Bachelor of Science in Physics

Purpose

The Bachelor of Science in Physics enables learners to gain a solid foundation in physics. The learners will take mathematics modules up to level three and will be competent to work in situations where a firm grasp of mathematics is required to analyse physics-related problems properly.

On completion of the qualification, learners will be able to

• Analyse physics and mathematics-related problems and be able to offer meaningful solutions.
• Use the acquired knowledge to improve existing processes in the work environment.
• Competently operate physics-related equipment in a variety of applications.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide support services where required.

The qualification introduces learners to

• Independent thinking.
• Literature search.
• Numeracy.
• Computer literacy.
• Language skills.
• Self-motivation and self-reliance.

Rationale

The institution is in an impoverished geographical area of the Eastern Cape. In many ways, the school system offers inadequate preparation for institution study. The institution, therefore, saw it fit to produce learners who understand challenges of poverty, who can evaluate, analyse and solve problems emanating from the current conditions. It is with this background in mind that the qualification it is crafted.

The qualification enables learners to engage in introductory research and join the workplace as physicists. The modules offered in the qualification provide the learners with the necessary knowledge that guides them towards their chosen career paths. The qualification follows guidelines from the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) on the structure of the qualification.

Typical learners have a national school certificate with subject symbols that are average to above borderline average. Learners can attain knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that to work in a research lab or other work environments where knowledge of physics and related mathematics is essential. Companies such as ESKOM, SASOL, CSIR, NRF, mining and educational institutions and various other government departments are potential employers of learners from this qualification. The analytical mind developed in a physics learner also inculcates skills that empowers one to consider self-employment and in turn, create jobs for others.

The qualification follows an academic pathway situated within the framework of lifelong learning, education for democracy and social justice. It introduces learners to innovation and independent thinking, numeracy, self-motivation and self-reliance that enables them to perform well in a work environment. They can also proceed to enrol for Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics or a related discipline.

With skills in physics and mathematical, learners can occupy various positions locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Learners can identify and solve societal problems by carrying out research, for the betterment of the lives of the immediate communities and the economy of the country at large.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning facilitates access to education and training and a career path in Physics and thus accelerates the redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. Assessment of evidence of prior learning is through formal RPL processes where learners submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format.

While the modules assessed are primarily institution-based, in addition to the National Senior Certificate evidence from other areas of learning can be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 152 Credits

• General Physics I, 16 Credits.
• Pre-calculus and calculus I, 16 Credits.
• Information Systems & Applications, 8 Credits.
• Problem Solving, 8 Credits.
• Computer Literacy I, 8 Credits.
• General Physics II, 16 Credits.
• Pre-calculus and Calculus II, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Object Oriented Programming, 8 Credits.
• Computer Architecture & Organisation, 8 Credits.
• Computer Literacy II, 8 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 8 Credits.
• Introduction to Vector & Linear Algebra, 16 Credits.
• Linear Programming & Applied Computing, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 106 Credits

• Mechanics and Waves, 16 Credits.
• Multivariate Calculus, 8 Credits.
• Ordinary Differential Equations, 8 Credits.
• Thermodynamics and Modern Physics, 16 Credits.
• Real Analysis I, 8 Credits.
• Linear Algebra I, 8 Credits.
• Programming in JAVA, 14 Credits.
• Operating Systems, 14 Credits.
• Data Structures, 14 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7 80 Credits

• Electromagnetism and Quantum Mechanics, 24 Credits.
• Linear Algebra II, 16 Credits.
• Statistical mechanics and Solid State Physics, 24 Credits.
• Complex Analysis, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7 Credits

• Real Analysis II, 16 Credits.
• Abstract Algebra, 16 Credits.
• Intro to Artificial Intelligence, 14 Credits.
• Software Engineering, 14 Credits.
• Database Management Systems, 14 Credits.
• Software Engineering II, 14 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competency in understanding physics through laboratory experiments.
2. Recognise that scientific knowledge and understanding are changeable.
3. Demonstrate key scientific reasoning skills.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of Newton's laws of motion in situations where the resultant force on an object is given.
5. Demonstrate the use of calculus-based methods to determine displacement, velocity and acceleration information on the applied force.
6. Analyse oscillatory motion in different media using Newton's second law of motion.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of wave motion by considering coupled oscillators.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of thermal behaviour in material media.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of electrical and magnetic behaviour.
10. Demonstrate understanding of limitations of classical physics and remedies provided by quantum mechanics.
11. Demonstrate understanding of condensed matter.
12. Communicate scientific understanding in writing, orally and using visual, symbolic or other forms of representation.
13. Demonstrate effective Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
14. Access, evaluate and synthesise physics information for optimal applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Conduct, collect data and analyse laboratory experiments and draw conclusions to show a clear understanding of physics concepts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Describe and explain examples of changes in knowledge and understanding in physics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate logical thinking and identify naive and flawed scientific reasoning.
• Discriminate inductively (effect of causing or specific to general) and deductive (cause to effect or general to specific) reasoning.
• Discern cause-effect relations in the face of some level of uncertainty or gap in available information.
• Demonstrate the self-conscious capacity to judge when understanding or solve a problem adequately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• State newton's laws of motion.
• Solve problems on dynamics in situations where the resultant applied force is known.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Determine displacement, velocity and acceleration in situations where force as a function of position, velocity or time is given.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Analyse oscillatory behaviour by the correct application of Newton's second law of motion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Derive the wave equation by considering the collective behaviour of coupled oscillators.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• State laws of thermodynamics.
• Derive and apply thermodynamic relations to a variety of problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• State and apply laws of electricity and magnetism in a variety of contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Discuss the limitations of classical physics and use quantum mechanics to get answers that agree with experimental findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Discuss and analyse the electrical, electronic, optical and mechanical behaviour of solids as governed by atoms they are made of.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Use scientific language correctly to produce clear and coherent written documents which follow appropriate scientific conventions.
• Present scientific information in front of others, verbally.
• Use appropriate referencing conventions, avoid plagiarism and respect intellectual property.
• Use non-verbal forms of representation correctly and appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13

• Perform tasks related to basic computer literacy.
• Critically assess the validity of ICT solutions for problems posed in physics.
• Use ICT that is appropriate to physics in computational applications, simulation applications, pattern recognition, automation and control, managing large volumes of data.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14

• Use the library, internet and other data storage, and retrieval facilities are used to access information.
• Synthesise information from a variety of sources, which may be contradictory or divergent.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment for the qualification follows the standard guidelines issued by the institution. Continuous assessment for every module is taught, and there is a final examination set and assessed by the module instructor and by an appointed external examiner if the module is at the final year of the qualification. Laboratory work is assessed through written laboratory reports.