Expand+Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (H...

Hide-Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an approved equivalent) with a minimum of six subjects which must include: Two H5 (Higher Level) grades and Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

In addition, applicants must hold a minimum grade H4 in Mathematics and a grade H4 in any one of the following: Applied Mathematics, Engineering, Physics, Physics with Chemistry.

A Special Mathematics (Higher Level) Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.

Irish Leaving Certificate Applicants

Minimum Entry Requirements

Degree
An applicant is expected to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with a minimum of six subjects which must include:

• Two H5 (Higher Level) grades; and
• Four O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or four H7 (Higher Level) grades.

Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English.

Certificate/Diploma Equine Science
An applicant is expected to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate with at least five O6 (Ordinary Level) grades or five H7 (Higher Level) grades. Subjects must include Mathematics, Irish or another language, and English. Candidates wishing to transfer to the follow-on Diploma programme in Equine Science will require at least a Second Class Honours award at Certificate level. Graduates obtaining at least a Second Class Honours in the Diploma will be considered for entry to year 4 of the B.Sc. in Equine Science.

Special Mathematics Entrance Examination
The University holds a special mathematics entrance examination in August each year for students who achieve sufficient CAO entry points and satisfy all other entrance requirements, but who do not achieve the requisite grade in Higher Level Mathematics in the Leaving Certificate for Faculty of Science and Engineering undergraduate degrees. Candidates who pass this special examination are deemed to have satisfied the Higher Level Mathematics entry requirement for all programmes run by the Faculty of Science & Engineering. Further information and an application form is available from www.ul.ie/admissions

Computer Studies Course
The University of Limerick is involved, in association with a number of schools, in the delivery of a Computer Studies course. A passing grade in the Computer Studies course is deemed equivalent to a Leaving Certificate subject for eligibility and scoring. Further information from the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Specific Subject Requirements for Individual Programmes Specific subject requirements for individual programmes are detailed above. It should be noted that candidates may continue to fulfill minimum and specific subject requirements from more than one sitting of the Leaving Certificate. Foundation Mathematics, Foundation Irish and Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme (LCVP) do not satisfy specific subject requirements.

Competitive Entry
Due to the number and calibre of applicants, qualified candidates to all undergraduate degree programmes who satisfy the minimum and specific entry requirements outlined above, are placed in order of merit based on a points system. The system operates as follows:

• Points are awarded for all Leaving Certificate Higher and Ordinary Level Subjects based on the grades achieved in each subject with the exception of the following subjects o Foundation Mathematics o Foundation Irish

• Points are awarded for the best six subjects.

• Where applicable the LCVP can be considered for points purposes provided the minimum entry requirements and specific subject requirements are satisfied.

• The six subjects must be taken at any one sitting of the Leaving Certificate.

• An additional score of 25 points is awarded for grades H1 to H6 in the Higher Leaving Mathematics. The additional scores apply only where it is included as one of the applicant’s best 6 subjects.

The following rules apply to combinations of subjects when computing an applicant’s point score. These rules also apply in fulfilling minimum entry requirements:

• Physics, Physics and Chemistry count as one subject;

• Chemistry, Physics and Chemistry count as one subject;

• Physics, Chemistry and Physics, and Chemistry count as two subjects,

• Home Economics (Scientific and Social), Home Economics (General) and Home Economics (Single course), any combination counts as one subject.

• English, English Composition count as one subject.

• Music, Music and Musicianship, Music and Musicianship A, Music and Musicianship B, any combination counts as one subject.

• Agricultural Economics, History, Economics, Economic History count as three subjects.

• Any two or three subject combination of: History, Economics, Economic History, Agricultural Economics, counts as two subjects except when Agricultural Economics and Economics are combined in which case they count as one subject.

Bonus points are ONLY awarded for Higher Level Mathematics at Grade H6 and above and where it is included as one of the applicants best six subjects.

Expand+We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Mature Entry
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants may apply for consideration on the grounds of mature years...

