Program Overview

Introduction to the UCD Physics of Life Sciences and Nanoscale Science Taught MSc

University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland, is one of the top universities in Europe, ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. The UCD School of Physics is an internationally reputed, top research-driven academic unit.

Program Overview

The MSc degrees offered by the School of Physics provide a welcoming opportunity for students to develop interdisciplinary expertise, which will set them up for future employment or further post-graduate studies. Graduates have gone on to research and employment in various sectors, including bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting, and the green technologies industry sectors.

Program Structure

The program prepares students for a career in industry or for further PhD research. Students have the opportunity to personalize their training by registering for a broad variety of optional modules upon consultation and agreement with the faculty program Directors. The program is aimed at students with a strong background in Physics or related Natural Sciences with demonstrable English proficiency for students whose first language is not English.

Negotiated Learning

Negotiated Learning gives all students on these programs an opportunity to tailor their studies in consultation with academic staff and do a significant research project or internship. Students on these 90 ECTS credit MScs generally take a 45 credit research project module, whilst internships tend to account for 30 credits. The remainder of the 90 credits are made up of taught modules.

Available Modules

Students will have the opportunity to select modules that focus on applying physics to interdisciplinary topics that are at the forefront of international research in biophysics and/or nanoscale science and technology. Available modules cover a range of experimental, computational, and theoretical aspects. All students will have an opportunity to develop their data analytics skills.

Career Opportunities

Career opportunities are broad, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting, and green technologies industry sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in top Irish, EU, and non-EU universities. Recent and prospective employers include Deloitte & Touche, Murex Inc., Intel Ireland, Pfizer, Merck, Philips, Tullow Oil, Airbus (Germany), the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and National Institutes of Health, USA.

Featured Programs

The School of Physics offers four featured Negotiated Learning Masters of Science in:

• Physics of Life and Nanoscale Science
• Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics
• Computational Physics
• Nano-Bio Science
• Nano-Technology

Student Testimonials

The program has received positive testimonials from past students, who have appreciated the flexibility, research opportunities, and career prospects provided by the program. Students have praised the supportive learning environment, the opportunity to work with approachable professors and peers, and the chance to develop new skills and expertise.