Welcome to the Department of Physics - From Measurement to Knowledge
Several postdoc's now available in nanoluminescent materials, modelling, nanocrystalline metals, carbon nanotubes. Email the Departmental Chairman for more details.
Latest news about Prizes and Awards: Bosco Oruru was awarded the best PhD presenter (in Astronomy) during the recent (Dec 2009) SKA conference/workshop held in Stellenbosch.
Dr Martin Ntwaeaborwa and Prof. Hendrik Swart received prestigious awards from the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) during its eleventh gala-award ceremony. Prof. Hendrik Swart, Head of the Department of Physics, was the recipient of the award for research capacity development over the last five to ten years. He received the award for his significant contribution towards the development of students in niche areas of nanophysics. Dr Martin Ntwaeaborwa, senior lecturer in the Department of Physics was the recipient of the T.W. Kambule National Research Foundation (NRF) award in Category J as distinguished young black male researcher over the last two to five years. He received the award for his contribution to the understanding and harnessing of light emitting nanomaterials for application in light emitting devices.
Dr Ntwaeaborwa and Prof. Swart with their prestigious awards from the NSTF at Emperor's Palace.
Latest news about Public and Educational Programs:
The UFS Physics Department recently hosted a workshop for school Learning Facilitators (Subject Advisors) in the Free State.
Reports on the workshop is available at the following links:
The Department of Physics at our university recently received two instruments, the PHI700 Scanning Auger Nanoprobe and the PHI5000 XPS Versaprobe. These instruments, to the value of R23 million, will mainly be used for nanotechnology and contract research for the New National Nano Surface Characterization Facility (NNSCF).
Arrival of the new equipment in May 2009 Unveiling of new equipment on Monday 17 August 2009
The PHI5000 XPS Versaprobe (left) and the PHI700 Scanning Auger Nanoprobe (right).
Dr Denny Paul (left) and Dr Sankar Raman (right) provided training for the two new systems.
A PhD student from Qwa-Qwa successfully synthesized phosphor powders that equals, and in some instances exceeds, the intensity of emmitted light from chemically similar, commercially available phosphor.
Photo of the different phosphors that were synthesized. The leftmost bottle is the commercial phosphor.
At school and planning your future?
For those of you still at school wanting to plan your future career paths, the link "SA Institute of Physics" will give information on physics in South Africa and career opportunities in physics. Physics is relevant to many diverse career choices! Even if you don't major in Physics, you may want to include one or two courses in your learning programme at university. To find out more about each of the possible learning programmes, follow the links under "Programmes".
Planning to do postgraduate studies?
The Physics Department offers Honours in physics, as well as M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees. For more information see the links under "Programmes", and if necessary the "Information for international students".
The research in the department falls into two main categories: surface science and astrophysics, and the postgraduate studies focus on these areas. The Physics Department has sophisticated surface analysis apparatus at its disposal and has gained an international reputation as a surface science laboratory. Boyden Observatory, less than 30 km outside Bloemfontein, is has been upgraded to become a high standard research facility. More detailed information about research can be found using the "Research" links.
Situated less than 30km outside Bloemfontein, the observatory has been upgraded to become a high standard research facility, operated alongside the educational facility.
