DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Physics is a fundamental natural science discipline that studies the physical processes of the universe. It is based on natural laws and the results of experiments and serves as a platform for the study of an array of interesting topics such as matter, energy and matter as well as their interactions. Agglomeration of the knowledge gained from the study of Physics, at various levels allows nations to play prominent roles in the future progress and survival of humanity. In this sense, it is obvious that through the study of Physics, the fundamental knowledge required for the future technological advances that will drive the economic engines of the world, are generated. Therefore, a well-thought-out programme of the study of Physics is of great necessity for a proper foundation for natural and applied science students

The programme is designed to lay a solid foundation for studies of specialized areas of Physics and Science Education. The contents of the programme encouraged both theoretical and practical approaches. To ensure the achievement of the main objectives of the programme, students are encouraged through guidance and counselling. The approach enables students to properly utilize their academic aptitude. The graduates of our Physics programme will enjoy the patronage of our secondary schools, other tertiary institutions and industries.

The Department also runs post graduate programmes in such specialised areas as theoretical Physics, Solid State Physics, Environmental/Radiation Physics and Applied Geophysics.

3.0 PHILIOSOPHY

The Physics curriculum is designed to train Physicists who would be knowledgeable and highly motivated professionals, capable of training other scientists in both applied and natural sciences through the inculcation of relevant behaviours and attitudes such as concern for efficiency, accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, effective communication, ethical responsibilities, initiatives and inventiveness. This goal is achievable by imparting quality education in Physics to students through well-designed courses of fundamental interest and of technological importance that enables students acquire deep knowledge in fundamental aspects of all branches of Physics. The programme is further designed to develop confidence in Physicists and Physics teachers, enhance their capacity to adapt and confront challenges of emerging trends in a technological and global society.

4.0 AIM/OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Physics programme are:

• To develop abilities and skills that encourage research and development activities and enable our graduates to find usefulness in everyday life.

• To train professional Physicists and Physics teachers for competency on their jobs by inculcating in them the knowledge and skills to ensure capabilities in developing inquiry and creative mindsets.

• To produce graduates who are well motivated, diligent, conscientious and efficient in the use of appropriate scientific strategies at all levels of their professional endeavours.

• To train well-equipped Physics graduates with capacity to pursue higher degrees either in Physics or Physics Education.

5.0 ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Admission into the department shall be upon clearance from the Admission’s Office of the University, having attained the stipulated cut-off points in the Joint Admission and

Matriculation (JAMB) examination and the post-JAMB placement test of the University. In addition, candidate must possess the minimum entry qualification.

The minimum entry requirement is that candidates must possess a minimum of 5 ordinary level credit passes at not more than two sittings in GCE/WAEC or NECO in related subjects which must include English Language, Mathematics, Physics and two subjects relevant to the candidate’s proposed course of study, such as Agricultural Sciences, Geography, Biology, Economics, Chemistry and Further Mathematics.

6.0 STAFF PROFILE

7. DR. OLIVER LEBARI GBARATO (HEAD OF DEPARTMENT)

B.Sc. Physics/Material Science, M.Sc. Environmental Physics, Ph.D., Environmental Physics (Acoustics/Environmental Noise).

A highly motivated researcher and Senior lecturer in the department of Physics, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Nigeria with major research focus on environmental Physics, with specific research interest in urban noise emission and propagation/control mechanisms, radiation protection, environmental radioactivity, noise/radiation transmission through different classes of materials. Research interest cuts across different branches of Physics-Environmental Physics, Materials Science, experimental Physics, Medical Physics and Atmospheric Physics.

Skills and expertise have been developed, over the years, in such areas as Gamma Spectroscopy, Environmental Radioactivity, Radiation Protection, Ionizing Radiation, Medical Physics, Radiation/Noise Transmission through materials, Radionuclides, Radioactive Elements, Radiation Detection and Atmospheric Physics.

e-mail: oliver.gbarato@iaue.edu.ng