Program Overview

Chemical Physics

The Chemical Physics program at University College Cork is a four-year, full-time undergraduate degree that provides a solid grounding in both physics and chemistry. This unique program is ideally suited to students who are curious about how and why the world works at a molecular level.

Course Outline

The BSc Chemical Physics degree aims to understand the structure, energies, and transformations of matter and its dynamics at a molecular level. With a broad education in the physical sciences, highly developed problem-solving and analytical skills, and extensive training in experimental methods, graduates of Chemical Physics may be assured of excellent employment prospects in industry, government, research, and teaching.

Modules

The program consists of the following modules:

• Year 1 Modules: Refer to CK406 and CK408.
• Year 2 Core Modules:
  • Computational Physics
  • Electrostatics and Magnetostatics
  • Energetics and Kinetics
  • Experimental Methods
  • Fourier Methods
  • Main Group and Transition Element Chemistry
  • Quantum Physics
  • Spectroscopy
  • Structure, Bonding and Quantum Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
  • Calculus
• Year 2 Electives:
  • States of Matter
  • Organic Chemistry for Environmental Scientists
• Year 3 Modules:
  • C/C++ Programming with Applications
  • Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Electromagnetism
  • Environmental Chemistry and Analysis
  • Experimental Methods
  • Materials Chemistry
  • Optics
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Scientific Communication and Information Literacy Skills
• Year 4 Core Modules:
  • Chemical Physics
  • Advanced Chemistry Research Project
  • Advanced Physics Research Project
• Year 4 Electives:
  • Lasers, Photochemistry and Spectroscopy
  • Interfaces, Microscopy and Modelling
  • Advanced Nano Materials
  • Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution
  • Advanced Quantum Mechanics
  • Advanced Electromagnetism
  • Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
  • Introduction to Lasers and Photonics
  • Physics of Semiconductor Devices

Course Practicalities

• Expected lecture hours: Students generally attend 15 to 20 lectures per week. Lectures are generally held in the mornings.
• Expected lab/practical hours: Students generally attend two or more practicals per week. Practicals are generally held in the afternoons. In Year 4, practicals are replaced by research projects, which account for most time outside of lectures.
• Assessment: Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including in-class tests, online exercises, performance in laboratory practicals, as well as seminars. Presentations and written reports for the research projects and some modules form a significant portion of the overall assessment at the advanced undergraduate level.

Why Choose This Course

The BSc in Chemical Physics at UCC is the only such degree in Ireland. In comparison, this degree is also awarded by several top-tier UK universities such as Edinburgh, University College London, and Bristol, among others. The degree provides rich theoretical and practical training in both physics and in chemistry and will equip you for careers in either subject.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

There are possibilities of summer projects in the Department of Physics. The department is an active participant in undergraduate student-exchange programmes with numerous partner universities across Europe.

Skills and Careers Information

The theoretical, practical, and analytical skills developed during the Chemical Physics degree are highly sought by employers. Typical career outlets include advanced research and development in either an industrial setting or in an academic environment. Many industrial sectors depend on the qualification of the Chemical Physics graduates. These include:

• The analytical and laser industry
• Process engineering and quality control
• The environmental sector
• Information technology
• Biotechnology-related areas where data processing and computer-related skills are sought

Requirements

Refer to CK406 and CK408.

Fees and Costs

• Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you.
• The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme.
• The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
• See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
• Check out scholarships that may be available to you.

How To Apply

Refer to CK406 and CK408.

Contact Details For This Course

For queries regarding course content or timetables, please contact the relevant department.