In the period before the 2000s, recognizing the increasing demand for human resources in the direction of software development and cross-platform tools based on programming languages, driven by the establishment and growth of corresponding companies, became more evident. Additionally, technical students focused solely on engineering and rarely had access to the field of information technology. On the other hand, information technology students primarily studied computer programming with minimal exposure to engineering. From this realization, an interdisciplinary field, an intersection of physics, electronics, and computer science, emerged, and it is known as computer physics.
The Computer Physics Department of the Faculty of Physics – Engineering Physics, University of Sciences, Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, was established in 1998. From 1998 to 2013, the head of the department was Assoc. Prof. Dang Van Liet. Since 2013, the department has been led by Assoc. Prof. Huynh Van Tuan. The teaching staff includes 3 associate professors, 5 doctors, 7 masters, and 1 research student (not counting lecturers currently pursuing overseas training). After 12 years of education, the department was authorized by the Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City to offer a Master's program in Engineering Physics starting from 2010. By 2022, the department introduced a Ph.D. program in Engineering Physics, fulfilling its mission in undergraduate and postgraduate education and scientific research.
The department consists of 3 classrooms with a capacity ranging from 15 to 50 students, 1 computer room for practical learning tasks, and 1 specialized seminar room. To meet research, teaching, and learning needs, the department is equipped with 3 server systems and 2 workstations for computational tasks. Additionally, to motivate the in-depth development of students' capabilities, the department consistently supports the provision of equipment and components aligned with research directions. The modern and flexible learning environment aims for the comprehensive development of students. Young faculty members and advisors closely monitor progress, provide timely support, and offer clear guidance throughout the learning process. Support is provided for students to access timely information on scholarships, research opportunities, and job prospects. Generations of students are tightly connected through traditional activities and periodic knowledge exchange. Soft skills such as communication, presentation, writing, and foreign language proficiency are emphasized, helping students confidently enter the real-world internship phase. Through job fairs and collaborative relationships, students have the opportunity to intern and experience professional working environments at companies like Bosch, TMA, Gameloft, Renesas, Ban Vien, Ampere Computing, Thinktodo, Mitsuba, Nashtech, FPT, Intel, Faraday, etc. The majority of students receive positive evaluations for their skills, attitude, and professionalism during internships, as reflected in the increasing number of students proposed for official positions by companies over the years.
The training directions of the department include applied electronics, computer science, and computational science. Students will be trained in fundamental scientific knowledge, the essence of physics, electronics, computer architecture, algorithms, and database fundamentals. Learners will undertake the design and implementation of application programs, developing software solutions tailored to the company's needs, using programming languages to design and build computer programs. They will engage in research, design simple digital circuits, logic circuits, develop, test, and produce computer systems, and various physical components related to computer systems. Students can inspect, analyze, and evaluate various aspects of a product to search for and detect errors, ensuring accurate software that meets the specified requirements. In addition, students can become programmers creating web applications that can run on web browsers or software developers specializing in creating games on various computer platforms or smartphones, innovating aspects of electronic games. Becoming a network developer involved in building, developing, and expanding data networks is also one of the career directions that students can pursue. Alongside these, lifelong learning skills are emphasized to ensure the integrity of meeting job requirements. Honesty and good ethics are essential qualities for students in the department.
After completing the academic program, students can work in positions such as Software Engineer, Software Developer, Hardware Engineer, Hardware Developer, Embedded Software Engineer, Game Application Developer, Web Application Developer, and Software Tester. They may work for joint ventures, foreign companies, research and development centers, or engage in teaching at educational institutions. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the field, students can work in areas related to engineering, physics, electronics, and computer science. Combining specialized studies will provide students with numerous opportunities for personal development both domestically and internationally.
The research directions of the department include medical image processing, classification, and recognition of electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), and electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. Noise control (ANC), echo control (AEC), sound interference. Data collection, sensors, measurement, and control, display. Design of digital circuits and embedded systems. Solutions for building smart systems, internet of things (IoT) connectivity. Simulation and modeling. Artificial intelligence, neural networks, deep learning algorithms, machine learning. Data visualization, big data, data science. Mobile phone programming. Development of web applications and computer networks. Notable scientific achievements include research papers published in international conferences, scientific journals listed in Scopus, ISI. Participation in research projects at various levels. Contribution to the scientific research data of the country, promoting scientific development, enhancing the unit's position nationally and internationally.