Universities and Online Degrees Guide

Stellenbosch University

Bachelor of Science in Laser Physics, Nuclear Physics, Radiation and Health Physics

The Bachelor of Science in Laser Physics, Nuclear Physics, Radiation and Health Physics in Physics is offered by Stellenbosch University.

Program Length: 3 YEARS.

Bachelor of Science in Laser Physics, Nuclear Physics, Radiation and Health Physics offered by Stellenbosch University at the Faculty of Science

This programme provides training to develop well-rounded physicists with the technical and specific scientific skills required to make a unique contribution in research and development environments where physics-related problems are investigated, and who can undertake more intensive research and postgraduate studies in physics, or who can work in the teaching profession, or in tertiary education in science and technology. 

The second and third year focus on the subjects Physics and Mathematics/Applied Mathematics and are supplemented with applicable elective modules.

Experimental physicists are required in industry and in research and development environments. As a laser physicist you are equipped to participate in various metrological applications which use light and light-matter interactions, ranging from remote trace gas detection, to diagnostic techniques in medicine, qualitative analysis and communication. Institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), the National Metrology Institute of South Africa (NMISA), Sasol, the defence industry and mining require these skills.

As a radiation physicist you are able to work as a hospital physicist or as a radiation control official with organisations that monitor radiation risks, such as the Department of Health, nuclear power stations, and mines.

As a nuclear physicist you can work in environments where techniques in nuclear physics are applied. Such environments include industries and institutions like Sasol, Eskom, the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), the National Nuclear Regulator (NNR), the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This stream aims to prepare students for postgraduate studies and careers where lasers and optics are applied, and where the application of nuclear- and radiation physics is relevant.

This stream leads to (depending on the undergraduate curriculum taken) an honours degree programme in Physics, Chemistry, Applied Mathematics, Physical and Mathematical Analysis, or in Mathematics.