Course Overview
Applied physics is defined as the application of the science of physics to help human beings towards solving their day to day problems. Professionals in this field are referred to as applied physicists. Applied physicists conduct physics research or use physics science to develop new technologies or solve engineering problems. On the other physics technologists or technicians work with physicists helping them in setting up and maintaining equipments used for physics experiments and research related work.
Bachelor of Technology in Technical and Applied Physics is a four year course that has been developed to provide training for technologists or technicians in the field of Physics. The curriculum of the course emphasizes real- world physics applications besides sound understanding of the basics of physics. Great emphasis has been placed on technical and practical skills through practical exercises, demonstrations, field work and industrial attachments. Throughout the programme, major areas of research in applied physics such as Instrumentation, material science and energy among others are adequately covered. Upon successful completion of the course, graduates can find employment in areas such as; energy, polymer, ceramics and glass among other areas.
Entry Qualifications.
For self sponsored students, at least a mean grade of C+ in KCSE. For Government sponsored students, the minimum cut point which is announced annually applies. The students should in addition have good performance in the following cluster subjects; Subject 1 MAT A, Subject 2 PHY, Subject 3, CHE, Subject 4 BIO or any GROUP III or any GROUP IV or any GROUP V.
Becoming a physics technologists
If you have interest in physics and more so interested in newly developing areas of physics, then pursuing this course might interest you. In addition, you should be prepared to develop skills that can help you grow and succeed in this field.
Physics technologists have got excellent analytical skills as they need to be able to think logically to carry out scientific experiments and studies. They must be precise and accurate in their analysis because errors could invalidate their research. They are also effective communicators who are able to present their findings to senior physicists among other stakeholders. Working in this field requires excellent critical thinking skills as these technologists must be able to carefully evaluate their own work and the work of others. They must determine whether results and conclusions are based on sound science. Curiosity for learning is essential as Physics technologists work in fields that are always on the cutting edge of technology and as a result they must be very keen to learn continuously for their career.
Physics technologists must have good interpersonal skills as they often collaborate extensively with others in both academic and industrial research contexts and must be able to establish good working relationships with these people. Good maths skills are a must to have in this profession as these technologists perform complex calculations involving calculus, geometry, algebra and other areas of mathematics. In addition, excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills are very important as these technologists use scientific observation and analysis to solve complex scientific questions problems.
Work environment.
Physics technologists mostly work in experimental and research laboratories.
Career opportunities
Graduates of this course can find employment in both public and private sectors. In public sectors, areas of employment include; ministry of Trade and Industries, Kenya Bureau of standards among others while in private sector, they can be employed within; research bodies, educational institutions such as universities laboratories.
Other areas include; industrial physics, electronics, telecommunications, hospital physics, computing, quality control testing, banking, insurance, teaching, management, technical sales, armed forces, energy, polymer, ceramics instrumentation, material science and glass technology as well as colleges and secondary schools are in need of qualified technologist/technicians. Graduates can also use their creativity to start their own businesses.
You may explore these courses
Bachelor of Science in Physics
Bachelor of Science (B.SC) with specialization in physics
Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Computer Science
Bachelor of Science in Astronomy and Astrophysics
Bachelor of Science in Microprocessor Technology and Instrumentation