UCD Mathematical, Physical & Geological Sciences (MPG)
“I would like to go into research after my degree, specifically in the area of high-energy astrophysics, such as gamma ray bursts. During second year, I had the opportunity to visit CERN, the home of the Large Hadron Collider. This trip was amazing and I would definitely recommend it. Joining the Physics Society was one of the best decisions I made in UCD. I liked it so much that I became the secretary this year!”
Eimear O’Reilly Student
Physics with Astronomy & Space Science BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
CAO Code DN200 MPG
Why is this course for me? This is primarily a Physics degree, with an emphasis on the applications of physics in astrophysics and space science. Students will gain an understanding of how ground- based and space-based technologies are used to explore the universe and how modern science can be used to understand it. Astronomers pursue knowledge and understanding of the underlying processes at work in the universe through physics. Physics, in its broadest sense, is the study of the fundamental laws and forces that shape the natural world. The core of the degree is therefore an Institute of Physics accredited honours BSc qualification in Physics.
What will I study? There’s a substantial emphasis on gaining hands-on experience in astronomical techniques and on teamwork projects. Students have access to UCD’s robotic telescope in South Africa. This is a sample pathway for a degree in Physics with Astronomy & Space Science.
First Year Physics ¬ Mathematics ¬ 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 when applying to summer internship programmes at NASA, ESA, CERN and the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias. Students can also apply for ESA summer internships.) ¬ Elective modules
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 As the Physics with Astronomy & Space Science degree is primarily a physics degree, opportunities are open to graduates in the space industry (NASA and ESA), medical physics, meteorology, semiconductor industries, energy technology sector, ICT industry, financial sector, geoscience and semi-state bodies. Graduates may apply for MSc programmes in Space Science & Technology, Nanobio Science, Nanotechnology, Medical Physics or Meteorology. They may also apply for PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad in diverse areas such as Radiation Physics, Physics of Advanced Materials, Atomic Physics, Particle Physics and Astrophysics.
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
Professor Lorraine Hanlon & Dr John Quinn UCD School of Physics Science Centre (North), Belfield, Dublin 4
lorraine.hanlon@ucd.ie/
john.quinn@ucd.ie +353 1 716 2214
facebook.com/UCDScience
CAO Points Range 2014 515 — 625 Length of Course 4 Years DN200 Places 402
Entry Requirements English ¬ Irish ¬ Mathematics (Min OB3/HD3 in LC or equivalent) ¬ One laboratory science subject (Min OB3/HD3 in LC or equivalent. Applied Mathematics or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject.) ¬ Two other recognised subjects
Leaving Certificate Passes in six subjects including those shown above, of which two must be minimum HC3
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 182
Other courses of interest Physics
Theoretical Physics
�136 �138
www.ucd.ie/myucd/physics withastronomyandspacescience
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