Kefale Mekonnen

Head, Department of Physics

Background

The Department of Physics at Salale University was officially established in 2017 under the umbrella of the College of Natural. It was formed as part of a national initiative to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education across Ethiopia, in response to the country’s growing demand for scientifically trained professionals. The Department of Physics at Salale University has graduated a total of 59 undergraduate students since its establishment in 2017. This figure corresponds to the cohort that graduated in 2021.

As of the 2021–2022 academic years, the Department of Physics at Salale University had 17 undergraduate students enrolled in the regular Bachelor of Science (BSc) program, comprising 12 male and 5 female students and as of the 2021–2022 academic year, the Department of Physics at Salale University had 22 students enrolled in its Master of Science (MSc) both in regular and weekend enrollment program (the department offer regular, weekend and summer program)

Physics, as one of the fundamental sciences, is concerned with the observation, understanding and prediction of natural phenomena and the behavior of man-made systems. It deals with profound questions about the nature of the universe and with some of the most important practical, environmental and technological issues of our time. The scope of Physics is broad and encompasses mathematical and theoretical investigation, experimental observation, computing technique, technological application, material manipulation and information processing. Physics seeks simple explanations of physical phenomena based on universal principles stated in concise and powerful language of mathematics.

Many countries in the developed world continue to increase the number of graduate students studying physics and invest in physics, which they perceive can help enhance the national benefit from the expansion of physics education at different levels. However, the participation rate in postgraduate physics education in developing countries like Ethiopia is limited, or even nonexistent until recently. Perhaps, the digital economic and social divisions between west and developing countries can be narrow down dramatically by expanding physics education and doing problem solving researches among other things. Graduates who have specialized in physics provide a unique component of the technical workforce in developed nations. With their problem-solving skills and grasp of the principles of physics, they are able to attack a wide variety of problems. A well-trained physicist is capable of moving quickly among different technical areas, particularly into areas so new that they have not yet evolved into an engineering discipline.

Objective

The BSc Physics (regular and summer program) curriculum has the following general objectives:

• To cultivate physicists who combine a high level of numeracy with the ability to apply their skills and experience;
• To develop students’ awareness of the role of Physics in contemporary applications, together with the skills of logical thought and a flexibility of mind that will help them continue their personal development throughout their subsequent career;
• To lay emphasis on the fundamentals of Physics, whilst offering students a wide range of final year options that are intended to stimulate the versatility, knowledge and skills that employers look for in a Physics graduate.
• Ensure quality education in Physics within a stimulating and supportive environment committed to excellence in Physics (theoretical, experimental, computational, research and community services);
• To support students develop the ability to carry out experimental or/and other investigations, analyze the results critically, draw valid conclusions, and communicate their findings both verbally and in writing;
• To render public consultations in areas closely related to Physics;
• To develop the students ability to work independently and in groups or cooperatively;
• To enhance the capability of the students to work as professional physicists in industries, research and other institutions/organizations;
• To have enhanced skills in mathematics; problem solving; experimental techniques; scientific report writing; collecting, analyzing and presenting information;

Mission

• The Ethiopian Physics BSc Program is committed to produce physics graduates who have desired academic knowledge, sufficient professional skills, good citizenship, attitudes and skills, and those ethical and democratic values enshrined in the Ethiopian Constitution.
• The Ethiopian Physics BSc Program is to cultivate physicists who combine a high level of numeracy with ability to apply their skills, experience for required application areas, and solve society problems.
• l. The Ethiopian Physics BSc Program is dedicated to producing a physics graduates with a flexibility of mind that will help them to continue their personal development throughout their subsequent career.

Department of Physics at Salale University:

• The department operates under the College of Natural Sciences, offering a Bachelor of Science in Physics in regular and summer program, additional the department has been operate masters of Science in condensed matter physics, space science, and materials science.
• The curriculum includes both theoretical and experimental physics, with strong emphasis on practical learning, laboratory work, and research projects (Mr.Misgana Taraka (M.Sc. Solid state physics) and Mr. Amsalu Benti (M.Sc. in Nuclear physics) highly involving on laboratory activities.
• Faculty members are involved in various research areas including condensed matter physics, space science, and materials science.
• The department supports student-centered learning, with access to facilities like physics labs and computer centers.

Graduate profile of the department

The department has successfully graduated 59 undergraduate students in 2021(the first of establishment) with a Bachelor of Science in Physics. The curriculum is designed to equip students with a solid foundation in physics principles and their applications. Research areas within the department include materials science, thermoelectric materials, and space science. Notably, Dr. Ayansa Tolesa Serbesa, a faculty member, has contributed to research on thermoelectric materials and has authored the textbook Palm Quantum Mechanics.

Student’s Success

The department of physics strives for excellence in education at all levels. It offers students opportunities for intellectual growth and career preparation with the goal of providing every student with a positive educational experience in our classes and programs. The department is committed to contributing to an informed citizenry and, in particular, to producing the next generation of scientists

Community Engagement

The department actively participates in community outreach programs. For instance, it has been involved in initiatives like Astrobus Ethiopia, aiming to promote space science awareness among the public

Strategic issues

The strategic issue Salale University and physics department may have been critical focus on the following below.

• Excellence learning and teaching process
• Excellence research and technology transformation
• Excellence community service
• Excellence leadership and development institutions

Academic program offered in physics department.

Undergraduate Program

Bachelor of Science (BSc) in Physics
Regular Program: 4-year structured degree for full-time students.
Summer Program: Designed for teachers and professionals seeking qualification upgrades during summer breaks.

Master of Science (MSc) in Physics condensed matter of physics, space physics and material physics)
Regular Program: For full-time students focusing on advanced theoretical and applied physics.
Summer Program: Often offered based on demand, useful for in-service teachers.

Staff Profile Details