Hide-We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Mature Entry
Minimum Entry Requirements
Applicants may apply for consideration on the grounds of mature years. Applicants must be at least 23 years of age on 1st January in the year of entry.

Selection and Assessment
Admission to Nursing and Midwifery Programmes
Mature applicants to degree programmes in General, Mental Health, Intellectual Disability Nursing and Midwifery must undertake a written assessment test. This test is run by the Public Appointments Service (PAS) on behalf of the Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The test is usually held in April. Mature applicants seeking further information on application to degree programmes in Nursing, and in Midwifery, should also consult the booklet “Nursing/ Midwifery a Career for You” available from:

Nursing & Midwifery Board of Ireland
Telephone: 01 6398528
Email: careersinformation@nmbi.ie
Web: www.nursingcareers.ie

Admission to LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences, LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology

In the case of LM089 Sports and Exercise Sciences, LM100 Physiotherapy and LM102 Psychology applicants are required to undertake the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) test. There is one sitting of the test annually, usually in March. Further details, including test date and test centres, are available from http://msap-ie.acer.edu.au.

The test is designed to assess a range of competencies considered important for success in higher education studies. The purpose of the test is to assess ability to understand and analyse material, to think critically about issues and to organise and express thoughts in a logical and effective way.

Admission to LM103 Paramedic Studies Mature applicants to LM103 Paramedic Studies are assessed for places by means of a written assessment test and subsequent interview.

Admission to all other programmes
Each mature applicant is considered on an individual basis. Applicants are expected to provide details on the CAO form of their highest qualification to date, current studies, post-secondary education, second level education, non-certificate courses, employment or voluntary work, English language proficiency (if applicable), references, statement of interest and hobbies/interests. See admissions.ul.ie for full details on the supporting documentation required for different programmes.

All applicants must also provide a tailored personal statement for each programme of study being applied for. The detail provided in the personal statement is an important part of the assessment process as it allows the applicant to outline:

• Reasons for wishing to undertake this particular degree

• Programme’s potential contribution to future career or life plans

• Highlight relevant experiences or skills gained through employment, voluntary work, or personal interests which have prepared you to undertake this degree programme

• Knowledge and understanding of the career area in which you are interested

• Preparation made for undertaking this degree programme

Mature Student Access Certificate
The Mature Student Access Certificate is a one year pre-degree course designed for prospective mature students who feel that they need a foundation level of study before starting a degree course. The programme prepares students for third-level education by facilitating the development of key learning and academic skills through subjects such as Study Skills, Computer Skills, Educational Guidance, Maths and a choice of Engineering, Science, Humanities or Business. On successful completion of the programme students can progress directly onto a range of designated degree programmes in UL. Applicants must be at least 22 years of age by 1st January of the year of registration for this programme. Contact the Mature Student Office for further details.

Supports for Mature Students
A number of supports are available to mature students through the Mature Student Office. Further information is available in the Mature Student Handbook. For copies of the handbook and further information please contact the Mature Student Office: Telephone 061 202735 Email mso@ul.ie or www.ul.ie/mso

Expand+Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2018 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2...

Hide-Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20th January 2018 at 5:15pm

Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm

Late online application - restrictions apply: Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1st May 2018 at 5:15 pm

Change of Mind - restrictions apply: Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1st July 2018 5:15 pm

Exceptional online late application - see page 14 of the 2018 CAO Handbook: Fee €60 Closing Date: 22nd July 2018 at 5:15pm

You should avoid submitting an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all fees are non-refundable.

LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5:15pm on 1st February 2018 and will be accepted up to 5:15pm on 1st May 2018, subject to the restricitions listed on page 3 of the 2018 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5th March 2018 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.

Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the Timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22nd of July at 5:15pm applies only to applicants who are currently undergraduate students in any year in any one of the participating HEIs (subject to the exclusions listed below). In order to avail of the Exceptional Late Application facility you must have entered the HEI through the CAO system.

