UCD Mathematical, Physical & Geological Sciences (MPG)
“After studying Physics, Chemistry and Technology in school, I wanted to know more about the science behind the stars. The community and campus were very exciting, but it was the course that made me choose UCD. The flexibility of DN200 meant that I could do the subjects I wanted – Physics and Maths. UCD has so many opportunities to get involved. I have been a peer mentor, Student Ambassador and as part of the Physics Society, 60 of us visited CERN in Geneva last year. Our Fourth Year trip is to Teide Observatory in Tenerife where we will get to use a telescope and observe a galaxy or star. After I graduate I would like to continue with my masters and PhD in Observational Astronomy.”
Lána Salmon Student
Star Trails around Polaris on top of the IAC-80 telescope at Teide Observatory
CAO Code DN200 MPG
Why is this course for me? The space sector is enjoying exceptional growth, with increasing demand for suitably qualified graduates. Satellites play a key role in navigation, communication and space exploration. This course is primarily a Physics degree that also provides an introduction to the applications of Physics in Astrophysics and Space Science. Students gain an understanding of how ground- based and space-based technologies are used to explore the universe. Astronomers pursue knowledge and understanding of the underlying processes at work in the universe through physics. The core of the degree is therefore an Institute of Physics accredited honours BSc qualification.
What will I study? Students gain hands-on experience using professional astronomical telescopes, including UCD’s ‘Watcher’ robotic telescope in South Africa. Space instrumentation and data analysis, including programming, form part of the laboratory training.
This is a sample pathway for a degree in Physics with Astronomy & Space Science:
First Year Physics ¬ Mathematics ¬ Astronomy & Space Science¬ Optional Science modules ¬ Elective modules
Second Year Physics ¬ + 1 other Science subject ¬ Elective modules
Third Year Physics with Astronomy & Space Science
Support is provided for students applying to summer internship programmes e.g. at ESA. UCD Physics offers research experience to undergraduates, including in the Astrophysics and Space Science research groups ¬ Elective modules
Professor Lorraine Hanlon & Dr John Quinn UCD School of Physics Science Centre (North), Belfield, Dublin 4
Fourth Year Physics with Astronomy & Space Science Students either participate in a week-long mission-design workshop at the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, or they undertake astronomical observations at Tenerife’s Teide Observatory.
All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.
Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities The space sector demands a highly skilled workforce. There are opportunities for graduates to work with major space agencies, such as ESA and NASA, or with space companies. Since the Physics with Astronomy & Space Science degree is an accredited Physics degree, graduates are also qualified to go into medical physics, meteorology, semiconductor technology, energy, ICT and finance.
Graduates may apply for MSc programmes such as Space Science & Technology. They may also pursue research through PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad in many fields of physics.
International Study Opportunities Students can apply to study for a semester or year in third year in a number of universities worldwide including:
– University of California, Berkeley, USA – University of California, Santa Cruz, USA – San Jose State University, California, USA – University of Melbourne, Australia
lorraine.hanlon@ucd.ie/
john.quinn@ucd.ie +353 1 716 2214
facebook.com/UCDScience
Other courses of interest Physics
Theoretical Physics
�116 �118
CAO Points Range 2015 510 — 625 Length of Course 4 Years DN200 Places 402
Entry Requirements English ¬ Irish ¬ Mathematics (Min O3/H6 in LC or equivalent) ¬ One laboratory science subject (Min O3/H6 in LC or equivalent. Applied Mathematics or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject.) ¬ Two other recognised subjects
Leaving Certificate You must obtain a minimum of Grade H5 in two subjects and a minimum of Grade O6/ H7 in the remaining four subjects
A-Level/GCSE See
www.ucd.ie/myucd/alevel
Other EU Applicants See
www.ucd.ie/myucd/eu
Non-EU Applicants See
www.ucd.ie/myucd/noneu
Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes Yes, see
www.ucd.ie/myucd/fetac
Level 6/7 Progression Routes Yes, see
www.ucd.ie/myucd/hetac
Mature Entry Route Yes, see page 188
Physics with Astronomy & Space Science BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
www.ucd.ie/myucd/physics withastronomyandspacescience
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