Credit Hours - 3

This course introduces students to key concepts and applications of geophysical instrumentation. Students learn about how geophysical instruments work, what they measure, and their internal components. They learn how to conduct geophysical surveys and about electronic instrumentation and electronic circuits. 

Course content covers basic electronics for geophysical instrumentation; physical principles of geophysical instruments and relation to rock physical properties; and basic concepts for conducting geophysical surveys in the field, including analysis of geophysical data and geophysical software applications.

Credit Hours - 2

This course takes mathematics and related courses in Levels 100 and 200 and applies them to studying the Earth, extending mathematical skills and exploring the insights that can be developed through quantitative modelling of geological processes. Topics covered include:

Vectors and their use in describing positions and directions on the Earth's surface; Spherical geometry and plate tectonics; Potential fields and the gradient and divergence operators applied to gravity and heat flow; Ordinary differential equations applied to heat flow in the Earth; the diffusion equation applied to time-independent heat flow into the Earth.  

Credit Hours - 6

This course provides students the opportunity to pursue a limited research activity in various subfields of geophysics using modern geophysical research tools. Students undertake a research project under the supervision of a Senior Member over two semesters. A final report is required. Students are expected to report on their findings at a seminar. 

Credit Hours - 1

This is the first course in practical physics based on the principles of mechanics and thermal physics. Students will be introduced to practical concepts that relate to linear momentum, motion, force, circular and rotational motion, and gravitation under mechanics. In thermal physics, students will conduct experiments on heat, the laws of thermodynamics, and other related topics. 

Credit Hours - 1

This is the second course in practical physics and follows PHYS105 which is based on the principles of electricity and magnetism. Students will be introduced to practical concepts that relate to electrostatics, current electricity, optics, and magnetism. Students will also be introduced to the Microsoft Excel application and how to employ it in data analysis.

Credit Hours - 3

Mechanics

Properties of Vectors: Geometrical representation, multiplication (dot product and cross product), the three-dimensional Cartesian co-ordinate system, Components of a vector, Direction Cosines, Linear Independence, Magnitude of a vector, Geometrical methods of vector addition, The sine rule and the cosine rule, Vectors in two dimensions. Linear Momentum: Conservation Law, Direct and indirect collisions, The co-efficient of restitution Motion: Newton's laws, equations of motion, Motion in one dimension, Parametric equations of motion, Motion in two dimensions, Projectile motion, Relative velocity.

Force: Addition of Forces, Equilibrium, Impulse, Tension and the motion of connected masses, Friction Circular motion: Uniform circular motion, Motion in a vertical circle, the conical pendulum. Work and Energy: Work done by a constant force, Work done by a varying force, Work and kinetic energy, Work and potential energy, Conservation of energy, Conservative and non-conservative forces – definition and examples: Rotational motion: Centre of mass, Moment of inertia, Angular momentum, Rotational kinetic energy, Torque Gravitation: Kepler's laws, The law of Universal gravitation, Gravitational potential energy, Escape velocity.

Thermal Physics

Microscopic and Macroscopic Definitions: Thermodynamic systems, Simple systems, Closed systems, Open systems, Isolated systems, Thermodynamic properties, States Processes, Paths, Intensive and extensive quantities. Thermal Equilibrium: Temperature, Adiabatic walls, Diathermal walls, Thermometers and thermometric properties, Comparisons of thermometers, Thermometric scales and conversions, Zeroth law of thermodynamics.

Work and Heat: Thermodynamic equilibrium – conditions, Chemical equilibrium, mechanical equilibrium, thermal equilibrium, Effects of conditions not satisfied, Change of state, Quasi-static processes, Work done, Work depends on path, Isothermal processes, Isobaric processes, Isochoric (isovolumetric) processes, Adiabatic processes, Concept of heat, Internal energy, Heat capacity, Specific heat, Heat flow (Conduction, Radiation, and Convection)

First law of thermodynamics: Cyclic processes, Non-cyclic processes, Nature of stored energy, First law and its implications under (i) Isothermal processes (ii) Isobaric processes (iii) Isochoric processes

Application: Introduction to entropy

Gas Laws: Properties of an ideal gas, Charles Law, Boyle's Law, Gay Lussac Law, Kelvin temperature scale (absolute temperature)

Kinetic theory of Gases: Assumptions, Force exerted on the walls of the container, Pressure, Equation of state, Molecular velocities: (i) Mean velocity (ii) mean square velocity (iii) root mean square velocity, Equipartition of Energy.

