M.Sc. Physics

Department of Physics Master of Science in Physics

M.Sc. Physics

A. List of Academic Staff

Name	Status and Qualifications	Research Interest
A.O. Olawepo	Ag. Head & Reader B.Sc. (Ibadan); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Ionospheric Physics and Radio Propagation
I.A. Adimula	Professor B.Sc. (Ilorin), M.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife); Ph.D. Ilorin	Space Physics and Radio Propagation
K.J. Oyewumi	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc. (Ilorin) ; Cert. Theoretical Physics     (Aristotle,     Greece);                 Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Theoretical Physics & Methods of Mathematical Physics
O.A. Falaiye	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Atmospheric Physics, Solar Energy, Solar Radiation and Meteorology, Environmental Physics
O.A. Oladipo	Professor B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Ionospheric Physics and Radio Propagation
A.B. Alabi	Professor B.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife); M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Materials Science, Energy and Environmental Physics
T.B. Ajibola	Senior Lecturer B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Atmospheric Physics, Solar Energy, Solar Radiation and Meteorology
T.O. Lawal	Senior Lecturer B.Sc. (Ilorin); M.Sc. (Ibadan); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Earth and Environmental Physics
E.O. Ehinlafa	Lecturer I B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Ionospheric Physics, Radio Propagation and Environmental Physics
S.A. Bello	Lecturer I B.Sc. (Sokoto); M.Sc. (Ilorin); Ph.D. (Selangor)	Ionospheric Physics and Radio Propagation
M.M. Orosun	Lecturer I B.Tech. (Yola); M.Tech. (Yola); M.Sc. (OAU, Ile-Ife); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Radiation Physics, Medical Physics and Radioecology
M.A. Salawu	Lecturer II B.Sc. (BUK, Kano); M.Sc. (LAUTECH, Ogbomoso); Ph.D. (Ilorin)	Materials Science, Energy and Environmental Physics

B. Introduction

M.Sc. Physics programme consists of teaching and learning in all the major disciplines of Physics. The programme is delivered by course work, seminar and a research project. Lecturers from home and abroad are on ground and make significant contributions. We offer quality teaching and supervision in various aspects of theory and applications of Physics as follows: Atmospheric Physics, Communication Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Ionospheric Physics, Environmental Physics, Geophysics, Material Science, Meteorology, Radiation Physics, Semiconductor Physics, Solar Energy, Space Physics and Mathematics Physics.

C. Philosophy

The philosophy of the programme is turning out graduates who are well-trained in all facets of Physics with the main purpose of meeting our national needs in the area of technological advancement, which is currently a global concern.

D. Aim and Objectives

The aim of the M.Sc. programme in Physics is to train students to acquire academic excellence and competence in Physics and technical/numerical/computational skills. The objectives are to:

1. train students to be self-reliant in their chosen field of physics;
2. produce students who are adequately prepared for further research;
3. produce physicists who can readily impart their knowledge to students at higher levels of education;
4. develop self-confident students who could work with minimal or no supervision; and
5. produce technical professionals for career in public services, industry and commerce

E. Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the M.Sc. Physics programme are required to have:

1. ―O‖ Level credits or its equivalent in five subjects which include Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, English Language, and any other relevant subject
2. Bachelor of Science degree in Physics, Metallurgy, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Geophysics of the University of Ilorin or any other recognized University with at least a Second Class (Upper Division) Honours or equivalent.
3. Bachelor of Science degree in Physics (Second Class Lower Division) of the University of Ilorin or any other recognized University with a minimum score a minimum of 55% in a qualifying Examination administered by the University through the Board of Postgraduate School.
4. Bachelor of Science degree (Second Class (Lower Division) in appropriate disciplines of any other recognized University with a minimum score of 55% in a qualifying Examination administered by the University through the Board of Postgraduate School.
5. Postgraduate Diploma in Physics from the University of Ilorin or any other recognized University with a score of at least 60% or its equivalent cumulative.

F. Duration of the programme

The M.Sc. in Physics programme shall be on Full-time for a minimum of 18 calendar months and a maximum of 24 calendar months. A candidate may apply for an extension of not more than 12 calendar months, after the expiration of the 24 months.

G. Detailed Course Description

PHY 801 Mathematical Methods 3 Credits

The equations of mathematical physics, linear spaces, functions and complex variables, integral transforms, differential equation, special functions, separability and symmetry properties, orthogonal polynomials, group theory, rotation group. Poincare group, permutation group, Green‘s functions and integral equation. Approximation methods including variational, asymptotic and WKB methods. Scattering theory, dispersion theory, analytic properties of scattering amplitudes. 45h (T); C

PHY 801 is not to be taken with MAT 803 (Mathematical Methods).

