Applied Physics is a field that studies of both classical and modern physics and combines it with topics on most recent applications of these principles. It is the science which has made possible the design and operation of many everyday components including computer chips, lasers, solar collectors, medical equipment, sensors and mobile phones.

The curriculum of the graduate program in Applied Physics consists of core courses and elective courses. The core courses are designed to provide students with the fundamentals of physics and skills in computing, mathematics and instrumentations. The electives which can be taken from a range of topics are designed so that students can develop their own course of study according to their interests. A research project is required to be undertaken throughout the duration to provide the experience of doing independent research under the supervision of the department academics. The research project focuses on applying physics to scientific and technological problems. The research project starts by conducting extensive literature review, followed by performing experiments and preparing a research report.

This programme is designed to develop professionals with broad capabilities appropriate for careers in technical research or advanced graduate study. It provides valuable graduate training and research project experience sought after by industry, government and R & D organizations.

The area of research and expertise of academics in the Department of Applied Physics are including material science, solid-state physics, the physics of thin films devices, the physics of medical radiations, space science, and theoretical and computational physics.

Course Work & Full Time

Minimum 2 semesters (1 year)

Maximum 4 semesters (2 years)

Intake – 2 times a year (March & October)

*subjected to UKM academic calendar

English Language

STPD6024 Research Methodology

This course provides guidance in planning, implementing and succeed in scientific research. Students are introduced to the philosophy of science and ethics necessary to be adopted by researchers. Students are given exposure to determine and manage risks in scientific research. Apart from that, issues and rules related to research such as intellectual property, copyright, plagiarism etc. will be discussed.  Subsequently, students are guided to plan their research and prepare a research proposal. For this, students are trained with techniques in information search both manually and on-line, identifying issues and research objectives, planning research and experimental design within their period of study. Students are required to prepare their research proposal according to the format and free from plagiarism. Students are given the opportunity to present and defend their proposal in a seminar. Students will be evaluated based on written and oral presentation of the research proposal, and final examination

STSP6014 Method of Instrumentation Analysis
This course discusses several techniques and designs of experiments regarding the characterization methods in research and industry. Topics to be discussed are analysis of structure and microstructure which include compositional analysis, investigation of structure and morphology of surfaces by using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy techniques. A number of techniques for material characterization such as X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, impedance technique, thermal analysis and mechanical analysis are also discussed. Methods of sample preparation for the respective technique of analysis are also introduced.

STSP6023 Applied Quantum Mechanics
(Prerequisite : Quantum mechanics at undergraduate level)
This course is designed to be the third in the sequence of required graduate quantum mechanics courses. Prerequisites are the successful completion of STSF2223 and STSF3213 or their equivalents. This course builds upon the core formalism, concepts, and techniques of quantum mechanics. Solutions to Schrodinger’s equation for various potentials. Application of quantum mechanics in metal physics, semiconductors (e.g quantum wells), low dimensional materials and superconductors. Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics and foundational problems : Copenhagen Interpretation, Consistent Histories, Parallel Universe, De Broglie-Bohm and Qubism. Entanglement theory, decoherence theory and quantum teleportation. Application of decoherence theory  and entanglement in photonics, spintronics, quantum biology and nanotechnology.

STSP6033 Advanced Mathematical Methods
This course is designed to introduce first-year graduate student to mathematical concepts and tools needed for research, and more advanced math courses. Some of the topics to be covered are vector fields, deformed Cartesian system and curved coordinates. Topics in complex variable, surface Riemann, Cauchy theorem, Taylor and Laurent series, residue theorem and conformal mapping are covered. Green’s function and tensor application in physics are discussed and includes Cartesian and kronecker delta and Levita-Civita tensor, tensor derivatives and covariant and contravariant representations and first and second order Christoffel symbols.

STSP6043 Advanced Computational Physics
This course aims to introduce the usage of computational language in solving physics problems after exposing the students to fundamental concept of the language. Among the techniques that will be applied are modeling, simulation, numerical techniques and visualization. The course is therefore delivered as formal class lectures and programming exercises in the computer laboratory. Examples of topics that will be applied are space physics, astrophysics, electromagnetic field and mechanic quantum.

STSP6053 Advanced Electromagnetism
(Prerequisite: Electromagnetism at undergraduate level)
This course will discuss the methodology of information processing using electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic materials and electromagnetic devices. This course is conducted by classroom lectures and the main topics cover: Basic electromagnetic theory, special relativity in electromagnetism, Maxwell equations, tensor analysis and pseudo-tensor in electromagnetic materials, retarded potentials, Interaction of electromagnetic waves with charged particles, Lagrange formulation, Gauge transformation, monopole and multiples, application of electromagnetism in solid state, classical optics, radiation theory and telecommunication.