Credit Hours - 3

Electricity

Electric Charge and Electric Field: Electric charge, Conductors, insulators and induced charges, Coulomb's law, Electric field and Electric forces, Charge distributions, Electric dipoles

Gauss’ Law: Charge and electric flux, Gauss’ Law, Application of Gauss’ Law

Electrical Potential: Electric potential energy and work, electric potential

Capacitance and Dielectrics: Capacitors (parallel plate capacitors, spherical, and cylindrical shaped capacitors) and dielectrics, Capacitors in series and parallel, Charging and discharging a capacitor, time constant, Energy storage in capacitors

Electric Current, Resistance and Direct-current circuits: Electric current, Resistivity and Resistance, Electromotive force and electric circuits, Energy and power in Electric circuits, Resistors in series and Parallel, Kirchoff’s Rules, Electrical measuring instruments

Magnetism

Magnetic Field and Magnetic Forces: Magnetic field, Magnetic field lines and Magnetic flux, Motion of charged particles in a magnetic field, Electric and magnetic fields acting together – application to velocity selectors, Magnetic force on a current-carrying conductor, Force and Torque on a current loop (a magnetic dipole moment)

Sources of Magnetic fields: Magnetic field of a moving charge, Magnetic field of a current element, Magnetic field of a straight current-carrying conductor, Force between parallel conductors, Magnetic field of a circular current loop, Ampere's law and its applications, Magnetic materials

Electromagnetic Induction: Faraday and Lenz's laws, Motional electromotive force, Induced electric fields, Eddy currents, Displacement current and Maxwell’s equations

Inductance: Mutual inductance, Self-induced inductance, Inductors and magnetic-field energy, R-L and L-C circuits, L-R-C series circuits

Alternating current: Phasors and alternating current, Resistance and reactance, L-R-C series circuit, Band-Pass filters, Power in alternating-current circuits, Power factor, Resonance in alternating-current circuits, Transformer

Credit Hours - 1

This is the third course in practical physics and follows from PHYS105 and PHYS106, which exposed students to handling various measuring instruments. PHYS205 introduces students to data and error analyses in addition to the usual laboratory experiments. Students will conduct experiments illustrating modern experimental techniques and error analysis in several topical areas in physics.

Credit Hours - 1

This course continues from PHYS205. Experiments will be carried out to illustrate modern experimental techniques and error analysis in several topical areas in physics, including but not limited to filters; electromagnetic induction; properties of matter; thermodynamics; microwave radiation; and electronics. Students will also be exposed to the application of computers in data acquisition and data analysis as well as scientific report preparation.

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces the basic ideas of quantum physics and applies them to the description of atoms. The course begins with a review of the phenomena that led to the development of modern physics and uses the Schrödinger equation to describe simple systems. The Schrödinger theory is applied to one-electron atoms and the modifications that arise with multi-electron atoms, and atoms in external fields are discussed. Students must have completed the introductory physics sequence (PHYS143 and PHYS144) and at least one mathematics course.

Topics covered include:

Quantum Phenomena: Blackbody radiation and Planck’s hypothesis, photons and electromagnetic waves, photo-electric effect, Compton Effect, double-slit experiment, wave properties of particles, uncertainty principle, Schrödinger equation, particle in a square well potential (particle in a box).

Atomic Physics: Atomic structure, the Bohr atom, line spectra and energy levels; angular momentum (orbital angular momentum, spin angular momentum, multiplets); Spectroscopic terms; Fine structure, hyperfine structure, Stark and Zeeman effects, and x-ray production and scattering.

Credit Hours - 2

This course focuses on the phenomena of oscillations, vibrations, and waves. Topics covered include:

Simple, damped, and forced oscillations; Decay of oscillations, resonance; General properties of waves; Waves in one dimension; Superposition of waves; Dispersion and group velocity; Doppler Effect; Waves in physical media; Waves in two and three dimensions, circular and spherical wave fronts.

Credit Hours - 3

This course introduces students to the elementary mathematics used in undergraduate physics courses. Topics covered include:

Calculus of functions of several variables, partial differentiation, total differential, Euler's theorem on homogeneous functions; Constrained and unconstrained extrema, multiple integrals; Jacobian; Scalar and vector fields; Line, surface, and volume integrals; Vector operators, grad, div, and curl; Gauss, Stokes and Green's theorems; Ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients, series solutions.