If you did not enter your current course through the CAO system, you must first contact the Admissions Office of the HEI to which you wish to apply and they will inform you if you may submit an application direct to the institution.

Exclusions:
You may submit a late application only for entry to courses other than your existing course. If you wish to repeat the year in the same course you must arrange this within your HEI.

Mary Immaculate College Limerick, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick, Maynooth University and Galway Mayo Institute of Technology have special procedures in place in the case of current or previous students who wish to apply for entry to another course in the same HEI. Such applicants must contact their Admissions Office to determine the application procedure. However, if you are a student in another HEI and you wish to apply to any of these five HEIs, you should apply through CAO.

Refer to page 15 of the 2018 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.

Restricted-category Applicants
Mature applicants – most HEIs will require mature applicants, who wish to be assessed on mature grounds, to have applied to CAO by 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm. (This restriction does not apply if the applicant wishes to be considered on the basis of school leaving qualifications only.) For more information about applying to CAO on the basis of mature years go to www.cao.ie/mature.

Applying for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes – to be considered for the HEAR and/or DARE schemes applicants must have registered on the CAO system by 1st February 2018 at 5:15pm and must have completed the HEAR/DARE application form by 1st March 2018 at 5:15pm – supporting documents must be sent to CAO offices before 1st April 2018 at 5:15pm.

Expand+About you
Do you ever wonder:
• How did the universe begin?
• How does the sun keep shining?
• How can we store so much information on something as small as a microSD card?
• How does your mobile device know when to change the orientation of the...

Hide-About you
Do you ever wonder:
• How did the universe begin?
• How does the sun keep shining?
• How can we store so much information on something as small as a microSD card?
• How does your mobile device know when to change the orientation of the screen depending on how you hold it?
• How can computer games look so realistic?
• How is the weather so unpredictable more than a few days into the future?
• How can we create technological solutions to address problems like global climate change and the need for renewable energies?
• How can we form images down to the scale of individual atoms?
If these questions interest you and you want flexibility in choosing a career then studying Physics at UL is your best choice.

Why study Physics at UL?
Physics is the study of matter and energy and their interaction: so it is the study of everything in the physical world. In order to learn about nature it is necessary to understand the language that she speaks in. This language is mathematics. A physicist uses the tools of experiment and mathematics to uncover the relationships found in nature as Physics.

Physicists get to ask the big questions and their work enables them to form answers. Physics describes the Universe from the very largest size (of the Universe itself) to the very small sizes of atoms and even subatomic particles. By asking and answering these big questions rather than simply observing nature, physicists can use the knowledge gained to control natural phenomena in the form of technology.

Albert Einstein’s development of General Relativity in the early 20th century was initially used to describe gravity around large celestial bodies such as the Sun, galaxies or even black holes. Einstein’s theory has found modern-day application in the Global Positioning System (GPS) that many of us regularly use to navigate our journeys. Without Einstein’s theory, and the physicists who understood it, GPS would simply not have worked.

Quantum Mechanics was developed by physicists to describe the smallest of objects; atoms and subatomic particles. Physicists then identified how to control the flow of electrons in matter. This work has led directly to the development of modern digital computers. When you use your computer/mobile device you are using the technologies initially developed by physicists.

The examples described above involved developing a theory in Physics from conception through to a technological application. Physicists are part of this process at every step from theory to application. This flexibility for physicists in the workplace is one of the strengths of a Physics degree. A Physics degree imparts knowledge of the physical world, along with strong mathematical and problem-solving skills.

Physicists also have a broad knowledge of subjects that other disciplines would find difficult to match including Quantum Mechanics, Optics, Thermal Physics, Electromagnetism, Semiconductors, Solid State Physics, and Nanotechnology. The detailed knowledge of these areas ensures that good physics graduates will always be in demand by industry.

