Welcome to the Department of Physics at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (RUPP), a proud institution with a legacy dating back to 1960, when it was first established as the University of Royal Khmer. Over the decades, RUPP has evolved into Cambodia’s leading center for higher education, research, and innovation.
The Faculty of Science, reopened in 1988, now hosts six dynamic departments, including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, and Computer Science. Today, we serve over 20,000 students, with the Department of Physics accommodating approximately 300 new students annually. 
Our Bachelor of Science in Physics program, originally designed to meet the national demands for secondary school educators, has been strategically restructured to prepare graduates for diverse careers in education, industry, government, and the non-governmental sector. With a strong foundation in classical, modern, and applied physics— including specializations in renewable energy and nano-materials—our curriculum reflects Cambodia’s growing economic and technological landscape.
Aligned with the FutureFit Educational Framework (FEF) of Cambodia, our newly revised curriculum framework is undergoing formal reviews by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport (MoEYS). This revision ensures our graduates are equipped with the skills and competencies needed to thrive in emerging subdisciplines and contribute meaningfully to national development and responsive approaches to the Cambodia Version 2030. We are honored to welcome you into our vibrant academic community. Whether you are prospective students, partner institutions, or stakeholders, we invite you to explore, engage, and grow with us as we shape the future of physics education in Cambodia. 
Warm regards,

Department of Physics
Royal University of Phnom Penh

Prof. Dr. Kimleang KHUN

Reopened on 3 February 1988, the Department of Physics has developed into a dynamic academic unit dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, and scientific service. The Department currently offers two - degree programs: the Bachelor of Science in Physics and the Master of Science in Physics. It is committed to providing high-quality education and training in fundamental and applied physics to support national and regional scientific and technological development.

Incoming first-year students undertake a set of foundation courses designed to strengthen their knowledge of mathematics, basic sciences, and introductory physics. From the second year onward, students progress to specialized major courses in core and applied areas, including Physics, Applied Physics, Renewable Energy, and Nanomaterials and their Applications. The curriculum is regularly reviewed within four or five years and updated to reflect contemporary advances in science and technology.

Both undergraduate and graduate programs emphasize a balanced integration of rigorous theoretical instruction and hands-on laboratory experience. Students benefit from practical training, project-based learning, and opportunities to conduct independent research under faculty supervision. Through these learning activities, the Department aims to cultivate analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and research competence. Graduates are well prepared for careers in education, research, industry, and energy-related sectors, as well as for further advanced study in physics and related disciplines. It should be noted that the information presented in this catalogue primarily focuses on the undergraduate program.

Vision

To be a country-leading Department of Physics in teaching and learning, community research, and innovation with professionalism, quality, morality, and accountability.

Goal

The Bachelor of Science in Physics program is designed to respond effectively to the growing and evolving demands of Cambodia’s modern economy and society. It aims to equip students with comprehensive theoretical and practical competencies that align with current and emerging trends in science, technology, and industry. By continuously addressing program needs and aligning its Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) with national and global market requirements, the program aims to produce graduates well prepared for successful, innovative, and impactful careers across diverse professional sectors.

Educational Philosophy

The Physics program adheres to the university’s educational philosophy, which cultivates and empowers students with a scientific, creative, innovative spirit through effective research explorations and promotes critical reasoning and decision-making skills, open-mindedness, and judgment. Through comprehensive preparatory academic training, students are provided with the opportunity to enter the workforce, become entrepreneurs, or take up occupations related to physics and they will be able to exercise ethical and responsible citizenship while fostering scientific innovation, economic growth, national development, social wellness, and sustainable environmental stewardship, along with preserving Cambodian cultural and natural heritage.

1. Societal Impact                   Drives innovation, growth, and sustainability

2. Ethical Citizenship Foster ethical and responsible citizenship

3. Career Opportunities        Prepare Students for physics- related careers

4. Skill Development Promote critical reasoning and decision-making

5. Scientific Foundation       Cultivates Scientific and Creative Spirit 

Program Educational Objectives

Based on inputs collected from the stakeholders, the Program Educational Objectives (PEOs) of Physics are formulated in order to be achieved by the graduates several years after graduation:

PEO 1

Graduates will become competent physicists by applying their professionalism and knowledge to solve complex problems in related fields of Physics and contribute to scientific advancements by applying critical thinking, creativity, and interdisciplinary approaches, preparing them for careers in academia, industry, or research institutions.

PEO 2

Graduates will possess a strong foundation in fundamental physics principles, knowledge, and skills of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship and cultivate a lifelong passion for learning to pursue advanced studies.

PEO 3

Graduates will effectively communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, collaborate in multidisciplinary teams, and exhibit professionalism and ethical responsibility, equipping them for successful careers in education, industry, or further academic pursuits.

Program Learning Outcomes

After graduating from the Physics program, students will be able to:

Knowledge domain (MD1)

PLO1 – Knowledge (Learning Domain 1 (LD1)): At the end of the Physics program, students are able to apply Physics knowledge in the area of Physics education, the energy transition, electronics with IoT, or interdisciplinary collaboration.

Cognitive domain (MD2)

PLO2 – Cognitive skills (Learning Domain 2 (LD2)): On successful completion of the program, students are able to analyze relevant physical laws and principles using/based on mathematical tools, creative experimental setups, or technology.

Psychomotor domain (MD3)

PLO3 – Psychomotor skills (Learning Domain 3 (LD3)): Students are able to calibrate scientific equipment and manage laboratory equipment and technology devices, for basic research, applied science, or the energy/electronic sector.

Interpersonal skills and responsibility (MD4)

PLO4 – Interpersonal Skills (Learning Domain 4 (LD4)): By the completion of the

physics program, learners are able to collaborate effectively, inclusively, or ethically usinginnovative ideas in basic and applied research to meet national and regional requirements.

PLO5 – Responsibility (Learning Domain 5 (LD5)): By the end of the physics program, students are able to act responsibly in teamwork and individual learning attitudes to cultivate lifelong learning attitudes in different contexts of working culture.

PLO6 - Entrepreneurial skills (Learning Domain 6 (LD6)): On successful completion of the physics program, learners are able to integrate an entrepreneurial mindset and skills into Physics career development.

PLO7 - Ethics and Professionalism (Learning Domain 7 (LD7)): Learners in the physics program are able to evaluate the ethical code of conduct as scientists and well-rounded citizens.

PLO8 – Communication (Learning Domain 8 (LD8)): Students in physics programs are able to demonstrate 21st-century skills and systems thinking in the pursuit of their future career path.

PLO9 - Information technology or digital skills (Learning Domain 9 (LD9)): By the successful completion of the physics program, students are able to use effectively the up-to-date ICT for general use, project management, programming, data analysis, and complex problem solving.

PLO10 – Numerical Skills (Learning Domain 10 (LD10)): Students in the physics program are able to analyze and interpret data using scientific and statistical methods and computational skills ready for early career and educational advancement.

Program Curriculum  

To obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, students are required to complete a four-year full-time program with a total of 154 credits for graduation, but 152 credits for those who complete a thesis or capstone project. Of these, 128 or 130 credits are required excluding French or English Language courses.