B.Sc. Physics

Colleges and Faculties > Independent Faculties > Faculty of Science > Department of Physics > B.Sc. Physics

If you want to understand the fundamental laws that govern matter, energy, motion, and the structure of the universe, the B.Sc. Physics programme provides you with a rigorous and analytical pathway into the physical sciences. Physics explains how natural phenomena operate, from atomic structures and electromagnetic waves to planetary systems and technological innovations.

You will explore theoretical principles, develop strong mathematical reasoning, carry out laboratory experiments, and learn how physics contributes to advancements in engineering, medicine, communication, energy, space science, and modern technology. The programme equips you with problem-solving skills, computational abilities, and scientific creativity that are valuable across scientific and industrial fields.

Course Overview

The B.Sc. Physics programme offers a broad scientific education that covers classical and modern physics, mathematical methods, electronics, computational techniques, and laboratory-based investigations. You will study how physical laws describe real-world systems and how these principles can be applied to solve practical problems in science, engineering, and technology.

The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. Your training combines theoretical physics, experimental physics, computational analysis, instrumentation, and applied physics. You will gain hands-on experience through laboratory sessions, field-based scientific work, SIWES (where applicable), and a final-year research project. The curriculum ensures that you graduate with the analytical and technical skills needed in physics-related industries and scientific research.

Course Curriculum

The curriculum follows the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Physical Sciences. It includes foundational mathematics and physics, advanced theoretical courses, laboratory work, electronics, computational science, and a final-year research project.

Your first year establishes a strong foundation in physics, chemistry, and mathematics. You will develop an understanding of basic physical laws and the mathematical tools needed for scientific analysis.

Courses include:

  1. General Physics I & II
  2. General Chemistry I & II
  3. Calculus and Algebra
  4. Mechanics
  5. Waves and Optics
  6. Electricity and Magnetism (Introductory)
  7. Communication in English
  8. Nigerian Peoples and Culture
  9. Use of Library, Study Skills and ICT

These courses prepare you for deeper exploration of physical principles and experimental methods.

You progress into core areas of physics, including thermodynamics, electromagnetism, modern physics, computational methods, and more advanced mathematical tools.

Courses include:

  1. Mathematical Methods in Physics
  2. Electromagnetism I
  3. Thermal Physics
  4. Modern Physics
  5. Optics
  6. Classical Mechanics
  7. Electronics I
  8. Computer Programming for Physical Sciences
  9. Entrepreneurship Studies

You begin to understand the quantitative nature of physical laws and their real-world applications.

At this stage, you take more advanced courses and begin applying physics to practical and industrial contexts. Laboratory and computational work become more intensive.

Courses include:

  1. Quantum Mechanics I
  2. Electromagnetism II
  3. Solid State Physics
  4. Electronics II (Analogue and Digital Systems)
  5. Statistical Mechanics
  6. Mathematical Physics
  7. Research Methods in Physics
  8. SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)

This level strengthens your analytical, experimental, and problem-solving skills.

Your final year prepares you for professional practice or postgraduate study through advanced coursework and a supervised research project.

Courses include:

  1. Quantum Mechanics II
  2. Nuclear Physics
  3. Advanced Solid State Physics
  4. Electromagnetic Field Theory
  5. Materials Science
  6. Astrophysics or other elective options
  7. Project Work / Dissertation
  8. Advanced Laboratory Techniques

These courses equip you for scientific research, engineering-related careers, or further study in physics and applied sciences.

Entry Requirements

To gain admission into the B.Sc. Physics programme, you must meet the approved entry pathways: UTME or Direct Entry.

1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)

  1. You must have at least five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and one other acceptable science subject.
  2. Sit for the UTME with English Language, Physics, Mathematics, and another relevant science subject
  3. Achieve a competitive UTME score and meet the departmental cut-off
  4. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
  5. Demonstrate interest in the physical sciences and strong analytical thinking

2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Five O-Level credit passes, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and another science subject
  2. A-Level passes in Physics and Mathematics
  3. OR an NCE, ND, or equivalent qualification in Physics, Engineering, Science Laboratory Technology, or related physical science fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit
  4. All Direct Entry applicants must also satisfy the general admission regulations of the University and provide official transcripts where applicable.

Why study at OOU?

