Physics & Astrophysics
Physics, and the technologies developed by physicists, play a major role in chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, and in the applied fields of optics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering. A physics education not only develops your problem-solving skills but will also provide you with a solid knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace for the betterment of society.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | National University of Ireland |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | National University of Ireland | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
4 Years
Specific Subjects or course requirements
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements
At least six subjects must be presented. Minimum grade H4 in one subject, minimum grade H5 in one subject and minimum grade O6/H7 in four other subjects. English and Irish are requirements for all programmes unless the applicant is exempt from Irish.
The following are considered Lab Science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Physics with Chemistry and Agricultural Science.
Applicants will need to meet the following minimum entry requirements:
English O6/H7
Irish O6/H7
Maths O6/H7 or H4*
Lab Science O6/H7 or H4*
Note
H4 in either a Lab Science subject, Maths or Applied Maths or Computer Science*
* If the H4 is in Maths, Applied Maths or Computer Science an 06/H7 in a Lab Science subject is also required.
Leaving Certificate Vocational Progamme LCVP
UCC awards the following points to the Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme Link Modules:
Distinction 66 points
Merit 46 points
Pass 28 points
While Link Modules are counted for point scoring purposes they may not be counted as one of the six subjects to satisfy minimum entry requirements.
QQI FET Applicants General Information
Careers / Further progression
Skills and Careers Information
Graduate Study Options
There are many options for further study. Many graduate programmes – both taught and research-based – look for students with undergraduate degrees in Physics.
The School of Physics offer postgraduate research programmes to MRes (Masters by Research) and PhD level and welcome applications from suitably qualified graduates. Postgraduate studies are completed in conjunction with one of the research groups in the School. Much of the research is performed collaboratively and there are excellent opportunities for students to broaden their skills and experience by spending time in one of their collaborating institutions in Europe, the USA, Asia or Australia.
Career Opportunities
An education in physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical, and IT skills and can lead to a wide range of careers. The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers. The career fields to choose from include computer science, data science and analysis, education, the environment, medicine, space science, climate science, sustainability, IT management, banking and finance, engineering, meteorology, astronomy, health, marketing, and technology.
Our students have an excellent track record in both career development following graduation and in postgraduate study. For further information on career opportunities from each area of study, please see the information for the relevant degree programme. You will find that the education covered in all streams of this programme develop skills that are in high demand by employers and University research teams across the board.
Further information
Approximate Available Places 3
Find out about the mature entry requirements at https://www.ucc.ie/en/study/undergrad/entryreqs/matureapplicants/
Approximate Available Places Overall 30
Entry 2024
Early online application (discounted): Fee €30 Closing Date: 20 January 2024 at 5pm
Normal online application: Fee €45 Closing Date: 1 February 2024 at 5pm
Late online application - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: €60 Closing Date: 1 May 2024 at 5pm
Change of Mind - restrictions apply (see page 3 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee: Nil Closing Date: 1 July 2024 at 5pm
Exceptional online late application (see page 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook): Fee €60 Closing Date: 22 July 2024 at 5pm
Be sure to complete any action well in advance of closing dates. You should avoid making an application close to a closing date. No extensions to closing dates will be allowed and all application fees are non-refundable.
LATE APPLICATIONS
Late Applications are those which are received after 5pm on 1 February 2024. The closing date for late applications is 5pm on 1 May 2024, subject to the restrictions listed on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook. The online facility for late applications opens on the 5 March 2024 at 12:00 noon - a fee of €60 applies.
Exceptional Late Applications (Exception to the timetable)
The exceptional closing date of 22 July at 5pm applies only to applicants who are registered as an undergraduate student on 1 May 2024 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. This is an exceptional late closing date and all steps must be completed by 5pm on 22 July. No changes may be made after this date.
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, Marino Institute of Education, Trinity College Dublin, University of Limerick and Maynooth University 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 34 of the 2024 CAO Handbook on how to make an Exceptional Late Application.
Restrictions
As a CAO applicant you may experience one or more of the following restrictions based on your course choices, your category of application, or restrictions imposed by the HEIs that you wish to apply to. Please read the section on 'Restrictions' on page 3 of the 2024 CAO Handbook carefully. This section includes information on:
General Restrictions
1. Making a late application
2. Making changes to your course choices
Restricted Courses
3. Applying for a restricted course
Mature Applicants
4. Mature applicants
Supplementary Admissions Routes
5. Applying for DARE and/or HEAR
Course Outline
If you are passionate about how things work and enjoy scientific experiments and mathematics, you should think about studying physics. Fundamentally Physics and Astrophysics is concerned with the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the nature of matter itself. Without doubt, this programme will challenge you and your imagination and opens up a world of opportunity both personal and in your career.
Physics, and the technologies developed by physicists, play a major role in chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, and in the applied fields of optics, nanotechnology, computer science and engineering. A physics education not only develops your problem-solving skills but will also provide you with a solid knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace for the betterment of society.
The introductory first year in Physics and Astrophysics gives you access to the four degree programmes:
Astrophysics
Chemical Physics
Physics
Mathematical Sciences & Physics (Joint Honours Degree)
Year 1 Modules
You will take 60 credits from a variety of modules, but note that there is a slight variation in module choice in first year depending on your preferred degree programme. You will have two options regarding which modules you take in first year:
If you wish to chose either BSc Physics, BSc Astrophysics, or BSc Chemical Physics, you can choose either Option 1 or Option 2 in first year.
If you wish to chose BSc Mathematical Sciences and Physics, you must choose Option 2 in first year.
Option 1
PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
MA1011 Mathematical Methods I (5 credits)
MA1012 Mathematical Methods II (5 credits)
AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Option 2
PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
AM1052 Introduction to Mathematics (5 credits)
MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
MA1059 Calculus (5 credits)
MA1060 Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Electives for Options 1 & 2 (choose 15 credits):
AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)*
AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits)*
CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits)**
CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)**
CS1061 Programming in C (5 credits)
CS1065 Computer Applications with Visual Basic (5 credits)
CS1068 Introductory Programming in Python (5 credits)
MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (5 credits)*
PY1054 Special Topics in Physics (5 credits)
ST1050 Statistical Programming in R (5 credits)
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
BL1006 Habitats and Ecosystems (5 credits)
*Students wishing to study BSc Mathematical Sciences & Physics must take these modules.
**Students wishing to study BSc Chemical Sciences must take one of these modules.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
Work Placement
There is no formal work placement programme, however in second and third year you have opportunities to apply for Summer research in the nearby Tyndall Institute and the Department of Physics.
Study Abroad
In the third year there are opportunities for studying abroad at a variety of universities in the US and Europe. Recently, UCC Physics students have spent third year in the following universities:
University of California (US)
University of Massachusetts (US)
University of North Carolina (US)
Technical University of Munich (Germany)
University of Marburg (Germany)
University of Groningen (Netherlands)
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue (https://ucc-ie-public.courseleaf.com/programmes/) for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules (https://ucc-ie-public.courseleaf.com/modules/)
Professor Stephen Fahy
physics@ucc.ie
+353 (0)21 490 2468
http://physics.ucc.ie/