Physics truly is one of the most exciting and interesting subjects one can study. In physics, one attempts to discover, formulate, explain, and apply the basic laws of nature. Principles of physics provide the foundation for other sciences as well as engineering. Some of the examples of modern technological development from the application of physical principles include the pioneering work on semiconductors in the 1940s led to the development of computers, transistor radios and a communication network that is bringing the peoples of the world ever closer together, the laser, invented in the 1960s, has been used in such varied applications as eye surgery and radar, and even in computerized cash registers.

Discoveries from physics have revolutionized the world and will certainly continue to do so. The area of physics cover such intriguing topics as lasers, superconductors, black holes, quantum mechanics, big bang theory, relativity, and the list goes on and on. It also covers more basic but still fascinating topics such as why the sky is blue, why sunsets are red, and why ice floats. Physics is sometimes referred to as the "liberal arts" degree of technology because physics majors can go on to careers in computer science, engineering, research and development, and biology. Others have referred to it as the "Swiss Army Knife" degree because of all the skills you acquire from a major in physics.

Physics majors have a reputation for solid mathematical skills, strong problem solving ability, and good work ethics. It is this fundamental skill that allows them to work successfully in so many different areas.

In short, a major in physics is a way to keep once options open and help him to understand the world around him. So there is some truth in the statement that "physics has to do with everything."

The Physics Department of the Bahir Dar University has been running for nearly 9 years. It has been striving to supply trained man power in physics and physics related areas. The Department is designing programs to offer:

  • B. Sc. Program a degree program having test areas namely:

Computational physics, Material Science, and Geo Physics with the possibility of opening new areas depending on our Graduate Profile.

  • M. Sc. / Med Program a two year Masters degree program in different streams namely:

Solid State Physics, Experimental Physics and Computational Physics with the possibility of opening new streams depending on our Graduate Profile.

  • PhD Program

In collaboration with Addis Ababa University in the field of Space Science and as a Co advisor (For a program that can be promoted and delivered by Ministry of Education) with the possibility of opening a PhD program depending on our Graduate Profiles.

The courses offered in the BSc program have been limited to core courses in physics. Mathematics has been the only minor subject available for students majoring physics in the old curriculum. It has become very apparent to change the BEd program for the following main reasons:

The first Curriculum Change & Development workshop identified content, methodology & assessment as three cutting-issues in order to address the new demand of the current Ethiopian Education Policy. This curriculum for B.Sc. degree in Physics is then prepared based on the above cutting-issues.

There is a growing need, from the learner’s side, to maximize their skills in the ever increasing competition in the job market.

As the result of the graduate expansion program, new study areas that absorb physics graduates in their post graduate programs are emerging in various faculties of the university.

The man power need of the country itself is increasing in diversity. Professions like Medicine; radiation protection; meteorology; quality and standards control etc. absorb graduates of physics. It is logical and enhances quality if a student, who want to pursue further studies in other areas of profession, are given the opportunity to choose elective applied courses in their areas of interest.

A student majoring physics should nurture strong analytical and experimental skills as well as mathematical abilities such as mathematical modeling. Students should also be given opportunities to work with mechanical, optical and electronic equipment, to design projects and synthesize and summarize data that compliment theoretical and experimental skills to enhance career opportunity.

The training in physics, complemented by test area courses as well as the interdisciplinary approach will help students to develop a broad array of skills that might be applied to a number of careers.

In light of the above mentioned needs of the society and the learners, as well as the versatility, knowledge and skills that are intended to impart, the essentiality of diversifying, updating and expanding the elective courses offered in the BSc program has become apparent.

This change is an attempt to address the issues raised above and it is hoped that this will be the first step to open up further expansion of the program.