Introduction to M.Sc. Physics at Tribhuvan University

The Master of Science in Physics (M.Sc. Physics) is a two-year postgraduate degree offered by the Central Department of Physics (CDP) at Tribhuvan University (TU). It is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of both theoretical and experimental physics. With over 50 years of experience since its establishment in 1965, the department has produced more than 2,500 graduates, contributing significantly to education and scientific development in Nepal.

To meet global academic standards and research practices, the department introduced the semester system in 2014. This system emphasizes continuous assessment, timely course completion, and academic rigor, aligning with international models of graduate education.

Objectives of the Program

The M.Sc. Physics program is developed with the following goals:

1. To provide students with the most recent developments in the field of physics.

2. To train students in theoretical, experimental, and applied physics methods.

3. To prepare qualified individuals who can teach physics at universities and colleges.

4. To cultivate researchers and scholars capable of conducting independent scientific research.

This program not only builds core subject knowledge but also encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and research methodology, enabling graduates to contribute meaningfully to academia and industry.

Eligibility for Admission

To be eligible for admission into the M.Sc. Physics program:

• The applicant must have completed a B.Sc. degree with Physics as a major subject from Tribhuvan University or any other recognized institution.

• Equivalent qualifications from other universities must be certified and accepted by Tribhuvan University.

Admission Process

The admission process involves:

• A competitive entrance examination conducted by the Central Department of Physics, TU.

• Applicants must secure the minimum qualifying marks in the entrance exam to be considered for admission.

• Those who do not appear in or fail the entrance exam will not be admitted.

Program Structure and Duration

• The M.Sc. Physics program spans two academic years, divided into four semesters.

• Each semester includes theoretical courses, laboratory practicals, seminars, and elective subjects.

• A student must complete a total of 66 credit hours to graduate.

Semester Duration

Each semester runs for 18 weeks, where:

• 15 weeks are allocated for regular classes

• 3 weeks are set aside for evaluation and internal tests

Credit Hour Breakdown

The table below summarizes how credit hours are distributed across the program:

Note: A student may choose to complete a 6-credit-hour dissertation in the final semester in place of one elective.

Semester-Wise Course Details

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

Elective Courses Overview

Students can choose elective courses from three groups (A, B, and C), ensuring that no more than one elective is chosen from the same group.

Some elective subjects include:

• Advanced Solid State Physics I & II

• Astrophysics I & II

• Condensed Matter Physics I & II

• Nano Physics I & II

• Plasma Physics I & II

• Gravitation and Cosmology

• Physics of Materials I & II

• Dissertation (6 CH)

Evaluation System

Internal Evaluation (40%)

• Class attendance: 4%

• Homework: 10%

• Midterm test: 13%

• Final-term test: 13%

Students must score at least 50% in internal assessments to qualify for the final exam.

Final Examination (60%)

• Conducted by the Institute of Science and Technology, TU.

• Students must pass each subject separately.

• Minimum passing marks in final exams are 50% of full marks.

Grading System

Grades are awarded based on a 4-point GPA system. The table below shows the conversion between grades, GPA, and percentage:

To graduate, students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (CGPA) of 3.0.

Attendance and Participation

• A minimum of 80% attendance is required in all theoretical and practical classes.

• Students are expected to be punctual and active participants in tutorials and seminars.

Final Remarks

The M.Sc. Physics program at Tribhuvan University is a balanced blend of theory, practical work, computational methods, and research. It aims to nurture skilled professionals in physics who are capable of contributing to academia, scientific research, and industrial innovation in Nepal and beyond.