MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS

PHILOSOPHY
Customer focus and satisfaction through continuous scientific and technology improvement and creation of a learning environment that motivates and actively involves the learners in mastering rigorous academic and training curricula.

RATIONALE
The program aims at providing a foundation in basic concepts, methods and techniques by offering carefully selected courses which are closely related to Science and technology which enhance capacity building in the field of science

GOAL OF THE PROGRAM
The goal of the program is to provide advanced knowledge in physics and related specialization for technological development.

EXPECTED LEARNING OUTCOMES
At the end of the program the learner should be able to:
Graduates will acquire scientific skills, knowledge and training
Graduates will be able to use contemporary concepts, knowledge and training as tools to accomplish professional tasks effectively
Graduates will be able to effectively build research collaborations skills
Graduates will be able to develop long length learning skills through active research and concepts collaborative learning and through continued learning in formal and informal settings
Graduates will be accustomed to unique science and technology environment of technology and global industrialization environment.
Graduates will accept ethical standards, social responsibility and environmental conservation controls.
Graduates will develop a basic foundation of scientific principles and a speciality related to science, technology and innovation.
Graduates will develop formidable strong analysis and problem solving capabilities for industrial application.

MODE OF DELIVERY
Face to face (Lectures), trips and excursions, demonstrations, discussions, Laboratory practicals, term papers, Assignments, tutorials, projects and distance learning.

ACADEMIC REGULATIONS
The general University academic regulations shall apply

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
1.1    Common regulations for the Master of Science degree in the University of Embu and the School of Physical Sciences shall apply.
1.2    Holders of a Bachelor’s degree with at least Second Class Honours (Upper Division) in Physics or a related subject from the University of Embu or any other Institution recognized by the Senate.
Holders of a Bachelors degree with a Second Class Honours (Lower Division) in Physics or a related subject from the University of Embu or any other Institution recognized by the Senate, plus at least two years relevant research/work experience may be considered for admission.
Holders of a Bachelors Pass degree in Physics or a related subject from the University of Embu or any other Institution recognized by the Senate, plus at least five years relevant research/work experience may be considered for admission.
    
Course Structure and Duration
Candidates for the Master of Science degree in the Department shall follow courses of study as laid down in the approved specialization programmes for a period not less than four semesters but not more eight semesters. The first year (part I) of study shall be by coursework and examinations.
A course unit will be defined as comprising 45 contact hours of lectures, tutorials and practicals.
The candidate shall register for specified core courses for the chosen area of specialization together with suitable electives to total a minimum of EIGHT units for the first year (Part I) of study.
The Second year (Part II) of study for Theoretical Physics candidates shall be by coursework and examinations together with a dissertation written on a topical investigation carried out during the second semester. SPH 707 – Project, shall constitute the dissertation (equivalent to two units) that is compulsory while the candidate shall choose three other Double Units depending on areas of specialization.
The Second year (Part II) of study for Experimental Physics candidates, shall be by thesis (equivalent to eight units) based on a research proposal submitted and approved by the end of the first year (Part I). The thesis shall be examined according to University of Embu regulations.

CREDIT TRANSFER
A candidate may be exempted from some course units and credit transferred from institutions recognized by Senate, subject to the following conditions:
a.    Must have passed in similar units at Masters level;
b.    Request for exemption/credit transfer should be made in writing, on admission, addressed through the Chairman Department of Physics, and Dean, School of Physical Sciences, to the Director of Board of Postgraduate Studies, and must be accompanied by officially endorsed supporting documents including the syllabuses for the relevant courses;
C.     Payment of appropriate exemption fees;
d.    No candidate shall be exempted from or transfer more than one third of the total number of units required in the course.

COURSE/UNITS OFFERED
 YEAR/LEVEL I COURSE UNITS (PART I)