Program Overview

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Theoretical Physics Program Details

The Theoretical Physics program at Trinity College Dublin is a four-year, full-time course that leads to a B.A. Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8). The program is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the natural world at its most fundamental level, using mathematical theories guided by experimental investigation.

Overview

The program explores the natural world at its most fundamental level, using mathematical theories guided by experimental investigation. It provides a unique mixture of pure and applied mathematics and physics courses taught by faculty with international reputations in their research fields. The School of Physics has excellent first, second, and third-year laboratories for teaching experimental physics, and the School of Mathematics provides its own computing network and a mathematics research library.

Course Structure

The course combines much of the Mathematics and Physics curricula, including several modules specifically designed with the Theoretical Physics program in mind. The final year includes a Capstone project, which is carried out working closely with individual faculty members to develop an original piece of research.

• First and Second Years topics:
  • Maths: Algebra, Analysis, Mechanics, Equations of Mathematical Physics
  • Physics: Waves and Optics, Special Relativity, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Quantum Physics, Nuclear Physics, Electromagnetic Interactions, Chaos and Complexity and Statistics
• Third Year topics:
  • Maths: Classical Field Theory and Electrodynamics, Quantum Mechanics, Statistical Physics
  • Physics: Atomic Physics and Statistical Thermodynamics, Condensed Matter Physics I and II, Astrophysics or Computer Simulation
• Fourth Year topics:
  • Maths: Quantum Field Theory, Differential Geometry, General Relativity, Partial Differential Equations
  • Physics: Condensed Matter Theory, High Energy Physics and Nuclear Structure

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate: H3 in Mathematics and Physics
• Advanced GCE (A-Level): Grade B in Mathematics and Physics
• International Baccalaureate: HL Grade 6 in Mathematics and Physics
• English Language Requirements: All applicants to Trinity are required to provide official evidence of proficiency in the English language. Applicants to this course are required to meet Band B (Standard Entry) English language requirements.

Career Opportunities

Many graduates proceed to Ph.D. degrees in leading institutions throughout the world in Mathematics and Experimental Physics, as well as Theoretical Physics. Alternatively, the broad scientific background and skills that the course develops are in great demand by employers in diverse areas, including:

• Actuarial science
• Patent law
• Journalism
• Weather forecasting
• Telecommunications
• Medical physics
• Information technology
• Scientific computing
• Teaching

Study Abroad

Theoretical Physics students can spend up to a year, usually the third year, of their studies at a university abroad, either in Europe via Erasmus exchanges or further afield via a considerable number of bilateral agreements between Trinity and universities ranging from the Australian National University to the University of California and New York University in the United States.

Fees

For a full list of undergraduate fees, please refer to the Trinity College Dublin website.

Research Areas

The School of Physics is affiliated with Trinity’s world-renowned nanoscience institute (CRANN, the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices) and the associated advanced microscopy lab (AML). The School of Mathematics provides its own computing network and a mathematics research library, with more than 16,000 books and a current subscription to 100+ journals. Research areas include:

• String theory
• Quantum field theory
• General relativity
• Pure mathematics

Conclusion

The Theoretical Physics program at Trinity College Dublin provides students with a deep understanding of the natural world at its most fundamental level, using mathematical theories guided by experimental investigation. With its unique mixture of pure and applied mathematics and physics courses, excellent research facilities, and opportunities for study abroad, this program is ideal for students who wish to pursue a career in theoretical physics or related fields.