Department of Physics

About physics

Physics seeks to unfold the secrets of nature, and its achievements sooner or later shape everyday life, from medicine and architecture to technology. It helps dispel superstition by explaining the facts behind natural events, makes students careful thinkers and builds scientific temper. In a world driven by technology, it is the fundamental root of it all.

History of the department

The department started in 1972 under Prof. S. S. Naik. Prof. G. V. Hegde was appointed as a full-time lecturer in 1973 and led the department thereafter. The B.Sc. course was introduced in 1991. The department records more than 70% results in Physics every year and also guides students for the CET.

A unit of the Karnataka Rajya Vijnana Parishat was opened in the college in 1987-88, with many staff and students as members, and much work was done to build a scientific attitude among students and the public. Student Shri Venkatesh Naik was trained by Shri Narendra Naik in the "Pavada Bayalu" programme and went on to give more than 500 shows across the district, winning several awards. A memorable science exhibition in 1988 was seen by more than 2,000 people, and in 1992 the Bharat Jana Vijnana Jatha was taken to every corner of the taluk with Prof. G. V. Hegde as taluk convenor.

Since 1989 the college has been a centre (No. N5618) for the National Standard Examination in Physics (NSEP), whose successful candidates become eligible for the national and international Physics Olympiad. It is one of only two such centres in the district.

Faculty over the years

• Prof. S. S. Naik (1972-73)
• Prof. H. N. Umesh (1994-95)
• Prof. Krishnamoorthy (1995)
• Prof. Chetana L. Hegde (1996-2000)
• Prof. Prakash G. Hegde (2000-01)
• Prof. Ravikumar Kolekar (2001-03)
• Prof. Anil Rego (2003-04)
• Prof. G. V. Hegde, Prof. M. S. Udupa and Prof. Sadhana Hegde
• Hemalatha, lecturer, is the present Head of the Department

Objectives

• Strengthen the concepts developed at high-school and pre-university level.
• Build knowledge, understanding and application of the different areas of physics.
• Become familiar with basic scientific apparatus and its use.
• Perform basic experiments to understand physical concepts.
• Develop scientific thinking and appreciate the contribution of physics to quality of life and human welfare.
• Recognise the contributions of scientists and experience the excitement of physics.
• Express ideas scientifically and reach judgements without prejudice.
• Appreciate the role of physics and technology in national development.

Vision and mission

Vision: To build strong foundations by teaching the basics in all areas of physics.

Mission: To impart knowledge of physics with an orientation towards research.

Teaching and activities

• Subjects include mechanics, nuclear physics, electronics and quantum mechanics.
• Laboratory work, workshops, student projects and seminars; about 800 books in the central library.
• Faculty have organised state-level seminars and undertake project work and research.
• Student seminars on heat engines, superconductivity and nuclear radiation; a student project on the earth inductor.
• Weekly talks on magnetism, thermal physics and medical physics.
• Taluk-level essay competitions and quizzes on physics and technology.