STSP6113 Physical Metallurgy
This course discusses topics on solidification, heat treatment, advanced alloys and metal processing. Thermodynamic and kinetic of solidification is discussed. Types and techniques of heat and mechanical treatments and their effects on metal defects and properties are also discussed. This course also introduces advanced alloys i.e. light alloys, high temperature alloys, shape memory alloys, biomaterial alloys and super plastic alloys. Metal and alloy processing methods and their relation to properties and application of the metal and alloy products is also highlighted.

STSP6123 Advanced Polymer
The course will cover an introduction of polymer, properties and processing technique of various types of polymeric materials. The main topic of discussion will focus on types of advanced polymer, properties, applications, its specialty, advantages and processing methods. The details of the discussion will be based on the latest category of advanced polymer.

STSP6133 Biomaterials
The course will discuss various biomaterials which can be substituted as biological materials of the human body. The topics of discussion will cover polymeric materials as biomaterials, their characteristics, applications and processing technique. The discussion will continue with bio-ceramic which will be focusing on basic composites of ZrO2, Al2O3 and other oxides system in the human body. The course will also discuss hydroxyl apatite, its properties, preparation technique and latest applications of the materials. The applications of biomaterials will be also highlighted on materials used in dental and orthopedic implants. The final parts of the course will discuss the mechanical and biological suitability tests.

STSP6153 Materials and Composites Technology
An introduction of this course will highlight on types of composites, properties, manufacturing process and its applications. The main topics of discussion will cover types of fibers and matrix, polymer matrix composites (PMC), metal matrix composites (MMC) and ceramic matrix composites (CMC). The analysis of micromechanics, micromechanics and interface will also be discussed. The course will also highlight the latest technology of composites manufacturing and fabrications.

STSP6163 Corrosion Control and Monitoring
This course introduces corrosion control techniques, namely materials selection, alteration of environment, product design, coatings, and cathodic and anodic protection. The discussion on corrosion control techniques will cover principle and mechanism and also the related equipment. The suitability of corrosion control techniques over types of corrosion is also discussed. Corrosion monitoring techniques that will be discussed include non-destructive testing techniques, electrochemical techniques and nuclear techniques. The important of corrosion control and monitoring in terms of safety and economics are also discussed.

STSP6173 Science and Technology for Agrobased Materials
The course will cover the raw materials, lignocelluloses based from agriculture industry (agro industry) available in Malaysia such as rice, kenaf, sugar cane, coconut, oil palm, pineapple, banana and forest products from hardwood and non woody and bamboo. The course will emphasis on the preparation of lignocelluloses materials from these raw materials. The course will discuss the manufacturing process of pulp, paper, medium density board (MDF), oriental stand board (OSB), particle board, plywood, wood plastic board and cement board. Chemical modification on fibred will be emphasised in order to improve the fibred chemical interaction. The chemistry and types of adhesive and coating, surface modification and bonding will be discussed.

STSP6323 Magnetism and Superconductivity
This course covers one topics; first on magnetism and the second on superconductivity. Topics on magnetism include magnetic materials, diamagnetic, paramagnet, ferromagnet, ferromagnetic, antiferromagnet, domain theory and magnetization processes, measurements, preparation methods and applications. Topic on superconductivity include basic phenomenon, superconducting materials, type-I and Type-II superconductors, phase transition, Ginzburglandau theory, Abrikosov vortex, BCS theory, energy gap, isotope effect, Josephson tunneling, SQUIDs, high-temperature superconductors, anisotropy, structure, phase diagram and applications of superconductors.

STSP6333 Thin-Film Technology
This course is divided into 3 parts which are related to the theoretical and technical aspects of preparation, application and characterization of thin films. The course begins with the introduction to physics of thin films which cover topics such as formation process and structure of thin films. Next, the technique of preparation such as evaporation, sputtering and spin coating will be discussed. The thin films characterization covers the thickness of the film, physical structure, surface morphology, electronic structure and chemical composition. Other properties such as mechanical, electrical, optical and magnetic properties will also be deliberated followed by discussion on various applications of thin films either in passive or active form including devices. Finally each student must present a seminar on the topics related to recent development in thin films.

STSP6343 Nanotechnology
This course discusses topics on electronic, magnetic, mechanical and optical changes that occur when bulk materials of nonconductors, semiconductors and metals becomes nanosized. Methods to reduce bulk to nanosize materials both by top down and bottom up approach is discussed exemplified by physical methods ( laser ablation, ball mill, plasma deposition) and chemical methods (sol-gel, micelle and microemulsion templating, mechanochemistry and sonochemistry). Characterisation of nanomaterials by AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy), SNOM (Scanning near-field Optical microscopy), UV-Vis spectroscopy, TEM (Transmission electron microscopy), XPS (X-ray spectroscopy) and other techniques are discussed. Some thermodynamics aspects of nanomaterials are discussed especially its non-extensive aspects. The relationship between changes in nanomaterial properties due to environmental effects are related to applications in sensors and nanofluids. Students might be ask to present a seminar on recent findings in Nanotechnology.