Physicists can also undertake research in either industry or academia. Faculty in the Department of Physics and Energy are actively involved in research in areas such as

• Flow batteries for large scale energy storage,
• Using light to transmit information rather than electrons in wires (Nanoplasmonics),
• Computational modelling of assemblies comprising millions of atoms to determine properties of various materials,
• Using electron microscopy to determine the structure of nanoscale materials and to investigate novel 2-D materials like graphene,
• Microelectromechanical structures and devices for biomedical applications.

In your final year of study you will undertake a project working on these or other topics alongside and guided by established researchers in the Department.

In summary, Physics is a fascinating subject to study that develops strong mathematical and problem-solving skills with a deep understanding of topics that are of particular relevance to new and developing technologies in both research and industry.

Why study Applied Physics at UL?
The UL link with industry is one of the strongest in Ireland. With both directly funded and state-sponsored active collaborative research, the Department of Physics and Energy at UL is working with companies such as Analog Devices, COOK Medical, Intel, and BorgWarner. In addition to advancing science and developing new products, this engagement also creates employment opportunities for the graduates of the BSc in Applied Physics course. UL’s pioneering Cooperative placement programme also ensures that the graduates are engaged with industry from an early stage of their career and can adapt to the high levels of skill and professionalism required in industry.

Faculty members teaching this course are deeply involved in research and are continually generating scientific breakthroughs and next generation technologies. The Department has an outstanding track record in scientific publications, patents and generation of intellectual property. Examples of scientific advances and technological innovations pioneered in the Department include piezoelectricity in synthetic bone material, infrared nanoscopy, and vanadium redox flow batteries.

Many of the Department’s faculty members are also members of the Bernal Institute, one of the leading research institutes in Ireland, which houses nationally unique microscopy, spectroscopy and process infrastructure. Students gain access to this infrastructure through undergraduate laboratory courses and fourth year projects.

In short, the top reasons for studying applied physics at UL are:

1. A pragmatic balance between fundamental and applied aspects of physics

2. Strong emphasis on problem-solving skills making graduates highly desirable as employees in industry, academia and research.

3. Strong engagement in research ensuring that graduates are up to date with the latest developments in applied physics.

4. Outstanding links with local industry for cooperative placement, collaborative research and employment.

5. A friendly, collaborative, and highly collegial environment that stimulates innovative thinking and promotes the highest standard of accomplishment in tackling challenges.

Why study Mathematics and Physics at UL?
Traditional mathematical physics degrees in Ireland have been narrow in their scope. This course seeks to provide a genuine mixture of the two subjects. In addition to developing core and advanced mathematical skills, training will be provided in fundamental physics spanning mechanics to quantum mechanics, and in state-ofthe- art applications of physics such as nanotechnology.

The analytical training and broad physical understanding of challenges likely to be encountered in an industrial setting will prove to be a valuable asset for prospective employers. The applied aspects in particular will ensure that, on graduation, you will be at an advantage in comparison to more traditional Maths Physics graduates, when seeking employment in the smart economy. In such an economy envisaged by the Government, academic and industrial research will be closely coupled.

Expand+What you will study
In the first semester you will study topics in physics including mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and methods of measurement. You will also study general chemistry and topics in mathematics including linear algebra and ca...

Hide-What you will study
In the first semester you will study topics in physics including mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and methods of measurement. You will also study general chemistry and topics in mathematics including linear algebra and calculus. Before the end of Semester 1 you will choose whether you wish to study

• Applied Physics or
• Mathematics and Physics.

The major distinction between these two programmes is that Applied Physics includes physical chemistry and electronics, subjects that the Mathematics and Physics programme omits in favour of developing stronger mathematical skills.