Credit Hours - 3

This is the first of a two-sequence course on the fundamentals of electromagnetism. Topics covered include:

Electric field and potential gradient; Gauss's law and its applications; Electric field around conductors; Dielectric medium: Polar and non-polar molecules, electric polarization and bound charges; Displacement vector; Gauss's Law in dielectrics; Potential energy of charge distribution in the presence of dielectrics; Boundary conditions on E and D; Magnetic fields, magnetic force law and concept of magnetic induction B: Biot-Savart law, Lorentz force; Electromagnetic induction.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is designed to introduce students to the aspect of physics that deals with the atomic nucleus. Topics covered include:

A review of experiments that led to the discovery of the nucleus; Nuclear properties; Nuclear force, nuclear binding energy, and Mass defect; Liquid drop model; Semi-empirical binding energy formula; Radioactive decay of unstable nuclei; Analysis of nuclear reactions; Energetics; Radioactive dating; Nuclear energy; Radiation detection and usage.  

Credit Hours - 2

This course is designed to introduce students to the physics of materials. The course discusses the elastic and plastic properties of solids and the dynamics of incompressible fluids. The course exhibits the connection between physical principles and real-life applications through examples, demonstrations, and problems. Topics covered include:

Forces between atoms and molecules and their consequences; Elastic moduli – Young's, Shear, Bulk; Poisson ratio; Elastic potential energy of a deformed elastic; Plastic behaviour of solids; Flow properties of fluids; Continuity equation, hydrostatic equation, and Bernoulli's equations; Torricelli's law; Viscosity of fluids; Poiseulli's law; Laminar flow between plates; Stoke's law; Reynold's number.

Credit Hours - 2

This course focuses on the basic computational problems in physics. This course aims to teach students to develop skills in numerical solutions to physics problems and solve problems using computer programs. Topics covered include:

Introduction to basic computational tools and routines, projectile motion, limits of computation; Introduction to numerical methods—Functions and roots, Approximation, Interpolation, Systems of linear equations, Least squares, Numerical differentiation and integration, Finite differences; Oscillatory motion and chaos; Solar system; Potentials and fields of charges and currents; Waves.

Credit Hours - 1

This is the first of a two-part course in which laboratory experiments, including those fundamental to modern physics as well as those demonstrating modern experimental methodologies, are undertaken. Students are introduced to scientific report writing and making references. Experiments include x-ray diffraction and crystal structure, x-ray absorption, x-ray fluorescence, Fermi energy, Wiedemann-Frantz law, image charges in electrostatics, Rutherford scattering, fine structure, electronics, Boltzmann constant, diffraction, wave propagation, and β spectroscopy.

Credit Hours - 1

This is the second of a two-part course in which laboratory experiments, including those fundamental to modern physics and those illustrating modern experimental techniques, are conducted. Students are introduced to Scientific Report writing and making references. Experiments conducted include x-ray diffraction and crystal structure, x-ray absorption, x-ray fluorescence, Fermi energy, Wiedemann-Franz law, Image charges in electrostatics, Rutherford scattering, Fine structure, Electronics, Boltzmann constant, Diffraction, Wave propagation, and β spectroscopy.

Credit Hours - 3

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of classical mechanics. Topics covered include:

Divergence and curl of a vector; Force Fields, Conservative and non-conservative forces; Gravitation; Equipotential surfaces; Gradient of a potential; Gauss's law and applications; Central forces and applications to two-particle systems; Orbits; Escape velocity; Drag; Motion with variable mass; Statics of rigid bodies; Moment of inertia; Angular momentum; Motion of a top; Centrifuges; Gyroscopic motion; Lagrange’s and Hamilton’s equations.

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces learners to the fundamentals of thermodynamics. Topics covered include:

Concept of Systems; Classification of thermodynamic systems; Laws of thermodynamics and applications; Heat transfer mechanisms; Thermodynamical machines - heat engines, refrigerators, and heat pumps; Efficiency and coefficient of performance of thermodynamic machines; Entropy, thermal pollution, and global warming; Unavailability of energy; Heat death; Control Volume Analysis; death; Thermodynamic potentials – Gibbs functions, Helmholtz functions, and Free energy functions; Generalised thermodynamic relations - multivariate calculus foundations, Gibbsian equations and Maxwell's relations.

