Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics

Purpose

Graduates of this qualification may work as physicists in product and process development and quality control. Employment may be in a laboratory or other work environment where knowledge of Physics is essential.

Rationale

The honours qualification seeks to bridge the gap between undergraduate and Masters' qualifications in physics in terms of in depth physics content and research skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through Recognition of Prior Learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level. Learners who already worked in a relevant industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment against those of their choice.

The provision that the qualification may be obtained through the Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to an education, training and career path in geography related fields and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through formal RPL processes through Institutions' approved methods. Any other evidence of prior learning should be assessed through formal RPL processes to recognize achievement thereof.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

• Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics, Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules

• Project, 32 Credits.
• Advanced Electromagnetism, 24 Credits.
• Quantum and Statistical Physics, 24 Credits.
• Mechanical Behaviour of Materials, 24 Credits.
• Classical Mechanics, 24 Credits.

1. Understanding and use Maxwell's equations in various forms, theoretical basis and derivations, plane electromagnetic waves in various media and at interfaces, electromagnetism and relativity, wave guides, electromagnetism in covariant relativistic formulation, electromagnetic radiation including the potentials and radiating dipoles.
2. Understand and apply of the second law of thermodynamics, the perfect quantal gas, blackbody radiation, systems with variable particle numbers, the formalism of quantum mechanics and quantum mechanics in three dimensions.
3. Design appropriate experiments to investigate a chosen topic, collect and collate data in a scientific way, summarize data in form of tables, graphs, etc. using appropriate software.
4. Interpret the results obtained from data analysis and critically make informed scientific inferences.
5. Demonstrate an understanding and application of the concepts: stress, strain and elasticity theory, theoretical cleavage strength of materials, theoretical shear strength of materials, the role of cracks in affecting strength in brittle solids and dislocations and their role in plastic deformation.
6. Develop an appreciation of the differences in mechanical behaviour and consequent applications of glasses, ceramics, polymers and metals.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment including tests, assignments and followed by a final examination in each theory module. A research project module report contributes a significant weight to the overall assessment of the qualification.