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PHYSICS

PHYSICS AS A MAJOR:
Major combinations:
NQF Level: 5: PHY1503, PHY1505, PHY1506
NQF Level: 6: Four modules from the following list: PHY1604, PHY2601, PHY2602, PHY2606, PHY2604
NQF Level: 7: Five modules from the following list: PHY3702, PHY3703, PHY3706, PHY3707, PHY3708, PHY3709

Physics Practical Work II - PHY2604
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY1506, MAT1503 and MAT1512 Co-requisite: PHY2601, PHY2602 & PHY2606
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to help students to develop experimental physics skills. This module serves to enable students to understand the concepts, laws and principles related to the theoretical and experimental aspects of each experiment. Qualifying students will be equipped with laboratory skills, data recording and analysis, balance between team work and independent work, graphical representation, scientific report writing skills, technology and problem-solving skills. The acquired skills can contribute to meaningful contributions to the development of South Africa, Africa or the whole universe.
Physics IA (Theory) - FIC1501
Diploma Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 8
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: To assist learners in achieving a broad knowledge suitable to apply in analyzing and interpreting the data which may be used for the manufacturing of chemical substances using basic laws of Physics in Mechanics, Electrodynamics, Optics, and Chemistry.
Waves (Physics) - PHY2606
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY1503, PHY1505, PHY1506, MAT1503 & MAT1512
Purpose: To be familiarized with behaviour of vibrating systems and wave motion in many different physical systems.
Physics IB (Theory) - FIC1502
Diploma Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: This module is primarily vocational, or industry oriented, characterised by the knowledge emphasis and general principles in physics and its application in the discipline of Electrical Engineering and technology transfer. This module will specifically introduce the student to the following topics: One dimension linear motion, two-dimensional linear motion; Uniform circular motion; Rotational kinematics; Newton's laws in motion; Work and energy; Impulse and momentum; Elasticity; Hydrostatics; Buoyancy; Dynamic fluids; Heat; Electric forces and the electric fields; Direct current circuits; Laws of reflections and mirrors, Lenses, Refraction of light, The ideal gas law, The laws of thermodynamics, Waves, Introduction to nuclear physics. The specific purpose of this module would be to introduce the student to knowledge and understanding of each scientific concept, the specific dynamics as involved with each concept, to understand the interaction of various scientific concepts in typical systems; and then the artificial utilisation of a scientific concepts in order to generate a product or system that can be useful for the human mankind.
Quantum Physics - PHY3702
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY1604, PHY2601 & PHY2602
Purpose: This module will be useful to students interested in developing the basic skills in solving common types of quantum mechanics problems. To present the modern treatment of quantum mechanical systems in such a way that the transition to quantum theory of Physics can be made with the least possible difficulty. To acquaint the student with new mathematical techniques wherever possible and to give him/her sufficient practice in solving problems so that the student may become reasonably proficient in their use. After a firm foundation in vector methods, student could develop further mathematical methods to solve the physics problems.
Physics I (Practical) - FIC1PRA
Diploma Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 4
Module presented in English
Co-requisite: FIC181C or FIC1501 or FIC1502
Purpose: This is the practical work of module FIC181C. It has to be taken simultaneously with FIC181C or after FIC181C has been passed. Students must attend a compulsory laboratory session of between 1-3 days at a University in South Africa. Information will be announced in the tutorial letter at a later point in time.
Statistical and Thermal Physics - PHY3703
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY2606 Co-requisite: PHY3702
Purpose: This module will be useful to students interested in developing the basic skills in solving common types of statistical and thermal physics problems. To present the mathematical and computational treatment of statistical and thermal systems. To acquaint the student with new mathematical techniques wherever possible and to give him/her sufficient practice in solving problems so that the student may become reasonably proficient in their use.
Elementary Mechanics - PHY1501
Under Graduate Degree,Diploma Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: AMC1PRA or MCA1PRA
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to enable students who qualified to be able to design scientific solutions to solve real-life/industry problems involving mechanics on an elementary level and communicate them.
Physics Practical Work III - PHY3706
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY2604
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to provide qualifying third year students with intellectual and practical skills to analyse, interpret and apply scientific laws and methods in the Physics of excitation potentials of atoms, quantization of atomic energy levels, Investigation of crystal structures and X-ray diffraction of semiconductor materials, nuclear magnetic resonance and semiconductor lasers. Through the acquisition of appropriate experimental skills, the student will be able to demonstrate competency in understanding applied concepts in experimental Physics and therefore be able to contribute sound and ethical knowledge in their chosen careers after completing their BSc qualification.
Elementary Electromagnetism and Heat - PHY1502
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to acquire the knowledge and skills which enable students to employ the various concepts and methods contained in the fields of electromagnetism and heat to deepen his/her understanding of physics and also to solve problems in the domain of electromagnetism and heat on an elementary, algebra-based level.
