BRIEF HISTORY OF APPLIED PHYSICS DEPARTMENT
Department of Applied Physics
Since the establishment of this institution back in 1965, the Applied Physics, Mathematics and Language and Communication departments were set up to teach service courses for all other departments. After the institution was relocated from the main market and or Show ground, Applied Physics department was located at the top floor of the Sandover Building.
When all the buildings were completed, Applied Physics moved to the department where it is now located. Mathematics department was also accommodated in the same building with Applied Physics until early 1980s when their building was completed, they moved to where they are now.
When our first Head of department Professor Balasubramanian left, the University merged Applied Physics department with Applied Sciences department around early 1990s and the head of Applied Sciences was appointed Head over both sections. The department staff members were resistant to the change because of the locations at separate sites and have different interest or views as how to do things. Later it was not working so the University separated them again.
The department first offered a diploma course which was offered only once and it stopped in 1989 with only 6 graduated. The department then started offering Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics with Electronics and Instrumentation (BSAP) in 1994. Though the department is seen as one of the smallest department in the campus, the department serves 10 Academic departments out of 13 on campus.
The BSAP program is design to produce graduates with technical skills in electronics and instrumentation, together with a good understanding of the underlying physical principles. The basic concepts and methodology of physics, chemistry and mathematics are introduced throughout the years of study which really grounded our students with ANALYITICAL SKILLS that helped graduates to get into any field of employment.
The department also offers another degree program which is Bachelor of Science in Radiation Therapy (BSRT). The first Radiation Therapy program was offered in early 1980s and then the second one was offered in 1990s from which three of them are currently working at Angau Cancer ward. Since some of the graduates are no longer working with them, the department of Health in collaboration with the University started the BSRT program again in 2011. By this time, the program is running for almost 22 years till now. The course structure of this program has been designed with the objectives of producing appropriately trained graduates who go straight to the Health department in the area of Radiation Therapy for mostly CANCER TREATMENT. This course was started in 2011 and the first graduate was in 2014.
The Chronological HOD and PTO in Applied Physics department
Without writing the name of Lecturers, only HODs and Principal Technical Officers are list in the chronological order.
-
First Professor and Head: Dr. Elia Tambi Balasubramanium.He was from Siri Lanka. 1968 – 1990.
- Chaineese manCTO
- Jolton FreshCTO
- Steve Kruger- AmericanCTO
-
HOD of Applied Sciences HOD
- Ben Isom PTOPNG
-
Dr. Beno Boeha Acting HOD
- Ben Isom PTOPNG
-
Professor and Head: Dr. William McCubbin.1992 – 1995.
- Ben IsomPTOPNG
-
Dr. William Drake Acting HOD.1995 – 2003.
- Josuha BeraroPTOPNG
-
Late Dr. Renagi Sam Acting HOD. 2003 - 2010.
- Josuha BeraroPTOPNG
- Kenny MichaelPTOPNG
-
Dr. Gabriel Anduwan Acting HOD until 2014 as full HOD.
- Kenny MichaelPTO PNG
These are the names of first national lecturers in the department:
Mr. Lembias Magasu (North Solomons)
Mr. Sam Renagi PNG
Mrs. Ruth Kulemu – Secretary PNG
The longest serving staff members of the department from early 1980s till now are;
Dr. Ora Renagi (Deputy Vice Chancellor) – 1983 till now (32 years)
Mr. Benson Dekson (Senior Technical Officer) - 1980 till now (35 yrs)
Ms. Freda Doe (Executive Secretary) - 1982 till now (33 years now)
Contributors of the information are:
| Name | Position | Period |
| Mr. Ben Isom | Former Principal Technical Officer | 1969 to 1993 |
| Mr. Beson Deckson | Senior Technical Officer | 1980 till now |
| Dr. Subash Dey | Associate Professor |
1982 till now |
| Professor E. Balasubramanium | First HOD |
|
Year |
No of Students |
Male |
Female |
|||
|
1998 |
4 |
4 |
0 |
|||
|
1999 |
8 |
8 |
0 |
|||
|
2000 |
6 |
6 |
0 |
|||
|
2001 |
9 |
8 |
1 |
|||
|
2002 |
11 |
9 |
2 |
|||
|
2003 |
6 |
5 |
1 |
|||
|
2004 |
12 |
9 |
3 |
|||
|
2005 |
11 |
9 |
2 |
|||
|
2006 |
12 |
8 |
4 |
|||
|
2007 |
16 |
15 |
1 |
|||
|
2008 |
14 |
10 |
4 |
|||
|
2009 |
11 |
9 |
2 |
|||
|
2010 |
21 |
18 |
3 |
|||
|
2011 |
19 |
17 |
2 |
|||
|
2012 |
18 |
18 |
0 |
|||
|
2013 |
20 |
19 |
1 |
|||
|
2014 |
22 |
20 |
2 |
|||
|
2015 |
31 |
28 |
3 |
|||
| 2016 | 22 | 16 | 6 | |||