Credit Hours - 3

This course introduces learners to the elementary mathematics used in undergraduate physics courses. Topics covered include:

Vector and Tensor Analysis; Determinants, Matrices and Group Theory; Infinite Series; First Order Differential Equation; Functions of Complex Variables; Second Order Differential Equations; Special Functions - Bessel Functions, Gamma Functions, Beta Functions, Legendre Functions; Fourier Series; Partial Differential Equations; Integral Functions - Fourier Transform, Laplace Transform

Credit Hours - 3

This course is the second in a sequence of two courses on the fundamentals of electromagnetism. This course extends the topics treated in PHYS245 to include additional techniques for calculating electromagnetic fields and a discussion of electromagnetic waves. Topics covered include:

Electromagnetic potentials: scalar and vector potentials; Poisson and Laplace equations; General methods of solving electrostatic problems; Electrostatic boundary value problems; Method of images; Magnetic materials, magnetization, magnetic field intensity H, magnetic susceptibility, relative permeability, hysteresis; Multipole fields; Maxwell's equations; derivation of the electromagnetic wave equation, its solutions, and some applications; Electromagnetic waves in dielectric and conducting media; Skin effect.

Credit Hours - 3

This course covers elementary analogue and digital electronics. Topics covered include:

Voltage, current and resistance; Voltage dividers; Circuit analysis: Thévenin’s and Norton’s equivalent circuits; Diodes and diode circuits; design of regulated power supply, basic transistor circuits (Bipolar-Junction Transistors and Field-Effect Transistors); Operational amplifiers (linear applications only); Introduction to digital electronics (Number systems, Boolean algebra, logic gates, combinational logic circuits, Karnaugh maps).

Credit Hours - 3

This course covers both classical and modern optics. Topics covered include:

Nature and propagation of light: refractive index and optical path, Huygen's principle, Fermat's principle. Advanced geometrical optics. Physical Optics: interference, Young's double slit experiment, other optical devices for the division of wave fronts, multiple-beam interference, and Michelson's interferometer. Diffraction: Fraunhofer diffraction, Fresnel diffraction. Polarisation. Holography. Fibre optics.

Credit Hours - 3

This course is the first in a two-course sequence on elementary quantum mechanics. Topics covered include:

Principles of quantum mechanics; Time-independent Schröndinger equation; Interpretation of wave properties as probability amplitudes; Superposed energy states; Uncertainty principle; Lifetimes; Moving wave packets; One-dimensional scattering; Potential wells and barriers, tunnelling; probability currents; Harmonic oscillator; Formalism of quantum mechanics. 

Credit Hours - 2

This course aims to introduce students to the Special Theory of Relativity. Topics covered include:

Newtonian Mechanics and Relativity: failure of classical relativity, inertial frames, Galilean transformation, Michelson-Morley experiment. Einstein's basic ideas: invariance of physical laws; Einstein's postulates, relativity and simultaneity. Consequences of Einstein's postulates. Doppler Effect of electromagnetic waves: classical Doppler shift, relativistic Doppler shift. Relativistic Dynamics: mass, momentum, work, energy. Experimental Tests of Special Relativity.

Credit Hours - 3

This course extends the techniques developed in PHYS256 to more complex systems. Topics covered include:

Random systems; Monte Carlo methods; Random walks, diffusion, and the Ising model; Phase transitions; Molecular dynamics; Variational and Spectral methods; Hartree-Fock method: helium atom, hydrogen ion; Periodic potentials and band structures; Self-organized criticality; Fractals; Protein folding; Neural networks.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is the first of a two-part course that introduces the concepts and theory of the physics of materials in the solid states. Topics covered include:

Lattice translation vectors, symmetry operations; types of lattices; simple crystal structures; effect of deformation on crystals and their properties; crystal diffraction and the reciprocal lattice; Bragg's Law; experimental diffraction methods; reciprocal lattice vectors; Brillouin zones; structure and atomic form factors; Lattice vibrations; Lattice heat capacity; thermal conductivity.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is an introduction to the physics of the processes that occur in the atmosphere. Topics covered include:

Origin and composition of the atmosphere; Distribution of constituents; Charged particles; Temperature distribution. Thermodynamics of water vapour and moist air: Thermodynamics of dry and moist air, stability; changes of phase and latent heat; Adiabatic processes, moisture variables; Thermodynamic diagrams; Radiation: Fundamental physics of atmospheric electricity, radiation laws; Solar and terrestrial radiation, applications, ozone hole, atmospheric energy transport; Global energy balance.