PHY 802    Numerical Analysis 3 Credits

Numerical linear algebra, root finding, approximation theory, integration, ordinary differential equations, optimization techniques, initial and boundary values problems, finite element methods, direct and indirect methods in matrix theory, optimization with constraints, analysis of numerical stability, computer programming. 45h (T); C

PHY 802 is not to be taken with MAT 829 (Numerical Analysis III).

PHY 803 Techniques of Computational Physics 2 Credits

Fundamentals of the application of computers in physics and numerical solutions. Statistical description of data, modelling of data. Introduction to Fourier analysis with applications. Fast Fourier transform algorithm and their implementation. Integration of functions, evaluation of functions, eigensystems. Treatment of special functions and their application in solving physical problems. Methods of simulation with treatment computational physics applications. Software packages (with practical).15h (T); 45h (P); E

PHY 804 Classical Mechanics 2 Credits

Review of Newtonian and relativistic mechanics. Lagrangian and Hamiltonian formation for harmonics. Conservative and discrete systems. Transformation theory. Poisson brackets, Canonical transformation, the rotational group and applications. 30h (T); E

PHY 805 Theory of Relativity 2 Credits

Lorentz transformations, Relativistic, Kinematics, Relativistic mechanics, Geometrical representation Lorentz transformation and use of four vectors and tensors. Principle of equivalence, Red shift of special lines, Format principle of least time in static gravitational fields. The field equation of gravitation; the energy of gravitational field. Relativity of inertia and the space bounded universe. The general principle. 30h (T); E

PHY 806 Atomic Structure and Optical Physics 3 Credits

Photoelectric Effect: Spectral series and interrelations, Bohr theory of Atomic hydrogen, Spectrum of a one-electron atom, Excitation and ionization, Absorption and re-emission. Optical Spectra: Term energies, Spin-orbit effect, fine structure, Multiple levels, LWS Multiple levels, jj type coupling, Magnetic field effect, Zeeman effect, Stern-Gerlach experiment. Line width broadening: Doppler and Pressure effect, Molecular Spectra: Rotation, vibration, electronic, nuclear and Raman effect. 45(T); E

PHY 807 Fluid Dynamics  2 Credits

Kinematics of fluids motion, Euler‘s equations, Bernoulli equation, steady flow of a compressible fluid, irrotational motion for incompressible flow, gravity waves in incompressible fluids vortices, energy and momentum relationships, flow in pipes and open channels, viscous flow, experimental methods in fluid dynamics. 30 h (T); E

PHY 808 Statistical Physics 2 Credits

Revision of probability theory. Gibson statistical mechanics, Gibbs distributions, equipartition function, grand canonical ensemble Quantum statistics; Femi and Bose- Einstein distributions. High energy state. Superconductivity. Einstein Fokker equation, Non equilibrium processes H- theorem. Applications. 30h (T); C

PHY 809 Electromagnetic Theory 3 Credits

Poisson and Laplace’s‘ Equations, Green‘s Theorem and Green‘s function, electrostatics boundary value problems, Multiple expansion, dielectrics magnetostatics and magnetic materials. Plane electromagnetic waves; propagation in non-conducting and conducting media, pointing vector Polarisation and Stoke‘s parameters, reflection and refraction, frequency dispersion characteristics of dielectrics, conduction and plasma, pulse propagation, inhomogeneous wave equation, simple radiating systems, scattering and diffraction, Relativistic Maxwell‘s equations. 45h (T); C

PHY 810 Radio Propagation 2 Credits

Review of radio-wave propagation in an imperfectly conducting medium, Ground wave propagation. Tropospheric propagation, refractivity and super-refractivity; attenuation, model propagation curves, wave propagation. Tropospheric propagation, magneto-ionic theory factors affecting signal strength, prediction. Space communication, communication satellites. 30h (T); E

PHY 811 Modern Optics 2 Credits

Vector nature of light, Matrix methods in Gaussian optics, coherence between interacting optical waves, interference pattern of coinciding light waves, diffraction pattern from slits and about slit edges, Fourier transform and its applications in optics, introduction to quantum – optics and lasers. 30h (T); E