Studying Physics at Olabisi Onabanjo University equips you with a deep understanding of physical principles, strong mathematical reasoning, and hands-on experimental skills. You will be guided by lecturers with expertise in theoretical physics, solid state physics, electronics, computational physics, and applied physics. You will benefit from:

  1. A CCMAS-compliant curriculum that integrates classical and modern physics, advanced mathematics, laboratory methods, and computational techniques
  2. Well-equipped physics laboratories for mechanics, optics, electromagnetism, electronics, and materials science
  3. Strong emphasis on problem-solving and analytical reasoning, preparing you for technologically driven careers
  4. Opportunities for SIWES placements, exposing you to research institutes, engineering environments, energy companies, and scientific laboratories
  5. Supportive academic mentoring that helps you build confidence in scientific research and experimental design
  6. A pathway to postgraduate studies in Physics, Engineering Physics, Materials Science, Geophysics, and related fields

At OOU, you will gain the scientific and technical expertise needed to contribute to innovation across technology, research, engineering, and industrial sectors.

Research Project

In your final year, you will undertake a supervised research project that demonstrates your ability to apply physics principles to real scientific or technological problems. This project allows you to explore an area of emerging or established interest within the physical sciences. Your research may involve:

  1. Experimental investigations in optics, electronics, materials, or solid-state systems
  2. Computational modelling or simulations
  3. Theoretical studies in quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, or classical mechanics
  4. Research in nuclear physics, energy systems, or applied physics
  5. Instrument design, calibration, or performance analysis

During your project, you will:

  1. Define a clear research problem or hypothesis
  2. Conduct laboratory work, simulations, or theoretical analysis
  3. Collect and interpret data using scientific and mathematical methods
  4. Present a well-structured dissertation and defend your findings before an academic panel

This project serves as your scientific capstone and prepares you for research-based careers, technical roles, and further study in physics and related disciplines.

Graduation Requirements

To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Physics, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.

Academic Requirements

  1. Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses
  2. Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
  3. Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
  4. Complete and defend your final-year research project

Grading and Degree Classification

Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:

Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Physics, a qualification recognised for its relevance to scientific innovation, engineering development, data-driven industries, and advanced research.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Physics opens doors to a wide range of scientific, technological, and analytical careers. Your training equips you with problem-solving abilities, numerical skills, laboratory experience, and logical reasoning that are highly valued across industries.

Possible Job Roles Include:

  1. Physicist
  2. Research Scientist
  3. Laboratory Technologist
  4. Data Analyst
  5. Electronics/Instrumentation Technician
  6. Radiation/Medical Physics Assistant
  7. Energy Analyst
  8. Materials Science Assistant
  9. Computational Modelling Assistant
  10. Meteorological/Weather Analyst
  11. Technical Officer in Engineering Fields
  12. Science Educator or Tutor

Where You May Work:

  1. Research institutes and scientific laboratories
  2. Power, energy, and renewable energy companies
  3. Telecommunications and technology firms
  4. Engineering and manufacturing industries
  5. Medical and diagnostic centres (radiology, radiation units)
  6. Government ministries and science-focused agencies
  7. Environmental and meteorological organisations
  8. Aerospace and defence-related industries
  9. Financial and data-driven companies (for analytical roles)
  10. Universities and educational institutions

Your degree also provides a strong basis for postgraduate studies in Physics, Engineering Physics, Materials Science, Geophysics, Computer Science, and other quantitative fields.

How to Apply?

1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)

  1. Select Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
  2. Choose Physics as your preferred programme.
  3. Sit for UTME with English Language, Physics, Mathematics, and another relevant science subject.
  4. Possess five O’Level credits, including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and an additional science subject.
  5. Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off mark.

2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)

  1. Hold A-Level passes in Physics and Mathematics,
    OR possess an NCE/ND in Physics, Engineering, Science Laboratory Technology, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
  2. Present five O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and another acceptable subject.
  3. Upload your academic transcripts and supporting documents through the OOU Admissions Portal.
  4. Complete all required screening and verification procedures.

You can monitor your admission progress through the University’s dedicated portal.

Course Coordinator

The B.Sc. Physics programme is managed by a team of dedicated physicists, researchers, and laboratory specialists within the Department of Physics, Faculty of Science.

The current programme coordinator is:

Dr [Full Name]

Contact Information:

  • Email:  
  • Phone: 
  • Office: 

Course Overview

  1. Next Admission Process
  2. Current Academic Year
  3. Associated programmes = Undergraduate
  4. Course Duration = 4 Years
  5. Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
  6. Faculty = Science
  7. Course Type = Full Time
  8. Course Delivery = On campus
  9. Location = Faculty of Science, Main Campus
  10. Scholarship opportunities