STATEMENT OF PURPOSE FOR A MASTERS DEGREE IN FUSION AND ENGINEERING PHYSICS

OLUBODE CALEB ADETUNJI

I got a clear idea of what nuclear engineering entails during my undergraduate studies and from professionals in the eld. pieces of information gathered have boosted my interest to embark on a career on this path. Moreso, I have discovered myself to be quick at understanding concepts in mechanics and dynamics of particle motion, thermodynamics, computer programming and developing softwares, reactor physics, dierential equations, uid mechanics and quantum mechanics and applying them to come up with unique discoveries in the course of research. To date, my contribution to physical research has been in my undergraduate project work that seeks to explain the variation of physical and chemical properties with thermal diusivity and thermal conductivity of kaolin using transient method. The project is entitled Physico-Chemical variation of thermophysical properties of Kaolin and was carried out with an experimental approach. The abstract of my project, curriculum vitae and academic transcript to support my earlier statement are attached to this letter. Having considered areas of research of utmost interest to me such as nuclear rectors, ssion systems, fusion systems as well as nuclear power plants that involve teaching in neutronics and thermalhydraulic for nuclear generated electricity, I decided to apply for a place at AIMS,The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cape Town, South Africa, where talented postgraduate students are selected from across the continent on scholarship bases with a view to building a capacity for an African initiative in research, science and technology. At present, I am one of the forty-two students who began the Master level Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) course involving mathematical, computing, communication and physical problem solving skills in August, 2008. And hopefully, we shall graduate in June 2009. A need to develop an additional skills in computing to enhance my experimental experience of carrying out research encouraged me to forward my application to this institute. Considering the quality of facilities with which knowledge is being unfolded at AIMS and calibre of professors who come from across the world to groom students for a formidable research work in higher studies, I have no doubt that I shall have a publishable thesis at the end of my Master degree in Fusion and Engineering Physics of the Erasmus Mundus programme.

More importantly, I wish to become a renowned professional in nuclear engineering. Since nuclear power generation industry is massive and availability of more nuclear engineers in Africa will keep the industry stable, a foreign training I shall be exposed to during the masters degree course beginning September 2009, should I be selected , will surely be directed at fullling this vision.