DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN PHYSICS

Philosophy of the Programme

The philosophy of the programme is to foster excellence in physics, creativity and innovation, academic freedom, professionalism and integrity through quality scholarly and research. This is in line with the University of Nairobi philosophy which is guided by the need to connect and inspire the Kenyan community, to provide leadership and stewardship and to give hope and faith to the Kenyan society so that it can excel in the whatever it chooses to do so with passion, moral responsibility and a strong sense of patriotism.

Rationale of the Programme

This is a revised Ph.D Program that aims at providing sufficient basis for specialization in the various distinct areas of Physics as a subject. It captures the strengths of the Department in terms of expertise and infrastructure. Areas of specialization have been grouped as below for award of Doctorate degree:

1. Theoretical Physics
2.    Condensed Matter  Physics
3.    Geophysics
4.    Electronics and Instrumentation
5.    Nuclear and Radiation Physics
6.     Laser Physics and Spectroscopy
7. GIS and Remote Sensing
8.  Astrophysics and Space Science

Goal of the Programme

The goal of the programme is to train high-level and competent research scholars and, in many cases, future university faculty members personnel with the relevant knowledge and refined skills in thematic areas of physics such as condensed Matter Physics, Geo- and Space Physics, Electronics and Instrumentation, Nuclear and Radiation Physics and Laser Physics and Spectroscopy. This is necessary for scientific innovations capable of making transformative contribution to the world of knowledge and further addressing societal challenges of industrial and human resource development for the betterment of humanity.

Expected Learning Outcomes of the Programme

By the end of the two year duration of the program the students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate the most advanced and specialized skills and techniques required to solve critical problems in research and/or innovation; and extend and redefine existing knowledge.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the subject area of study by being able to review and criticize available literature and identify a problem or question for investigation that has not been previously answered.
3. Demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills of the ability to use scientific equipments to carry out a scientific investigation (research) in science, collect and analyze scientific data using appropriate data analysis tools.
4. Illustrate the ability to explain research findings or scientific observations using appropriate methods of presentations such as graphs, figures or mathematical models and compare results with other findings from related works and draw intelligent recommendations.
5. Demonstrate the ability to communicate the research findings and contribute to knowledge both orally through seminars and in print by writing scientific papers/projects or thesis that adhere to acceptable guidelines for formal presentations.
6. Demonstrate a substantial authority, mastery, innovativeness, autonomy, creativity, scholarly and professional integrity with sustainable commitment to the development of new ideas and processes at the forefront of the field of condensed matter physics.
7. Apply acquired knowledge to identify a societal problem and undertake high level action research that contribute to the advancement of the subject of condensed matter physics as well as address emerging societal issues in industry and academia.