The Department of Physics is part of the Faculty of Science at the Nelson Mandela University (formally University of Port Elizabeth). The academic staff on the Summerstrand South campus consists of 17 permanent members, with 5 contract lecturers.
The department is one of the oldest departments at the former University of Port Elizabeth. It originated in 1965 under the guidance of Professor JH van der Merwe, who in 1994 received an honorary doctorate from UPE for his achievements in Physics. The current head of the department is Prof André Venter.
Mission
Our mission is to :
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provide up-to-date physics education according to international standards
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carry out original research in solid state physics which will be published internationally
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serve the community by
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providing competent graduates
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applying physics knowledge in the region
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performing relevant applied research in physics
Undergraduate training
We strive to provide our students with a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of the subject. The undergraduate curriculum covers the following fields:
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Classical Mechanics
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Electrodynamics
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Thermodynamics
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Optics
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Electronics
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Modern Physics
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Solid State Physics
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Quantum Mechanics
Honours
At honours (fourth year) level, students receive advanced training in
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Quantum Mechanics
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Electrodynamics
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Solid State Physics
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Statistical Physics
Research
At a research level, the department focuses on the development of a variety of materials, including semiconductors, metal alloys and ceramics, as well as on the characterisation of solar energy materials and devices.
Already at honours level our students become familiar with the principles of many of these characterisation methods. In the research programs, interaction and collaboration with industry is continuously sought in order to provide postgraduate students with a background that is relevant in the South African context.
Foreign students
Foreign students wishing to spend short (< 6 months) periods in the department, performing short projects as part of their overseas university's degree, should NOT work through the Nelson Mandela University Office for International Education, but should contact the department directly by using the contact info on the right.