Brief History
The School of Natural and Physical Sciences traces its origins to 1966, when UPNG commenced academic programs.
The University of Papua New Guinea initiated academic programs in 1966, establishing preliminary and undergraduate studies across multiple faculties. Science education began with departments covering "Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics," expanding to include Geology (1973) and Environmental Sciences (1982).
The School now encompasses six disciplinary areas: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences and Geography, Earth Sciences, Mathematics/Statistics/Computer Science, and Physics. Students typically complete a Science Foundation Year before advancing to specialized programs or transferring to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
The Foundation Program extends beyond the main campus through "Open College campuses, NCD Open Campus, the Mt Hagen Open Campus, and the Honiara Open Campus in the Solomon Islands, via distance learning." Beginning in 2015, the program also operated at the Enga University Centre through distance education.
Early programs included forestry and agriculture coursework before students transferred to PNG University of Technology in Lae. The School contributed educational training until the Education Faculty relocated to the University of Goroka.
The institution's first graduation occurred in 1970, featuring "four science and two Masters of Science graduates." The first doctoral degree followed in 1974, with the inaugural national PhD recipient graduating in 1983.
Research infrastructure includes marine research facilities, biodiversity centers, collections management, remote sensing capabilities, and specialized laboratories. The school publishes collaborative relationships with numerous national and international institutions.