Program Overview

Physics Technology (TU877)

Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Physics Technology is a four-year program designed to educate and train students to be professional scientists in the area of Physics Technology. The program provides students with scientific and analytical skills in physics, as well as practical problem-solving abilities.

Course Details

• TU Code: TU877
• CAO Point Range 2024: 357−601
• NFQ Level: Level 8
• Award Type: Major
• Award: Bachelor of Science (Honours)
• ECTS Credits: 240
• Duration: 4 years
• Number of Places: 15
• Location: Grangegorman

What is Physics Technology?

Physicists design experiments to test or apply new ideas to better understand the physical world. Their work has led to key developments in areas such as optics, electronics, communications systems, information technology, computing, medical technologies, energy production and management, sustainable technologies, and environmental technologies.

Program Structure

The program is structured into four years, with each year consisting of two semesters. The program includes a wide range of subjects, from the physics of motion, electricity & magnetism, nuclear physics, mechanics, relativity, heat & thermodynamics, and quantum mechanics to technology for sustainability, astronomy, entrepreneurship for scientists, environmental & remote sensing, electronics & instrumentation, and particle physics & astrophysics.

Modules

• Year One:
  • Astronomy, Environmental & Energy Physics
  • Data Science 1
  • Introduction to Chemistry
  • Introduction to Medical Instrumentation
  • Introductory Mathematics
  • Physics Horizons & Programming for Physicists I
  • Physics Laboratory Stage I
  • Physics Theory I
• Year Two:
  • Mathematics for the Physical Sciences II
  • Mathematics for the Physical Sciences III
  • Physics Laboratory Stage II Part 1
  • Metrology/Statistical Process Control & Experimental Design
  • Relativity, Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics
  • Quantum Physics, Electromagnetism and Optics
  • Mechanics and Thermodynamics
  • Physics Horizons & Computational Physics
  • Numerical Methods and Computational Physics 2
  • Physics Laboratory Stage II Part 2
• Year Three:
  • Solid State Physics 1 (Condensed Matter)
  • Quantum Physics
  • Electronics & Instrumentation 1
  • Thermal Physics
  • Ionising Radiation & Nuclear Physics
  • Career Preparation and Structured Placement
  • Electromagnetisim and Optics
• Year Four:
  • Final Year Research Project
  • Advanced Electronics
  • Advanced Computational Physics
  • Particle Physics and Astrophysics
  • Invention, Innovation and Commercialisation
  • Lasers and Applications
  • Electromagnetism
  • Advanced Topics in Physics II & Research Methods

Admission Requirements

• Leaving Certificate Requirements:
  • Minimum Number of Subjects: 6
  • Minimum Grade in Maths: O3/H7
  • Minimum Grade in English OR Irish: O6/H7
  • Additional Requirements: At least H4 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Physics & Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Agricultural Science, Engineering, Technical Drawing, Technology, or Design and Communication Graphics.
• QQI/FET Requirements:
  • QQI/FET Award Required: Level 5 or 6 award in a relevant discipline
  • Additional Requirements: Distinctions required in specific modules, depending on the award.
• Mature Applicants:
  • Applications from mature students (23+) are welcome.
• English Language Requirements:
  • If English is not your first language, you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency, with a minimum IELTS (Academic Version) English Proficiency of 6 overall (or equivalent) with nothing less than 6 in each component.

Career Opportunities

• Research Scientist
• Medical Physicists
• Engineer/Scientist
• Space Scientist
• Environmental Scientist
• Software Engineer
• Equipment Designer
• Project Manager

Progression

On graduation, you may proceed to postgraduate studies leading to the award of MSc, MPhil or PhD at research institutes and universities worldwide.