PHY 812 Advanced Optics 3 Credits

Geometrical optics (revision). Electromagnetic radiation, Mie theory, instrumentation; Laser Optics, frequency – selection rules, emission, absorption, principles. Types of lasers, frequency of operation, characteristics and applications, Doppler effect in laser optics, scattering principles of LDA, signal processing, particle size measurement. Signal visibility. Holography – history, basic of holograms, diffraction, noise resolution, recording materials, applications, efficiency. 45h (T); E

PHY 813 Optical Fibre 3 Credits

Monochromatic photon source, Avalanche photodiodes, Optical source, Photon transmission through optical fibres, optical fibre coupling, Fibre slicing, mode propagation through fibres, optical attenuation, Laser, – Fibre Coupling, signal transmission coupling efficiency determination, optical fibre and laser propagation through it. 45h (T); E

PHY 814 Quantum Physics 3 Credits

Review of probability amplitude and wave functions, central force, problems, bound state and scattering, symmetry in Quantum mechanics. Angular momentum and intrinsic spin, Hilbert space, perturbation theory, interaction of radiation with matter. Relativistic Schrodinger equation. 45h (T); C

PHY 815 Nuclear Physics 2 Credits

Atomic Nucleus, Nuclear particles, Nuclear force, Nuclear Structure, Isotopes, Isobars, Spontaneous decay of Nucleus, Decay and Reaction processes, Nuclear particle collisions and reactions, Resonances, Nuclear Spectroscopy, Radioactivity, Radiation Physics and biophysics. 30h (T); E

PHY 816 Advanced Nuclear Physics 3 Credits

Nuclear models, single particle model, correlation in nuclear matter, independent particle model collective model. Electromagnetic properties of nuclei. Multiple radiation and selection rule, multiple emission and absorption probability, internal conversion. Transitions between low lying states of nuclei. Theory of radioactivity. 45(T); E

PHY 817 Particle Physics 2 Credits

Angular Momentum ―Scattering‖ and Reaction Theory, energy Dependence in Scattering Symmetry, Isotopic Spin and Hypercharge, parity, Time Reversal, Charge Conjugation and parity. The Boson, The Baryons, Universal symmetry. Field Theory Veck interaction Stoying interaction. The Electromagnetic interaction of Hadrons. The Neutral kaons and C.P. Conservation. 30h (T); E

PHY 818 Radiation & Radiotherapy Physics 2 Credits

Neutron, electron and photon beams; Sources of radiation, Nuclear reactions and production of radioisotopes, Interaction of radiation with matter, X-rays, Linear Accelerators, Detection of radiation, Dosimetry, Introduction to radiotherapy and radiosurgery, Brachytherapy. 30h (T); E

PHY 819 Advanced Quantum Mechanics 3 Credits

Scattering theory, Invariance and concersion laws. The approximate methods: WKB approximation, variation methods and associated Methods. The Hartree and Fock-Dirac atoms. The structure of molecules, General properties of transition matrix elements of relativistic quantum mechanics: Dirac, Klein-Gordon equations. Field quantization and radiation theory. 45(T); E

PHY 820 Atmosphere Radiation 3 Credits

Fundamentals of radiation; absorption spectra of water vapour, carbon dioxide, ozone and oxygen; solar ray path in the atmosphere. Rayleigh scattering of solar spectrum beyond the atmosphere and at the ground surface, solar time equation, temporal and spatial variability of solar radiation, energy transfer, radiation charts, effects of infrared coding; radiation balance/ climate; Experimental techniques. 45h (T); E

PHY 821  Meteorology and the Lower Atmosphere  2 Credits

Weather/meteorological parameters and their measurements, atmospheric thermodynamics, geostrophic, winds and atmospheric oscillation, atmospheric radiation, cloud physic and atmospheric electricity, satellite meteorology and remote sensing. Applications to West Africa. 30h (T); E

PHY 822 Ionospheric Physics 2 Credits

Neutral atmosphere, composition, temperature distribution models. The sun, its radiation and emission. Formation of ionospheric layers – chemical processes, modified Chapman and its verification. Magneto-ionic theory. Measurement techniques of electron density. 30h (T); E

PHY 823 Ionospheric Physics II 2 Credits

Particle density continuity equation and the eclipse phenomena. Equation of motion and ionospheric motion. Heat balance equation and ionospheric temperature. Feature of equatorial ionosphere (absorption sporadic E, F – region anomaly, F – region irregularities, topside ionosphere etc) in quiet and disturbed conditions. Introduction to the magnetosphere. Applications of ionospheric physics in communications. 30h (T); E

