APPLIED MATHEMATICS AND PHYSICS

Purpose Statement
The main purpose of the programme is to empower graduates with good foundations which entail basic understanding of the principles of physics and applied mathematics. The programme hinges on the areas of condensed matter, nuclear physics, applied mathematics and applications. This basic qualification allows the student to be absorbed by the industries where physics and/or computer science knowledge is much needed.  The pedagogic aim of the programme is to capacitate students in terms of developing the capacity to read and learn physics and applied mathematics as a dependant learner on entry and as an independent learner at exit, and this is fundamentally influences the exit level outcomes of the physics and applied mathematics modules of the programme. At an exit level, the programme is crafted to allow the students to pursue postgraduate studies in physics or applied mathematics without any constrains.

Employment opportunities citing typical employers 
The government’s 2030 vision clearly states that South Africa is in desperate need of environmentally friendly power supply. Therefore the vision touches on several remedial initiatives, for example, solar, wind, ocean as well as nuclear energy. Therefore this programme will empower graduates with basic necessary skills required in the energy industry. Applied mathematics brings another crucial dimension to this sector. Employment opportunities are definitely available in several government and private institutions e.g. Eskom, Sasol, Koeberg, PetroSA, Banks, just to mention a few.

Entrepreneurial opportunities 
The energy industry has rolled out opportunities for solar cells and related solar equipment for the emerging entrepreneurs to participate. This programme is better suited for our graduate to establish businesses on small scales with the intentions of growing to larger industries in which physics and applied mathematics are the drivers. The innovation will definitely decrease our reliance on overseas companies thus increasing more employment and contribute positively to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Vertical articulation for further / higher degree studies where applicable 
The programme is designed to be sufficient for students who wish to proceed to honours, masters and doctoral degrees, and in this way obtain the kind of depth that will make them attractive as professional and knowledge workers to work as researchers in public and private sector entities, and as academics at the universities. Vertical articulation within the doctoral degree pipeline in physics or applied mathematics is among the most active in South African universities and feeds positively in knowledge and human capital.

Horizontal articulation with other qualifications where applicable
The programme is also well positioned to articulate horizontally to engineering and information technology, statistical qualifications and medical physics, the most highly sought after qualifications in South Africa and in neighbouring countries. It also speaks to the needs of highly skilled physics and mathematics educators.

Head of Department
1. Mr TP Jili Department, BSc (Physics), BSc Hons (Physics), MSc (Physics)
Email: JiliP@unizulu.ac.za
Tel: 035 902 65592.

Dr S Krishnannair, BSc(Mathematics), BEd(Mathematics), MSc(Mathematics), MScEng, PhD Eng.
Email: krishnannairs@unizulu.ac.za 
Tel:035-9026235