| Programme Description |
Physics is the most fundamental of the Physical Sciences. Physics leads to a deepened understanding of the phenomena in the world around us. The discipline of Physics is a training of the mind and a methodology for approaching and solving problems. The significance of Physics is manifested in its accomplishments in the development of the Scientific Method as well as providing an important component of all physical sciences and engineering disciplines. Physics has always attracted special students, challenged by modern theories that shaped and are still shaping our understanding of the universe like the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, superconductivity and particle physics; just to name a few. A degree in Physics leaves one poised to enter many professions that include but are not limited to traditional physics. The discipline of Physics teaches skills that are transferable to many other professions, including electronics, computer and oil industries. These transferable skills include mathematical modelling, problem-solving, designing experiments, interpretation of experimental data, reflecting on answers before trusting them, research experience, laboratory techniques and communication skills.
The Postgraduate Diploma and Master of Sciences in physics provide, along with a deep and solid foundation in basic physics, theoretical and experimental skills that are transferable to many professions besides the traditional physics research careers. These skills, acquired within the mainstream of study in theoretical and condensed matter physics, include mathematical modelling, instrumentation and experiment design, and general laboratory techniques.
The aims are to:
•Support the aims and objectives of the Fiji National University in the context of our Department's programmes.
•Provide a high-quality degree-level education which establishes the broad foundations of physics.
•Produce graduates and postgraduates who are numerate, literate and articulate.
•Promote students' creativity and problem-solving abilities, and extend their intellectual curiosity so that it informs and enriches their lives.
•Enable our students to communicate and collaborate effectively with their professional colleagues and foster a desire to enlighten their fellows.
•Provide broad access for able students from a wide range of backgrounds.
The Department's objectives are to:
•Introduce students to most major areas of physics at levels commensurate with their current knowledge and understanding, by the provision of a broad range of courses.
•Educate our students in a wide spectrum of experimental and computational methods, some incorporating group activities, by the provision of laboratory courses.
•Develop students' creativity and their abilities for the independent planning, execution and reporting of a scientific investigation, by the provision of extended projects.
•Promote a thorough understanding of the theoretical basis of physics, through the provision of mathematics courses, supplemented by courses in computing and numerical methods.
•Stimulate students to apply their understanding of basic physics, by the provision of options which exemplify the breadth and applicability of the discipline.
•Provide experience in the oral and written presentation of work, and communicating and working in groups, in seminars, conferences, workshops and poster sessions.
•Encourage creative thought and address difficulties experienced by individual students, in small group tutorials, problem classes, seminars and workshops.
•Address the needs of individual students in a supportive environment.
•Prepare students having unconventional academic backgrounds for a Physics degree, in a Foundation Year programme.
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