UCD Mathematical, Physical & Geological Sciences (MPG)
Theoretical Physics
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Third Year student Lána writing the Rydberg formula for the wavelengths of Hydrogen atomic transitions.
CAO Code DN200 MPG
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
Why is this course for me? The UCD Theoretical Physics degree puts emphasis on the mathematical description of physical phenomena, providing a unified picture of the fundamental laws of nature. It’s ideally suited to students who enjoy studying Mathematics and Physics for their Leaving Certificate. Insights from Theoretical Physics are driving our understanding of nature at all scales, from the origin of large-scale structures in the universe to the Planck scale, where our current understanding of space and time breaks down. The degree comprehensively covers Theoretical Physics while developing your knowledge and expertise in problem solving, using analytical and computational techniques, which have wide application in, for example, biophysics, econophysics, quantum physics, relativity and nanoscience.
What will I study? This is a sample pathway for a degree in Theoretical Physics. Topics include electromagnetism, mathematical modelling, mechanics and special relativity, vector calculus, statistical physics, fluid mechanics, computational science, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics, general relativity, and statistical physics.
First Year Physics¬ Mathematics¬ Optional Science modules¬ Elective modules
Second Year Theoretical Physics ¬ + 1 other Science subject ¬ Elective modules
Other courses of interest Applied & Computational Mathematics �111 Physics
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Third Year Theoretical Physics (includes Quantum Physics and Electrodynamics, Applied & Computational Mathematics and Mathematics) ¬ Elective modules
Fourth Year Theoretical Physics (including General Relativity, Quantum Field Theory, Statistical and Particle Physics, Applied & Computational Mathematics, Theoretical Physics project).
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 Theoretical Physics graduates can choose to develop careers in: – Academic and government research institutions
– Energy technologies – Information and communication technology
– Advanced materials [e.g. semiconductor industry]
– Management consulting, stock market and financial risk analysis
– Climate change and environmental impact analysis
– Second- and third-level education Our Theoretical Physics graduates are well prepared for further research and have successfully completed PhDs in MIT, Caltech, Harvard, Princeton and Cambridge, as well as in UCD.
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
www.ucd.ie/myucd/ theoreticalphysics
118
Dr Vladimir Lobaskin, UCD School of Physics Professor Adrian Ottewill, UCD School of Mathematics and Statistics Science Centre, Belfield, Dublin 4
vladimir.lobaskin@ucd.ie adrian.ottewill@ucd.ie +353 1 716 2432
facebook.com/UCDScience
“The subjects I most enjoyed at school were Maths, Physics and Chemistry. DN200 Science offered me the chance to study all three in First Year. Although I enjoyed the practical aspects of Chemistry and the challenge of Mathematics, I enjoyed Applied Mathematics and Physics more. However, I found that I couldn’t decide between the two of them. Theoretical Physics has allowed me to keep and combine aspects from both disciplines, with a wide choice of modules including thermodynamics, computational science, biophysics, and astrophysics. Theoretical Physics has a high emphasis on group work, which I had direct experience with working in a computational biophysical chemistry lab while studying abroad in California during my Third Year. This year, I hope to begin a PhD at the University of Edinburgh, modelling a variety of physical and biophysical phenomena.”
Eoin Ó Laighléis Student
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