Credit Hours - 2

This course shows how stable materials (matter/samples) can be radioactive by irradiating with neutrons, and analysed through the emanating gamma radiation from the resulting radionuclide. Topics covered include:

Irradiation facilities: Neutron Sources; Nuclear Reactors Source; Isotopic Neutron Sources; Neutron Generator (Accelerator) Sources; Kinetics of activation: Irradiation Scheme (Conditions); Gamma Ray Spectrometry (Measurement of Gamma Rays). Absolute Method; Relative (Comparative) Method; K0 Method; Measurement and evaluation: Qualitative Analysis; Quantitative Analysis; Applications of neutron activation analysis: Environmental Studies - Pollution Studies; Forensic Investigations; Archaeological Studies, Biochemistry; Semiconductor Materials Studies; Geological Science; Soil Science; Epidemiology Studies.

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces learners to the physical processes that occur in the oceans. Topics covered include:

Physical properties of the ocean and seawater, sound and light; T-S forcing and conservation laws, Global T-S distribution; Equations of continuity and motion; Balance of forces; the effect of Earth's rotation; Ocean currents; Deep currents and general ocean circulation; Surface waves; Tides and long-period waves; Oceanographic instrumentation; El Nino.

Credit Hours - 1

This is the first of a two-part seminar course sequence designed to allow students to hone their scientific communication skills. Students attend weekly seminars and present proposals for their final year research project. Topics vary from semester to semester according to the interests of the students. This course provides an introduction to the preparation, organisation, and delivery of a scientific presentation. It provides a guide on research proposals and thesis writing.

Credit Hours - 1

This is the second of a two-part seminar course sequence designed to allow students to hone their scientific communication skills. Students attend weekly seminars and present proposals for their final year research project. Topics vary from semester to semester according to the interests of the students. This course provides an introduction to the preparation, organisation, and delivery of a scientific presentation. It provides a guide on research proposals and thesis writing.

Credit Hours - 6

In this two-semester course, students pursue a project on topics drawn from experimental and/or theoretical physics under the supervision of a Senior Member. Students meet weekly with their supervisors to discuss their projects and research experiences and findings. A final report is required. Students are expected to report on their findings at a departmental seminar.

Credit Hours - 3

This course introduces the fundamentals of Statistical Mechanics. Topics covered include:

Probability distribution functions; Velocity distributions; Distributions in phase space; Transport phenomena; Fluctuation; Statistical Mechanics; Ensembles and distribution functions; Entropy and ensembles; the micro-canonical ensemble; the canonical ensemble; Bose-Einstein statistics (black body radiation); Fermi-Dirac statistics (free-electron gas).

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces learners to models of the atomic nuclei as well as nuclear phenomena and their applications. Topics covered include:

Nuclear properties: constituents, nuclear sizes, masses, densities, and abundances; Mass leading to the definition of binding energy; Empirical mass formula; Nuclear Models: liquid drop and shell models, unified (collective) model and how they explain properties of nucleus; Nuclear reactions; representation, conservation laws, radioactivity, decay of parent and daughter nuclei, equilibrium; Nuclear fission and fusion: types of fission, the release of energy, fusion in stars and the sun; Nuclear reactors: constituents of a reactor, types of reactors, generation of electricity, usefulness and dangers.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is designed to introduce students to the basics of digital electronic devices and techniques used in digital circuit design. It also provides an in-depth study of the principles and applications of digital systems. Topics covered include:

Boolean algebra, basic logic circuits, logic families, combinational logic, arithmetic circuits, multivibrators, flip-flops and timing circuits, counters, registers, semiconductor memories, introduction to microprocessors and microcomputers.

Credit Hours - 2

This course exposes learners to the study of the basic nature of matter, and their interacting forces at the level of fundamental particles and very high energies. It also shows the link between theoretical physics predictions on fundamental particles and verification through experimentation. It covers the standard model, Feynman diagrams and conservation laws, electro-weak theory, grand unification theory, acceleration and collision of elementary particles (the large hadron collider), particle detectors, and applications of particle physics research results.

Credit Hours - 3

This course introduces the concepts and theory of the physics of materials in the solid state. Topics covered include:

Lattice translation vectors, symmetry operations; types of lattices; simple crystal structures; crystal diffraction and the reciprocal lattice; Bragg's Law; reciprocal lattice vectors; Brillouin zones; Lattice vibrations; Lattice heat capacity; thermal conductivity. Free electron Fermi gas; Fermi distribution, the heat capacity of an electron gas; electrical conductivity; Wiedemann – Franz law; metals; insulators.

