Introduction

The Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), was established in July 1972 and is one of the four departments in the Faculty of Science. Since its inception, the department has grown rapidly in various aspects, particularly in research, education, and strategic collaboration with industries.

The main focus areas of the Department of Physics cover various research disciplines related to physical sciences and technology. Among the research fields offered are Semiconductors, Nanostructures and Superconductor Devices, Applied Magnetics, Glass and Ceramics, Theoretical Physics and Computational Physics, Quantum Science and Technology, Applied Electromagnetism and Instrumentation, Radio Frequency and Microwave, Data Science, Optical Physics, Optoelectronics, Photonics, Radiation, Biophysics, Solar Cells, and Carbon.

The primary goal of the Department of Physics is to produce highly knowledgeable, competent graduates who are ready to meet the challenges of job marketability according to industry and professional needs. Graduates produced are not only equipped with strong theoretical foundations but also relevant practical skills, making them valuable assets to the industry and research institutions.

The excellence of the Department of Physics is not only limited to teaching and learning but also recognised through various contributions in research. The department has received recognition from numerous parties, both nationally and internationally, for significant achievements and contributions to the world of physics. Among them are the 2024 MASS Young Researcher Award received by Dr. Mohd Hafiz Mohd Zaid, the 2023 Unesco-L’Oréal For Women in Science Award received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah, the 2023 SEAFOMP Young Leaders Award received by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Khalis Abdul Karim, among others.

Additionally, the Department of Physics has established collaborations with international academic institutions such as the Nagoya Institute of Technology (NiTECH) in Japan, the Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT) in Japan, the University of Wollongong (UOW) in Australia, the National Yunlin University of Science and Technology in Taiwan, and Universitas Mataram in Indonesia. These international collaborations not only help enhance the academic and research reputation of the Department of Physics on a global level but also provide access to the latest technologies and knowledge in various strategic fields of physics. Students and researchers at the Department of Physics greatly benefit from knowledge exchange, access to world-class research facilities, and opportunities to build global networks that impact their academic and industry careers.

The Department of Physics also fosters close relationships with various local and international companies and industries. Collaborations with these companies create opportunities for research focused on industrial applications, thereby driving innovation and technological development. Among the companies involved are FUJIFILM Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Quantum Excellence Sdn. Bhd., Connective Global Sdn. Bhd., Eragene ICT Sdn. Bhd., and Earthtech Energy Sdn. Bhd.

Overall, the Department of Physics at UPM plays a significant role in empowering the fields of science and technology in Malaysia through strong collaborations with various academic institutions and industries. The department continues to lead in high-impact research and physics education at the global level while ensuring its contributions to industry and society remain relevant and sustainable.

Updated:: 18/10/2024 [harithdaniel]