The Physics Department at Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University (BAİBÜ) was established in 1994 within the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, initially enrolling 30 students with Turkish as the language of instruction. In the 1996–1997 academic year, the department transitioned to 100% English instruction, which continues today, necessitating a mandatory one-year English preparatory class. Admissions are managed through the national examination conducted annually by the Measurement, Selection, and Placement Center (OSYM) under the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), and international students are accepted in line with YÖK’s criteria.
Vision and Mission
The BAİBÜ Physics Department strives to be a leading and respected institution nationally and internationally in physics education, scientific research, and technological innovation. Our mission is threefold:
- Educate well-equipped physicists who have mastered the principles of physics, think analytically, and contribute to scientific and technological advancements.
- Conduct fundamental and applied research that drives our country’s scientific progress.
- Promote interdisciplinary collaboration by transforming physics knowledge into tangible benefits for society.
Scientific research is a key focus of the department. Students are encouraged to engage in cutting-edge projects, conduct experiments, and expand the boundaries of knowledge in specialized areas of physics. By promoting collaborations across fields such as engineering, medicine, and environmental sciences, the department actively seeks to harness physics for the betterment of society.
Facilities and Faculty
With more than a quarter-century of experience, the department has developed robust technical infrastructure and an accomplished academic staff. Currently, 17 Professors, 3 Associate Professors, and 1 Assistant Professor lead its educational and research activities. Spanning 2,000 m², the department’s facilities include:
- Classrooms and Study Areas: Projector-equipped classrooms and dedicated student study rooms.
- Student Laboratories (7 total): Covering approximately 700 m² and accommodating up to 45 students each.
- Research Laboratories (12 total): Equipped with essential devices and cutting-edge equipment such as electron microscopes, X-ray spectrometers, closed-circuit cooling systems, and thin-film preparation systems.
These resources allow students and faculty to conduct advanced experiments, foster innovation, and maintain a vibrant academic environment that supports learning, discovery, and collaboration.
Career Opportunities
While private-sector opportunities in fundamental physics research are currently limited, graduates have a variety of career paths:
- Teaching: Those who complete pedagogical formation may teach in public and private schools under the Ministry of National Education.
- Government and Public Institutions: Graduates serve in laboratories of the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority or in ministries such as Energy and Natural Resources, Industry and Trade, and related public agencies.
- Industry: Some alumni work as technical staff in organizations like Aselsan, PTT, and TRT.
- Future Demand: Physics remains central in secondary and higher education, and there is a growing need for trained physicists in newly established and upcoming universities.