What you will study
The programme is four years in duration. The first two years provide you with a strong foundation in the following areas: •

• Mechanics
• Thermodynamics
• Optics
• Electromagnetism
• Modern Physics
• Experimental Physics
• Chemistry
• Electronics
• Computing
• Mathematics

The third and fourth years of study provide core material in the following areas:

• Quantum Mechanics
• Semiconductors
• Nanotechnology
• Computational Physics
• Medical Instrumentation

An important element of the final year is an Applied Physics project which gives you the opportunity to study a problem in depth. During the Spring Semester and Summer of third year a period of Cooperative Education gives you experience of the application of Physics in an industrial environment. To find out more, go to www.ul.ie/physics

What you will study - Mathematics & Physics
This full time programme is of four years duration. The first two years are a combination of the main modules taken in both the mathematical sciences degree and the applied physics degree at UL. In these first two years the fundamental aspects of physics and mathematics are established. Physical subjects will include such topics as Mechanics, Waves, Light, Thermal Physics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics, which spans the scope of current basic understanding in physics. In addition, more applied topics are Optics and Semiconductors which are essential to modern technology.

Mathematical subjects include Calculus, Algebra, Vector Analysis, Ordinary and Partial Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Fourier Analysis and Computer Software.

During the spring semester of the third year, a period of cooperative education (placement in industry) provides you with practical experience in a relevant work environment. This is organised by the University’s Cooperative Education Department in collaboration with representatives from various industries, both in Ireland and abroad. Students are interviewed by company representatives. On selection, they are offered full-time employment during the Cooperative Education period and are paid at a competitive rate.

The remainder of the modules taken during third and fourth year offer a more in-depth view of both mathematics and physics. The offered modules include: Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics, Atomic, Molecular and Laser Physics, Nano-technology, Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations and Mathematics of Natural Phenomena. These more advanced subjects will prepare you for both an industrial career and also for a career in research and development.

During the final year, a project is undertaken that allows you to analyse a particular problem in depth. This also gives students interested in postgraduate research an opportunity to carry out an exploratory investigation of a potential research topic.
To find out more, go to www.maths.ul.ie

Expand+Career Opportunities
Physics graduates work in jobs such as:
• Research and Development Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Researcher
• Medical Physicist
• Consultant/Analyst
• Software developer
• Manager

Career Opportunities - Applied Physcis...

Hide-Career Opportunities
Physics graduates work in jobs such as:
• Research and Development Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Researcher
• Medical Physicist
• Consultant/Analyst
• Software developer
• Manager

Career Opportunities - Applied Physcis
The Applied Physics degree provides flexibility and freedom in choosing a career. Applied physics has an obvious advantage over other physics courses, for example astrophysics, in that our graduates are better positioned to fill lucrative industrial roles.

Many of our graduates are employed by market leaders in the semiconductor industry such as Intel Ireland, Analog devices, and ASML.

Applied Physics is sufficiently broad in scope that our graduates are working throughout the high technology sector in areas including computer software (Google, Avaya), electronics (Molex, Microsemi), enterprise services (Accenture, SAP), and medical devices (Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, and Stryker).

Follow-On Study
Our graduates have a good understanding of mathematics and experimental techniques allowing further study to MSc and PhD levels in various areas of science, engineering, mathematics and even quantitative areas of finance and economics.

Career Opportunities - Mathematics & Physics
Careers open to you with a degree in Mathematics and Physics include;
• Physicist
• Meteorologist
• Patent Agent
• Planetary Scientist
• Acoustical Physicist
• Teacher

As more and more of the world’s leading technical and finance companies locate in Ireland, graduates with the skills provided by the B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics are needed now more than ever. Examples include companies such as Havok who build the physics engines that power video games and special effects.

Another example is the financial services industry where physics underlies much of financial modeling. The combined mathematical and physics content will train students to have analytical minds, to develop logical problem solving abilities, and will give you the ability to apply this knowledge. Employers value these assets highly and often hire mathematicians and physicists even though their specific training might not be directly relevant to the job on offer.

Follow-On Study
The B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics prepares students for postgraduate degrees, which can lead to research opportunities at UL such as MACSI (Mathematics Applications Consortium for Science and Industry). This is a network of applied mathematicians and physicists who work on solving industrial problems that come directly from companies within Ireland. Graduates might also opt for the MSc in Mathematical Modelling.