Credit Hours - 3

The course introduces the basic theory of quantum mechanics, and how it explains some of the behaviour of the physical universe from a fundamental point of view. Topics covered include:

Schrödinger equation in three dimensions; The stationary states of the hydrogen atom; General properties of angular momentum in quantum mechanics; Electron spin; System of identical particles; Time-independent perturbation theory; Variational principles; The WKB approximation; Scattering.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is at an introductory level, dealing with selected topics taken from current trends in Physics. It is aimed at motivating students in the subject and ensuring a general literacy in the frontiers of Physics. Areas covered include recent advances in fields such as Unification, General Relativity and Black Holes.

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces contemporary topics in energy systems. Topics covered include:

Review of energy sources: conventional and non-conventional, renewable and non-renewable. Nuclear energy – fission, fusion, breeder reactors; Solar energy – physical problems connected with conversion; Technological problems and applications. Fossil fuels, hydro-power, wind power, tidal power; biochemical energy, conservation and storage.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is the second of a two-part course that introduces the concepts and theory of the physics of materials in the solid state. Topics covered include:

Free electron Fermi gas; Fermi distribution, heat capacity of an electron gas; Electrical conductivity; Motion in magnetic fields; Wiedemann – Franz law; Energy Bands; Bloch functions; Weakly perturbing lattice potential; Holes; Effective mass; Metals, insulators, semiconductors, semiconductor crystals; Intrinsic carrier concentration; Thermo-electric effects in semiconductors; Semi-metals; p-n junctions; Solar cells and photovoltaic detectors.

Credit Hours - 2

Topics covered in this course include:

Radioactive decay, Types of radioactive clocks: decay clock accumulation clock. Fundamental requirements of radiometric dating, Useful radioactive decay schemes. Analytical techniques – fundamental mass spectrometry, Isotope dilution, analytical errors. Typical radiometric dating methods – K-Ar, Ar40/Ar39, Rb-Sr, U-Pb, Sm-Nd. Fission Track method of dating

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces learners to the physical description of weather and climate. Topics covered include:

Structure of the atmosphere; Weather processes and weather systems, including climatic processes. Data analysis, instruments, and weather system models. Global distribution of principal climatic elements with emphasis on physical causes. Physics of moist air; Physics of aerosols; Condensation of water vapour on aerosols; Cloud physics. 1-D and 3-D climate models, applications, and global warming.

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces learners to the physical principles that govern telecommunication devices and networks. Topics covered include:

Network theorems, Circuit theory, Transmission lines, Attenuators and filters, Low and high-frequency amplifiers, Oscillator circuits; Modulation, demodulation, and detection circuits, Noise, Transmission of information, Microphones and sound reproducers, Telephony, High-frequency transmission lines and waveguides, Ultra-high frequency devices, Wave propagation and aerials, Radio transmission systems, Microwaves and laser, Fibre optics

Credit Hours - 2

This course introduces the concept of nanophysics by focusing on phenomena that change as dimension of length scales from the macroscopic to the nanoscale. The course covers the synthesis and characterisation of carbon-based nanomaterials, semiconductor nanocrystals, and metallic nanocrystals. Unique phenomena arising from quantum confinement are discussed. The course also presents basic computer modeling methods for the study of nanostructured materials. Current and potential applications of nanotechnology are also discussed. Topics covered include:

Carbon Nanotubes: Carbon allotropes; Synthesis and production techniques of carbon nanotubes. Physical properties of carbon nanotubes; Functionalisation, dispersion, separation, and characterisation of carbon nanotubes; Applications: Polymer- and metal- composites, x-ray tubes, Field emission displays (FED), transistors, sensors, etc.; Safety and risk Nanocrystals: Classification; types of nanocrystals; Wide-band gap semiconductor nanocrystals. Modification of physical properties from bulk crystal to nanocrystal; Methods of preparation; Hybrid materials; Applications – sensors, photovoltaics, luminescent devices, electronics, lasers. Theory: Quasiparticles: electrons, holes, excitons; Basic theoretical methods: effective mass approximation, adiabatic approximation, tight-binding approach; Electron states in confined dimensions; Weak confinement, strong confinement.

Credit Hours - 2

This course is designed to provide an introduction to modern concepts in astrophysics. It includes a preliminary section on astronomy with a focus on observational techniques. The historical development of astronomy and astrophysics will be presented, with a discussion of landmark discoveries. The main content of the course involves a study of stars and their evolution and will cover basic stellar models and the Lane-Emden model. End-of-life scenarios will be discussed, will focus on white dwarfs, neutron stars and black holes. Other topics to be covered are galaxies and basic cosmology.