Program Overview

Applied Physics - MSc

Brief Description

The University of Limerick's Master of Science (MSc) in Applied Physics is aimed at physical science and engineering graduates seeking career opportunities in the high technology sector of industry. The programme aims to increase their understanding of applied physics, the physical principles underlying material properties, and the operation of processes and equipment for the research and high technology sectors.

Overview

During this programme, you will:

• Choose from a wide range of specialist topics and access the unique state-of-the-art facilities of the Bernal Institute.
• Learn from researchers at the forefront of next generation technologies.
• Engage with companies and enhance your employment opportunities.
• Prepare and complete a research project that applies theory to practical problems in an industrial or academic research environment.

Programme Content

• Complete full-time in one year or part-time over two years.
• Delivered on campus.
• Modules taught during autumn and spring semesters.
• Full-time students submit research project at the end of the summer semester, part-time students at the end of fourth semester.
• Full-time students choose 4 elective modules in Spring and Autumn semesters, part-time students choose 2 elective modules each Spring and Autumn semester.

Full-time

Autumn Semester

• Core module: Research Project 1 (PH6001) enables students to study a topic in Applied Physics and apply theoretical knowledge to a practical situation.
• Electives – choose 4:
  • Experimental Design and Research Methodology (PH6011)
  • Condensed Matter Physics 1 (PH5041)
  • Nanoscience & Technology 1 (PH5094)
  • Semiconductor Processing 1 (PH5098)
  • Advanced Analysis of Materials 1 (PH6071)
  • Physics of Advanced Metrology (PH5093)
  • Computational Methods in Physics (PH6061)
  • Earth and Atmospheric Science (PH6081)
  • Predictive Biomolecular Modelling Tools (PH6021)
  • Physics of Materials (PH5091)

Spring Semester

• Core module: Research Project 2 (PH6002) consolidates and applies theory to practical problems in an industrial or academic research environment.
• Electives – choose 4:
  • Scientific Communication and Literature Review (PH6032)
  • Condensed Matter Physics 2 (PH5042)
  • Nanoscience and Technology 2 (PH5095)
  • Semiconductor Processing 2 (PH5092)
  • Advanced Analysis of Materials 2 (PH6072)
  • Physics of Medical Instrumentation (PH6031)
  • Advanced Computational Methods in Physics (PH6042)
  • Advanced Energy Conversion and Storage (PH6052)
  • Digital Control (EE6452)
  • Noise (EE6642)

Summer Semester

• Research Project 3 (PH5097) final module of three.

Part-time Year 1

Autumn Semester

• Electives – choose 2:
  • Experimental Design and Research Methodology (PH6011)
  • Nanoscience & Technology 1 (PH5094)
  • Computational Methods in Physics (PH6061)
  • Predictive Biomolecular Modelling Tools (PH6021)

Spring Semester

• Core module: Research Project 2 (PH6002).
• Electives – choose 2:
  • Nanoscience and Technology 2 (PH5095)
  • Physics of Medical Instrumentation (PH6031)
  • Advanced Computational Methods in Physics (PH6042)
  • Advanced Energy Conversion and Storage (PH6052)

Summer Semester

• Research Project 3 (PH5097) final module of three.

Part-time Year 2

Autumn Semester

• Core module: Research Project 1 (PH6001).
• Electives – choose 2:
  • Semiconductor Processing 1 (PH5098)
  • Advanced Analysis of Materials 1 (PH6071)
  • Physics of Advanced Metrology (PH5093)
  • Computational Methods in Physics (PH6061)
  • Earth and Atmospheric Science (PH6081)

Spring Semester

• Electives – choose 2:
  • Scientific Communication and Literature Review (PH6032)
  • Semiconductor Processing 2 (PH5092)
  • Advanced Analysis of Materials 2 (PH6072)
  • Digital Control (EE6452)
  • Noise (EE6642)

Entry Requirements

• Applicants should hold a bachelor's degree (NFQ Level 8) with at least a second-class honour, grade 2 (2:2) in a relevant or appropriate Scientific or Engineering subject.
• Applications from graduates who have a sufficient mathematical element in their primary degree in addition to other relevant technical background will also be considered.
• The programme is also open to graduates from BSc of Science with concurrent Teacher Education programmes.

Fees

• EU Full-Time: €8,200, Part-Time: €4,900 per annum.
• Non-EU Full-Time: €20,800, Part-Time: €12,100 per annum.
• Year 2 fees are subject to change.

Graduate Profile

This course can lead to the following sectors and careers:

• Microelectronics
• Instrumentation
• Medical technology
• IT

Testimonial

Saikat Bhowmick, Completed Master's degree in Applied Physics with First Class Honours, in 2018, shares his experience with the programme, highlighting its unique combination of taught modules and research, and the opportunity to work with renowned researchers and state-of-the-art facilities.