Master of Science in Physics

Overview

Philosophy of the Programme

The philosophy of the programme is to foster excellence in physics, 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 M.Sc. Program that aims at providing sufficient basis for specialization in the various distinct areas of Physics as a subject. It captures the strengths of the Department in terms of expertise and infrastructure. The Department offers courses which largely produce M.Sc. graduates in the following specialization areas:

  1. Theoretical Physics
  2. Condensed Matter  Physics
  3. Geo and Space Physics
  4. Electronics and Instrumentation
  5. Nuclear and Radiation Physics
  6. Laser Physics and Spectroscopy

 

Goal of the Programme

 The goal of the programme is to train high-level and competent personnel with the relevant knowledge and refined skills in Physics that are necessary for scientific innovations capable of making transformative contribution to the world of knowledge and further addressing societal challenges of industrial and human resource development for the betterment of humanity through Creation, Preservation, Integration, Transmission and Utilization of knowledge.

 

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme

By the end of the programme the students should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate relevant scientific knowledge - both analytical and numerical- skills and techniques of solving advanced problems in Physics;

 

  1. Review and critique available literature and identify a problem(s) or question(s) for investigation that has/have not been previously/satisfactorily answered;

 

  1. Use/develop/modify scientific equipment to carry out scientific research in their areas of specialization i.e.,  Theoretical Physics, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics, Earth, Environment & Applied Geophysics, GIS and Space Physics, Electronics and Instrumentation, Nuclear and Radiation Physics or Laser Physics and Spectroscopy;

 

  1. Illustrate the ability to explain research findings or scientific observations using appropriate methods of presentations such as graphs, figures or mathematical models and compare results with other findings from related works and draw intelligent recommendations;

 

  1. Communicate the research findings and contribute to knowledge both orally through seminars and in print by writing scientific papers/projects or thesis that adhere to acceptable guidelines for formal presentations;

 

  1. Apply acquired knowledge to undertake high level action research that contribute to the advancement of the subject of Physics as well as address emerging societal issues in industry and academia;

MODE OF DELIVERY

The programme is offered through 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

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

  1. Candidates for the Masters of Science in Physics shall follow course units of study as laid down in the approved programme either as a full time student or under Open and Distance (ODeL) mode.

 

  1. The full time programme shall run for a period of not less than four (4) semesters of 15 weeks each, i.e., a minimum of 2 academic years and a maximum of eight (8) semesters of 15 weeks each.

 

  1. The Open and distance (ODeL) mode shall run for a period of not less than four (4) semesters of 15 weeks each, i.e., a minimum of 2 academic years and a maximum of ten (10) semesters of fifteen (15) weeks each.

 

  1. Research shall form an integral part of the degree programme and shall constitute a total of 405 contact hours (i.e., 9 units × 45 contact hours) or 56.3% of the entire programme for those taking coursework and thesis and a total of 315 contact hours (i.e., 5×45 hours) or 43.8% for those taking course work and project.

 

  1. The degree programme shall consist of either:

(a)    Coursework, examination and thesis. The course work shall be a minimum of Nine (9) course units and thesis equivalent to Nine (9) course units.

(b)    Course work, examination and research project. The course work shall be a minimum of 13 units and research project equivalent to FIVE (5) course units;

 

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Common regulations for the Master of Science degree in the University of Nairobi and the School of Physical Sciences shall apply. In addition, the candidate must have the following qualifications:

(i)        Holders of Bachelors degree in Physics or a related subject at upper second class honors and above from the University of Nairobi or other institutions recognized by the University Senate OR a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00 on a scale of 4.00.

(ii)       Holders of Bachelors degree in Physics or a related subject at lower second class honors from the University of Nairobi or other institutions recognized by the University Senate OR a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 on a scale of 4.00., with two years relevant post-qualification experience and evidence of research capability either through paper presentations or peer reviewed publications.

(iii)      Holders of a Bachelors degree in Physics or a related subject at pass degree and a postgraduate diploma from the University of Nairobi or other institutions recognized by The University Senate

  1. Further, evidence of adequate coverage and understanding of the following courses at undergraduate level will be required: Mathematical Physics, Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism and Classical Mechanics.
  2. In addition to producing evidence of eligibility for registration, candidates for the Masters degree may be required to appear for interviews or entry examinations by the School of Physical Sciences, to determine their suitability for registration.
  3. In addition to meeting the above admission requirements, applicants must have met the minimum admission qualifications for undergraduate programmes. i.e.

a)      C+ (plus) for Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) or its equivalent     as determined by the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC).

                     b)     C (plain) plus KNEC diploma or its equivalent

(vii)     Furthermore to producing evidence of eligibility for registration, candidates for the Masters degree may be required to appear for interviews or entry examinations by the School/Department to determine their suitability for  registration.

The Masters of Science in Physics Graduates have opportunities for:

  • Further studies (Ph.D) in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Medical Physics etc.
  • Research/service providers in such sectors as Energy, Telecommunications, Electronics & Internationally.
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS - I579          
  YEAR 1   YEAR 2   TOTALS
  Semester 1 - 6UNITS Semester 1 - 6UNITS Semester 1 - 4UNITS Semester 2 - 4UNITS  
           
TUITION 187,200 187,200 124,800 124,800 624,000
EXAMINATION (PER UNIT @1000) 6,000 6,000 4,000   16,000
ICT SERVICES - (PER YEAR) 7,000   7,000   14,000
ID CARD ( PER YEAR) 1,000   1,000   2,000
ACTIVITY-( PER YEAR) 2,000   2,000   4,000
REGISTRATION (PER SEMESTER@2250) 2,250 2,250 2,250 2,250 9,000
LIBRARY (PER YEAR) 5,000   5,000   10,000
MEDICAL FEE (PER YEAR) 6,500   6,500   13,000
CAUTION - (ONCE) 5,000       5,000
STUDENT ORGANISATION(PER YEAR) 1,000   1,000   2,000
THESIS EXAMINATION  0     30,000 30,000
TOTALS 222,950 195,450 153,550 157,050 729,000
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