The Department of Physics traces its history to the 1930s. In various years, the department was headed by prominent scientists who have made a great contribution to the development of national science.

A scientific school in the field of thermal physics and thermal physical instrumentation, ecology and sanitary engineering was established at the Department. Among the applied works of the Department, a special place has the developments in the field of color change theory and the creation of an instrument based on selenium valve photocells.

In 2013, the Department of Physics was merged with the Department of Chemistry. These two sciences are inextricably linked; their laws are based on the facts established experimentally.

First laboratory works in chemistry were conducted at the IGI in 1891 under the direction of Vladimir V. Evald, an outstanding scientist in the field of materials science. In 1926, a dedicated department of Chemistry was established on the basis of the existing chemical laboratory.

Throughout its existence, the department was headed by eminent scientists. The scientific work of the department has always been distinguished by scientific novelty and practical significance. The department developed unique technologies to combat salt corrosion of brick and reinforced concrete structures, technological schemes of equipment for the treatment of natural and waste waters, etc.

The improved material base of the laboratories of engineering and general physics and chemistry provide for educational and scientific practical work in all sections of these sciences, and the existing applied programs allow for calculations in the field of heat engineering, lighting and acoustics.