STSP6383 Sensors and Systems
Introduction, Classification of sensors and actuators, sensing and actuating strategies, general requirements for interfacing and actuation, sensing, transduction, actuation. Performance Characteristics of Sensors and Actuator, Optical sensors-Photodiodes, phototransistors and photo resistors based sensors, Photo multipliers, light-to-light detectors, Infrared sensors, Temperature Sensors-Thermoresistive sensors: Thermistors, Resistance temperature sensors, Silicon resistive sensors, Magnetic and Electromagnetic Sensors and Actuators, Mechanical Sensors-Accelerometers (capacitive, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, thermal), Force sensors (strain gauges, tactile sensors), Pressure sensors (semiconductor, piezoresistive, Acoustic Sensors and Actuators, Chemical Sensor-Electrochemical, Thermo-chemical, ChemFET, Gas, pH, Humidity, moisture and Optical -chemical, Radiation Sensors.

STSP6713 Statistical Mechanics
This course discusses topics on statistical ensembles (microcanonical, canonical ,grand canonical , and mixed ensemble), partition function and free energies for these ensembles and their use in deriving thermodynamic quantities. Mayer functions and some models of liquids using hypernetted chain equations. Fluctuation dissipation theorems. 2-d and 3-d Ising model. Phase transitions theory and their characterization using Ising models. Landau-Ginsburg models applied to magnetic , liquid crystals and solids. Superfluidity, superconductivity and Bose-Einstein condensate. Thermodynamics application in X-ray and light scattering and statistical mechanics of fluid membranes. Non-extensive thermodynamics (nanothermodynamics) in low dimensional materials.

STSP6743 Space Physics
In this course, students will be introduced to several space physics domain such as the Sun, solar wind, Earth’s magnetosphere, geomagnetic field and Earth’s ionosphere. Students will be exposed to basic knowledge of each domain, their profile including definition, general and specific characteristics as well as the early finding or experiment. Apart from that, students will learn and able to access data and index of all domains including manipulation of model and introduction to equipment for observation. Finally, discussions of latest research in space physics area and overview of current issues will be conducted. Several presentations and discussion will be conducted throughout the course.

STSP6773 Chemical Modification of Wood
The course will discussed on chemistry of lignocellulose-bioresource mainly with chemical constituent of cellulose, lignin and hemicellulose. Cellulose chemistry which consists of cellulose I,II,III and IV will be highlighted. Chemical reaction of cellulose with main chemical reagent involve the reaction of hydroxyl group in cellulose with the chemical reagent involve which be focus on preparation of cellulose derivatives and regenerated cellulose. While lignin chemistry of lignin will show the differentiation between the HGS monomer from different species. Reaction of lignin with the suitable chemical for the preparation of adhesive and adhesion together with composite materials will be discussed. Hemicellulose which is polymer consist of various types of fine sugar monomer depending of different wood species. The discussion will cover the utilisation of these fine sugar into levulinic acid, methanol etc for bio fuel.

STSP6972 Research Project I
This course is aimed at training students to study specific topics through extensive readings and guided research. Students are required to prepare a literature survey of a chosen topic.

STSP6986 Research Project II
This course offers student the opportunity to do research on specific topics of interest under the supervision of one or a group of supervisors. The research can be conducted experimentally or analytically. Students are required to prepare a dissertation report on the research and will be asked to defend the results orally.

• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.50 or equivalent, from any institutions of higher learning  recognized by the UKM Senate; or
• Bachelor’s Degree in relevant field with minimum CGPA 2.00 – 2.49 or equivalent, with minimum of 5 years working experience or research project in relevant field. Proof of the working experience of a foreign candidate should be acknowledge by the embassy of the respective country; or
• Fulfill Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL A) for local candidates only:
  • should be more than 30 years of age in the year of application; and
  • possess at least STPM or diploma in relevant field or other equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of Malaysia and approved by the UKM Senate; and
  • possess a certificate of MQA APEL with MQF Level 7
• An international student shall obtain minimum results of TOEFL iBT score 46 / IELTS band 5.5 / CEFR band B2 / MUET band 3 (An international student who comes from a country where English is the official language, or who has obtained academic qualifications from any institution of higher learning that uses English as the medium of instruction may be exempted from the requirement for TOEFL / IELTS / MUET); and
• Fulfill other requirements prescribed by the UKM Senate from time to time.

1. Medical Physicist 
2. Metrologist
3. Data Scientist
4. Research Officer
5. Educator

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Programme Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Adlyka Ainul Annuar Email : adlyka@ukm.edu.my Phone : 03-8921 5882