Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics

Purpose

The purpose of this honours qualification in Physics is to develop more specialised skills as part of a generic training for South African scientists. Thus, the programme will embody aspects of practical training essential for functioning as a professional natural scientist in a work environment of Physics. The qualification will also equip learners with the tools necessary for them to enter a path to be professional academic practitioners in the field of Physics. Most South African Universities insist on a Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours level qualification in Physics as the minimum entry standard for further postgraduate training in Physics. Accordingly, the qualification must embody aspects of academic training such as understanding of the scientific literature in Physics and identify and solve problems in this field of study.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to provide South Africa with graduates that are ready to enter the research world of the physical sciences. There is a strong need for physical scientists with a broad range of skills and innovative and multi-disciplinary approaches. Employers of scientists and technologists emphasise the importance of general applied competencies within the physical scientific context. This Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours in Physics enhances the subject specific skills of observation, problem-solving, effective communication, analysis and critical thinking developed during the graduate programme. The outcomes are directly related to careers in physics and to the range of competencies required in different employment sectors (industry and business, research and development, local and national government, development and planning, management, and education).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics, but with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the Honours Degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed RPL successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the University and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or an equivalent standard qualification in the field of Physics at the North West University (NWU) or other University or equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the Honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• Bachelor of Science with 60% in Physics at Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Compulsory Module at Level 8

• Project or Prescribed Experiments, 32 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8: 96 Credits

• Astrophysics, 12 Credits.
• Plasmaphysics, 16 Credits.
• Electro Dinamics, 16 Credits.
• Quantum Mechanics I, 16 Credits.
• Classical Mechanics, 16 Credits.
• Project II, 8 Credits.
• Project I, 8 Credits.
• Computer Physics, 16 Credits.
• Statistical Mechanics, 16 Credits.
• Computational Physics, 24 Credits.
• Statistical Mechanics, 12 Credits.
• Quantum Mechanics, 18 Credits.
• Classical Mechanics, 18 Credits.
• Electromagnetism, 18 Credits.
• Nuclear Physics, 12 Credits.
• Solid State Physics, 12 Credits.
• Quantum Mechanics II, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced knowledge and understanding of Physics and the research theories, methodologies, techniques and practices applied to and in Physics processes.
2. Critically review the processes of information gathering, evaluation and management within the Physics context in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues in the field of Physics.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and uncertainties of selecting, applying or transferring appropriate standard procedures, processes or techniques to identify problems in the field of Physics.
4. Identify and address, on individual as well as group level, ethical issues based on critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems or treatment methods within the field of Physics.
5. Demonstrate the attitudes necessary for the achievement of high standards of ethical behaviour, both in relation to conduct and commitment in the workplace and in own personal development.
6. Rigorous interpretations and creative insights through effective communication to lay as well as scholarly audiences by means of academic, professional and occupational ideas and solutions for problems in the field of Physics.
7. Apply the learning strategies in a self-critical manner to effectively assess personal strategies, as well as the ongoing professional and learning needs of the self and significant others.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Method of summative assessment includes: A three-hour written final examination on theoretical subject knowledge, practical problem-solving skills and experimental abilities, with special emphasis on questions that test critical outcomes, such as identification and solving of problems, responsible decision-making and critical and creative thought.

Integrated assessment will determine whether the student has achieved the requisite level of knowledge required at Level 8, as well as the ability to use and apply skills obtained in the qualification, and to formulate and carry out a small research project, report on it, and critically review current literature in the subject area of Physics.