Energy & Environmental Physics (BSc.)
Programme Overview
A major in Energy & Environmental Physics will provide a student with knowledge of "the physical laws governing the environment" (Physics of the Environment, A W Brinkman). This includes observations of the interactions among the environmental variables (atmospheric and fluid), and practical use of this information particularly as it relates to alternative energy sources. This major will propel students into the burgeoning field of renewable energy, while giving them a solid base of theoretical Physics.
Programme Objectives
- To provide education for undergraduate students in preparation for careers in Energy and Environmental Physics.
- To build local capacity for sustainable education, training and research in Energy and Environmental Physics.
- To produce graduates who are capable of undertaking further study in Energy and Environmental Physics.
- To provide a solid foundation in Energy and Environmental Physics.
- To develop students' personal skills and professional qualities.
- To emphasise transferable skills e.g. team work, find solutions to problems, express problems effectively, communicate physics ideas clearly and succinctly, think logically and construct logical arguments.
Admission Requirements
In order to do the BSc. Physics Degree with a major in Energy and Environmental Physics, candidates must satisfy the requirements for entrance to the Faculty of Science and Technology. They must:
Either:
- Satisfy the University requirements for Normal Matriculation.
- Have obtained passes at CSEC Secondary Education General Proficiency Level (or equivalent) in Physics and two subjects at CAPE (both comprising Units 1 & 2) or at GCE A-Level (or equivalent) one of which must be Physics or Mathematics.
Or:
- Satisfy the University requirements for Lower Level Matriculation.
- Have obtained at CSEC Secondary Education General Proficiency level with grades I, II, or since 1998 grade III (or equivalent) in Physics and two other approved science subjects.
Programme Structure
Year 1: Minimum of Twenty-one (21) Mathematics and Physics credits as follows:
Semester I
-PHYS1411: Mechanics
-PHYS1412: Waves, Optics & Thermodynamics
-MATH1141 Introduction to Linear Algebra and Analytic Geometry
-MATH1185: Calculus for Scientists & Engineers
Semester II
-PHYS1421: Electricity & Magnetism
-PHYS1422: Modern Physics
-ELET1400: Introduction to Electronics
Plus (3 credits, optional) In-Faculty Courses
Year 2: Eighteen (18) Physics credits as follows:
Semester I
-PHYS2300: General Physics Lab I
-PHYS2351: Quantum Mechanics and Nuclear Physics
-PHYS2271: Fluid Dynamics
Semester II
-ELET2420: Semiconductor Devices
-PHYS2600: Fluid Dynamics & Environmental Physics Laboratory
-PHYS3661: Physics of the Atmosphere & Climate
Year 3: Nine (9) Physics credits as follows:
Semester I
-ELET3600: Energy Systems Laboratory
-PHYS2386: Electromagnetism & Optics
-PHYS3671: Solar Power
Semester II
-ELET3611: Integrating Alternative Energy
-PHYS2396: Computer Applications in Physics
-PHYS3681: Wind & Hydro Power
Plus (3 credits, optional) from MATH2230, PHYS3399, GGEO3203 with HOD permission or, any Level 2 or 3 Physics or Electronics course and nine (9) foundation courses credits.
Careers after Graduation
Career path includes, but are not limited to:-
Teaching, Research, Renewable Energy Practitioner, Technical Advisor in Energy and Environmental Physics, Banks and finance houses involved with renewable energy projects, Research in Energy and/or Environmental Physics, Meteorology, Climate Studies