Solid State Physics - PHY3707
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY2606 Co-requisite: PHY3702
Purpose: Crystalline state, Atomic cohesion and crystal binding, Reciprocal lattice, Determination of crystal structure, Lattice vibrations, Thermal properties of solids, Free electron theory of metals, Electron energy bands, Mobile electrons and Fermi surfaces.
Physics Practical Work I - PHY1503
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Co-requisite: PHY1505 & PHY1506
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to obtain experience in doing Physics experiments and to gain anunderstanding of the basic principles involved in the experimental foundations of Physics. At the sametime, this Practical Physics module will also deepen the studentﾒs understanding of the physical principles taught in other first year modules.
Atomic and Nuclear Physics - PHY3708
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY2606 Co-requisite: PHY3702
Purpose: The primary goal of this module is to help students develop a conceptual understanding of how physical concepts fit together to provide a coherent description of the physical world. It also helps students to develop a solid logical thinking in solving various physical and mathematical problems, which have various applications in real life.
Mechanics (Physics) - PHY1505
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to equip the student with principles, laws and methods of mechanics and to assist the student in learning to identify and interpret situations related to or requiring application of the principles, laws and methods of mechanics.
Computational Modeling - PHY3709
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 7 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Co-requisite: APM2611
Purpose: This module gives a thorough introduction to the important discipline of computational physics. Students who complete this module successfully will be able to: Understand the computational tasks required by the problem at hand, Find a suitable algorithm to apply to the problem at hand both from a set of common numerical methods that the students are exposed to as well as from other resources, Write programs in Python 3 that implement solutions to problems appearing both in the analysis of experimental results and the solution of theoretical problems, Complete a suitable computational project and present their results in the form or a report, typeset in LaTeX .
Electromagnetism and Heat (Fisika) - PHY1506
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to acquire the knowledge and skills which enable students to employ the various concepts and methods contained in the fields of electromagnetism and heat to deepen his/her understanding of physics and also to solve problems in the domain of electromagnetism and heat.
Physics Honours Research Methods and Project - HRPHY82
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 36
Module presented in English
Co-requisite: PHY4806 & PHY4807
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to equip students with computational, problem solving, research and critical thinking skills as well as conceptual understanding of computational techniques and research methods in physics. These competencies are necessary for postgraduate research in physics or related fields involving the analysis of experimental resuts and the solution of theoretical problems. Qualifying students will be able to critically evaluate information on a given physics topic.
Introductory Physics A - PHY1507
Higher Certificate Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY1508
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to train learners with some background of physical science in order to gain an insight into the basic principles and theories related to introductory Physics. Student credited with this module will have basic understanding and knowledge of concepts critical to introductory Physics.
Advanced Mathematical Methods - PHY4801
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: On completion, students can comprehend core mathematical concepts and procedures that are frequently encountered in the research literature concerning a wide variety of sub-disciplines within physics, including atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear and particle physics, as well as quantum chemistry, quantum optics and quantum electronics, etc. Students can model mathematical descriptions of simple quantum mechanical processes in terms of Vector and Matrix analysis, Series, Differential equations, Functions of Complex variable, and Integral Transforms. Advanced Mathematical Methods is a part of the Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Physics, used internationally as the first level of advanced studies leading to post-graduate degrees required for researchers and higher education academics. Enrolled students may obtain additional study material, excluding the textbook, online, so must have Internet access. There is no practical work associated with this module.
Introductory Physics B - PHY1508
Higher Certificate Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY1507
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to train learners with some background of physical science in order to gain an insight into the basic principles and theories related to introductory Physics. Student credited with this module will have basic understanding and knowledge of concepts critical to introductory Physics.
Electromagnetism - PHY4802
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY4801
Purpose: Purpose statement (maximum 1000 characters including spaces) The purpose of this module is to familiarize the student with the concepts of Electromagnetism: This module deals with the following aspects of Electromagnetism: ﾕ Static Electric and Magnetic Fields in Vacuum ﾕ Charge and Current Distributions ﾕ Slow varying Fields in Vacuum ﾕ Energy and Momentum ﾕ Static Potentials in Vacuum-Laplaceﾒs Equation ﾕ Static Potentials with Sources-Poissonﾒs Equation ﾕ Static Electromagnetic Fields in Matter ﾕ Time Dependent Electric Fields in Matter ﾕ Electromagnetic Radiation ﾕ The Covariant Formulation ﾕ Radiation Reaction -Electrodynamics. The primary goal of this module is helping students develop a conceptual understanding of these aspects. The student should be prepared to attempt a variety of detailed calculations, to acquire those analytical skills that are so important to the professional scientist.
Physical Science Practicals - PHY1509
Higher Certificate Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Purpose: To provide students with basic experimental techniques related to some of the theoretical concepts covered in Introductory Chemistry and Physics. To acquire skills and knowledge in experimental work, such as data collection and analysis, the use of computer techniques in analysis, interpretation of experimental data and writing a scientific report. Students accredited with this module will be able to apply the theoretical concepts of introductory Chemistry and Physics experimentally. To develop problem-solving skills required in Chemistry and Physics experiments. To work effectively in a small groups.