PHY 824 Plasma Physics 3 Credits

Plasma; Phenomena relevant to controlled thermonuclear fusion, space physics and astrophysics. Motion of charged particles in electrical and magnetic fields, confinement techniques. Low frequency dynamics, MHD model equilibrium and stability analyses. Two fluid MHO models Vlasov equation on plasma, electron plasma wave and Landau damping, ion-acoustic waves, streaming instabilities, Derivation of the collision operator, Spitzer conductivity. 45h (T); E

PHY 825 Solar Energy Physics 2 Credits

Solar radiation spectrum solar constant; Radiative transfer in the atmosphere, absorption, emission and scattering by atmospheric gases and aerosols; Rayleigh and Mie scattering; Evaporation and winds, Solar energy harnessing, concentrators and collectors and local applications.30h(T); E

PHY 826 Quantum Electrodynamics 3 Credits

Dirac theory of electron; Quantization of the electromagnetic field. Bosons and fermions, coulomb scattering an electron in an external perturbation theory. Electron-photo interactions. Symmetry principles in Physics, including Lorentz invariance. 45(T); E

PHY 827 Introduction to Quantum Field theory 3 Credits

General field theory: Many particle systems and field theories, Relativistic free field theories, interactions among fields, Fey man diagrams and cross sections, Fermi system and the electron gas model, Bose system. Advanced field theory: Field quantization’s, Lorentz Transformation properties, discrete transformations, path integral formulation, gauge theories, renormalization theory, renormalization of non-abelian gauge theories, renormalization group and instantons. 45(T); E

PHY 837 Electronic/Workshop Practice 2 Credit

Workshop safety precautions elements of mechanical drawing, introduction to cutting. Filling joints, drilling turning milling and other operations using workshop machines and tools. Electronics practice involving layout and design using Veroboard’s, breadboards and PCBs. Soldering and electronic connections. 90h (P); C

PHY 838 Graduate Seminar 2 Credits

One seminar to be accompanied by an essay and delivered on a topic approved by the Department in topics from fields such as Atmospheric Physics, Communication Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Ionospheric Physics, Environmental Physics, Geophysics, Material Science, Meteorology, Radiation Physics, Semiconductor Physics, Solar Energy, Space Physics and Theoretical/Mathematics Physics. 30h (T); C

PHY 839 Research Dissertation 5 Credits

The project shall consist of a theoretical or an experimental investigation into a selected  physics    problem from fields such as Atmospheric Physics, Communication Physics, Condensed Matter Physics, Ionospheric Physics, Environmental Physics, Geophysics, Material Science, Meteorology, Radiation Physics, Semiconductor Physics, Solar Energy, Space Physics and Theoretical/Mathematics Physics. 225h (P); C

PHY 840 Physics of the Solid Earth: 3 Credits

Topics in solid earth geophysics with emphasis on elasticity and thermal state of the earth. Physical and chemical characteristics of the earth. Application of physics and thermodynamics to earth materials and the use of available observable and laboratory. Data to derive information about the state of, and processes in the earth‘s interior. Seismology and the internal structure of the earth. The magnetic field of the earth: main field and time-varying components. Age and thermal state. Geochronology and Geodynamics. 45h (T); E

PHY 841 Seismic Methods 2 Credits

The theory of elastic waves; body and surface waves, curves wave front theory; principles of refraction prospecting and applications, the inversion of body and surface wave. Recording methods in seismology; introduction to earthquake seismology; Principles of seismic reflection surveying; seismic sources and array design; transmission of seismic energy, field techniques, processing of seismograms, and interpretation. Field work. 15h (T);, 45h(P); E

PHY 842 Electrical, Electromagnetic and Nuclear Methods 2 Credits

Principles and practice of electrical methods. Self-potential and equipotential method, telluric and magnetelluric methods, field examples. Use of radioactivity in Applied Geophysics; Atoms and Isotopes, radioactivity; density determinations. Exploration for radioactive minerals, field examples. Field work. 15h (T);, 45h(P); E

PHY 843 Geophysical Analysis and Fundamental of Geology 2 Credits

Treatment of signal theory, filter theory and signal processing as applied in exploration geophysics. Basic concepts in Geology of Rocks and their composition, classification of metallic, non–metallic internal deposits and their occurrence in relation to rock formation, geologic structure and other geologic controls. Elements of stratigraphy, Introductory stratigraphy of Nigeria from Precambrian to recent. 30h (T); E

