Bachelor of Science Honours in Physics

Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences - Physical Sciences

Purpose and Rationale

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.

Outcomes

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.
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.
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.
Interpret the results obtained from data analysis and critically make informed scientific inferences.
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.
Develop an appreciation of the differences in mechanical behaviour and consequent applications of glasses, ceramics, polymers and metals.

Assessment Criteria

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.

Qualification Details

Type: Honours Degree
NQF Level: 08
Min. Credits: 120
SAQA Source: More Information

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Walter Sisulu University

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Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a comprehensive university located in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions: the University of Transkei, the Eastern Cape Technikon, and the Border Technikon. WSU offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts and humanities, business and management sciences, education, health sciences, natural sciences, and engineering. The university is committed to providing quality education and promoting social justice, equity, and sustainable development. WSU has multiple campuses spread across different regions of the Eastern Cape, including Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City (East London), and Queenstown. Each campus offers a unique learning environment and facilities to cater to the diverse needs of students. The university is named after Walter Sisulu, a prominent anti-apartheid activist and leader of the African National Congress (ANC). It aims to honor his legacy by fostering a culture of activism, social responsibility, and community engagement among its students and staff. Overall, Walter Sisulu University strives to be a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa, providing accessible and relevant education to empower individuals and contribute to the development of the Eastern Cape region and the country as a whole.

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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.