Quantum Mechanics I - PHY4803
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY4801
Purpose: Qualifying students can comprehend core quantum mechanical theory that is frequently encountered in the research literature surrounding a wide variety of sub-disciplines within physics. These sub-disciplines include, but are not limited to, atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear and particle physics, as well as quantum chemistry, quantum optics and quantum electronics, etc. Students can engage in the modelling of simple quantum mechanical processes in that occur in physics, specifically those that fall within in the field of theoretical and mathematical physics. Quantum Mechanics 1 is part of part of the Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Physics. Enrolled students may obtain additional study material, excluding the textbook, by connecting to the Internet. Enrolled students must have internet access. There is no practical associated with this module.
Engineering Science - SCN1501
Diploma Year module NQF level: 5 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Purpose: A primary goal of this module is helping the student to achieve a broad knowledge suitable to apply in analysing and interpreting the data which may be used to detect and exploit the deposit minerals using basic laws of physics in mechanics, electrodynamics, optics, and chemistry.
Quantum Mechanics II - PHY4804
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY4803
Purpose: Qualifying students can comprehend core quantum mechanical theory that is frequently encountered in the research literature surrounding a wide variety of sub-disciplines within physics. These sub-disciplines include, but are not limited to, atomic, molecular, solid state, nuclear and particle physics, as well as quantum chemistry, quantum optics and quantum electronics, etc. Students can engage in the modelling of simple quantum mechanical processes that occur in physics, specifically those that fall within in the field of theoretical and mathematical physics. Quantum Mechanics 2 is a part of the Bachelor in Science Honours degree in Physics. Enrolled students may obtain additional study material, excluding the textbook, by connecting to the Internet. Enrolled students must have internet access. There is no practical associated with this module.
Modern Physics - PHY1604
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Co-requisite: PHY1505
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to introduce students to foundational concepts, laws and principles of modern physics. These concepts include: wave theory, properties of sound waves, properties of light waves, mirrors and lenses, Special Relativity, the Wave-Particle Duality, interaction of radiation with matter, quantum mechanics, atomic structure, and nuclear physics. The students will also learn to solve problems in modern physics using the concepts, laws and principles.
Statistical Physics - PHY4805
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY4801
Purpose: A primary goal of this module is helping the student to develop a conceptual understanding of the aspects related to statistical physics. Physics is often regarded as a collection of equations that can be used blindly to solve problems. A good problem solving technique does NOT begin with equations. It starts with a firm grasp of the concepts and how they fit together to provide a coherent description of the physical world. making use of statistical methods and to deal with the following aspects of Physics: Quantum statistics of ideal gases, Systems of interacting particles, Magnetism and low temperatures, Elementary kinetic theory of transport processes, Transport theory using the relaxation time approximation.
Classical Mechanics - PHY2601
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Pre-requisite: PHY1505, MAT1503 & MAT1512
Purpose: This module will be useful to students interested in developing the basic skills in solving common types of classical mechanics problems. To present the modern treatment of classical mechanical systems in such a way that the transition to quantum theory of Physics can be made with the least possible difficulty. To acquaint the student with new mathematical techniques wherever possible and to give him/her sufficient practice in solving problems so that the student may become reasonably proficient in their use. After a firm foundation in vector methods, student could develop further mathematical methods to solve the physics problems.
Advanced Solid State Physics - PHY4806
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY4801
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to introduce the honours level student to the Advanced Solid State Physics, techniques and procedures used as well as expose to problem-solving skills required in solid state physics. In this module, these concepts and tools are introduced. One of the primary goals of this module is to assist to develop a conceptual understanding of solid state physics. This knowledge may be applied in the analysis of a selection of solid-state device application systems.
Electricity and Magnetism (Physics) - PHY2602
Under Graduate Degree Year module NQF level: 6 Credits: 12
Module presented in English
Pre-requisite: PHY1506, MAT1503 & MAT1512
Purpose: The purpose of this module is to teach the student the concepts of Electricity and Magnetism, using vector calculus. The primary goal of this module is to help the student develop a conceptual understanding of these concepts continuing from the work done in the first year Electromagnetism course. The introduction to vector analysis and some of its useful theorems provide the mathematical foundation to be able to describe electric and magnetic fields comprehensively, both in vacuum and matter.
Nuclear Physics - PHY4807
Honours Year module NQF level: 8 Credits: 12
Module presented in English Module presented online
Co-requisite: PHY4801
Purpose: Nuclear forces: the laws of invariance. Boson field theories and phenomenological potentials. Few-nucleon systems. The theory of nuclear structure: nuclear systematics. Scattering. Nucleon-nucleon scattering. Nuclear properties. Nuclear models. Nuclear decay.