Department of Physics & Electronics

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Introduction

The Department of Physics at the National University of Lesotho has continually been striving for excellence in teaching, research, community and consultancy services.

 

Mission Statement:

 

The primary mission of the Department is to contribute to society through excellence in teaching, creating new knowledge and consolidating research activities in application-oriented Physics and Electronics relevant to the national needs.

 

General Objectives:

 

·      Undergraduate and Postgraduate Teaching,

·      Research,

·      Staff Development, and

·      Physical Facilities Advancement

 

Academic Programmes:

 

1.  To continue to offer combined major programmes in B.Eng. in Electronics, B.Sc. in Physics and Electronics,  and B.Sc. Ed in Physics. In addition, the Department will continue to offer MSc in Physics related disciplines. 

 

2.  To encourage staff members to engage in research and public service.  It is through research that staff members will gain insight into the questions at the frontiers of the Physics and Electronics, enabling them to build excitement, confidence and focus in teaching.

 

3.  To improve staff positions, laboratory space and equipment.

 

4.  To foster close ties with commerce and industry through students' attachments, consultancies, research and other Physics and Electronics oriented activities for the advancement of knowledge.

 

5.  To establish fraternal relationships, links and collaborations with sister departments both nationally and internationally.

 

Expected Outcomes:

 

The degree programmes are designed to:

 

1.  Give a firm foundation in the fundamental laws and principles underlying the behaviour of matter.

2.  Introduce students to a wide range of topics in the field of Physics and Electronics.

3.  Train students to think creatively, analytically and critically.

4.  Enhance students' leadership qualities.

5.  Create an atmosphere full of curiosity and excitement for students towards learning.

6.  Create the spirit of entrepreneurship in students for self-employment.

Research Disciplines and Core Expertise

The department has mounted research in fairly diverse areas, namely Theoretical Physics, material science, polymer science, Electronics, Microprocessor Systems, Telecommunications and Condensed Matter Physics and Renewable Energy. These are among the most exciting fields in mainstream Physics and are recognized both nationally and internationally by Industries and Private sector. As such, these fields are ideal for training students in subjects directly related to their future career prospects in Physics and electronics’ engineering related fields.

A         Condensed Matter Physics

B          Electronics, Microprocessor Systems and Instrumentation

C         Communication Systems

C         Theoretical Physics

A.        Condensed Matter Physics

Research Activity:

·        Semiconductor devices

·        Device fabrication and characterization

·        Fabrication and testing of solar cells

·        Crystal growth and characterization

·        Thermophysical properties of materials

·        Semiconductor device modelling

·        Renewable energy systems and solar energy conversion

·        Polymer science

·        Nanomaterials

Some major equipment available:

·         Vacuum coating unit

·         Spectral Analyzer

·         SEM

·         X-Ray diffraction equipment

·         Crystal grower

·         Raman Equipment

·         Ultrasonic transmitter and receiver

·         Solar cells characterization equipment

·         Pyranometer

B:        Applied Electronics, Microprocessor Systems and Instrumentation

Research activity:

·         Development of Microprocessor systems and instrumentation

·         Computer aided design

·         Modelling and simulation

Major equipment available:

·         Logic Analyzer and other test equipment

·         Data Acquisition Processors

·         Software and Hardware emulators

C:        Communications Systems

Research activity:

·         Mobile telecommunications and wireless networks

·         Optical and microwave communications

·         Computer systems, data and telecommunication networks including the Internet

·         Broadcasting

Major equipment available:

·         FM and AM transmitter and receivers

·         Antenna systems

·         Telephony systems

D:        Theoretical physics

Research activity:

·         Statistical and Mathematical Physics

·         Superconductivity

Main co-operating partners:

• iThemba LABS, South Africa
• University of Pennsylvania (USA – LRSM)

Future Career Prospects

Graduates in Physics and Electronics have opportunities for:

1. Further studies at international institutions for Masters or Doctorate degree programme in Physics, Computer Science, Engineering, Medical Physics, etc.

2. Working as research or service providers in both private and public sectors e.g. Energy and power sector, Government Departments, NGOs, Banking, Telecommunications, Electronics, etc.

3. Teaching positions at secondary and tertiary institutions.

4. Local and international job descriptions befitting Physicists e.g. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), etc.