PHY 844 Potential Theory: Gravity and Magnetic Methods 2 Credits

Concepts of potential field theory; Derivation of field from poison‘s relationship between gravity and magnetic potentials; Gauss and Green’s theorem, Laplace‘s equation, upward and downward continuation. Use of Matrices in applied geophysics, the earth‘s gravity and magnetic field measurement, measurement of gravity and magnetic field on land, air and sea. Interpretation of gravity and magnetic field data. 15(T);, 45(P); E

PHY 845 Borehole and Exploration Geophysics case Histories 2 Credits

Theories and methods of borehole Geophysics. Well-logging techniques. Log interpretation; logs such as mechanical type, electric resistivity, induction, self potential, gamma ray, Newton, sonic, gravity and Nuclear magnetics logs exploration and optimization of geophysical surveys. Selected case histories of geophysical investigations for metallic and non-minerals, for fossil fuels, and for solving ground water and engineering problems. 30h (T); E

PHY 846 Geomagnetism 2 Credits

External filed of a uniformly magnetized sphere, the magnetic field at the above the earth‘s surface, isomagnetic charts. Sq. current system and the electrojet under quiet and disturbed conditions. Solar wind and the magnetosphere, the aurora. 30h (T); E

PHY 847 Solid State Physics 3 Credits

Crystal structure. Lattice dynamics. X-rays and Neutron diffraction. Phono’s and lattice vibrations, one electron theory and the band structure, exchange in integral and correlations, optical properties, transport properties and conductivity, magnetic properties, the Fermi surface, cyclotron resonance, ultrasonic attenuation, magnetoresistance, crystal field they magnetic resonance, super conductivity. 30h (T); E

PHY 848 Semi-Conductor Physics 2 Credits

Electron in matter, structure of solids, electron-hole statistics, unction theory diodes, transistors and other junction devices. Logic and digital electronics, optical effects on semi-conductors. Magnetic effect themo-electric effect. Thermistors, dielectrics and piezo-electric effect, Noide. 30h (T); E

PHY 849 Physics of Materials 2 Credits

Crystallization temperature and growth rate. Melting, Morphology, molecular motion, visco-elastic behaviour, polymer chain Rubbery State, Glassy state. Mechanical damping, properties, inter-relation of moduli; stress relaxation, correlation of mechanical damping terms, electrometric State. 30h (T); E

PHY 850 Vacuum Technology and Thin Film 2 Credits

Gas flow; Molecular, viscous and traditional flows. Physical and chemical sorptic phenomena. Mechanical Pumps, vapour stream pumps for ultra-high pumps. Pressure measurement. Structure and Physical properties of thin film, evaporation source Techniques Application in micro-circuits and Electron microscopy. 30h (T); E

SCI 801 Management and Entrepreneurship 2 Credits

Feasibility studies. Entrepreneurship skills development. Organization and management of business. Sourcing for funds. Financial management. Potency. Marketing and managerial problems. 30h (T); C

SCI 802 Scientific Research Methodology 2 Credits

Principles of scientific research. Data collection, processing and analysis. Statistical packages. Precision and accuracy of estimates. Hypothesis: formulation and testing, Organization of research. Report writing and presentation. Research ethics and grants. 30h(T); C

H. Graduation Requirements

To qualify for a degree of Master of Science in Physics, a student must pass a

minimum of 34 Credits comprising 27 Credits of Core courses and 7 Credits of Elective courses. A student must offer at least 7 (seven)

Credits in his/her area of specialization as listed. However, a maximum of 40 Credits could be registered.

I. Summary

Core Courses

PHY 808 (2), PHY 809 (3), PHY 814 (3), PHY 839 (5), PHY 801 (3),PHY 802 (3),

PHY 837 (2), PHY 838 (2), SCI 801 (2), SCI 802 (2)

Total Core courses = 27 Credits

Elective Courses

Areas of Specialization with Elective courses (Credits are in parenthesis)

1. Applied Geophysics – PHY 840(3), 841(2), 842(2), 843(2), 844(2), 845(2), 846(2)
2. Ionospheric and Communication Physics – PHY 810(2), 820(3), 821(2), 822(2), PHY 846(2)
3. Solar and Atmospheric Physics – PHY 820(3), 821(2), 825(2), PHY 846(2)
4. Solid State Physics and Material Science – PHY 847(3), 848(2), 849(2), 850(2)
5. Theoretical Physics – PHY 804(2), 805(2), 815(2), 819(3)