covered in eight regular University of Nairobi semesters with a period for Industrial Attachment and it allows for specialization in the following areas:
- Applied Physics
- Computing
- Industrial Electronics
- Biomedical and Radiometric Instrumentation
- Telecommunications
Career Prospects For BSc (MIT)
The B.Sc. degree in MIT is designed to produce graduates with the requisite knowledge and practical skills to primarily participate, through innovation and creativity, in the creation of new jobs, redefine existing jobs, and secondarily, work in diverse fields. As an applied science, the program focuses on innovation rather than engineering and therefore seeks to compliment both pure sciences and engineering programs.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ASTROphysics and space science
The B.Sc (Astrophysics) is designed to train graduates who will have the relevant skills to work in 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. Through this course, we hope to build capacity of expertise needed for the development of space science in Kenya. Currently Kenya is engaged in some joint Space Science activities, with the Italian Government through the San Marco Project in Malindi.
The program consists of 54 course units covered in eight regular University of Nairobi semesters i.e. 4 years with a period for Industrial Attachment.
Career Prospects For BSc (MIT)
- Kenya space agency
- Remote science stations
CONTACTS
The Chairman Department of Physics
Tel: +254-020-491-4119
Mobile: +254-794 587 934
Email: physics@uonbi.ac.ke