PhysıcsGY320 Bachelor of Science

www.nuigalway.ie/physics

Applied

Astrophysics

BiomedicAl

theoreticAl

Shape your future

PhYSicS with deGree oPtionS in:

Physics is the fundamental science. it seeks to understand the basic laws governing the structure of matter, the nature of energy and the physical forces that form our world. its span of interest ranges from the nature of the short-range forces which operate inside the atomic nucleus to the origin and structure of the universe.

If you have an enquiring mind, and are interested in discovering how things work, then this could be the course for you. The Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Theoretical) four year degree at NUI Galway offers you to flexibility in how you can study physics. It gives you the opportunity to experience a number of subjects along with core Physics before specialising in your chosen pathway in third year.

These pathways are: aPPlied PhYSicS aStroPhYSicS Biomedical PhYSicS theoretical PhYSicS

During your first and second year, you will gain an insight into some of the most exciting and interesting areasof scientific inquiry, including modules in biomedical physics and astronomy.

do i need honours level mathematics?No, but physics is mathematical. In the first and second year you will be required to take mathematics courses, which will bring you to the standard required.

do i need leaving certificate physics?Leaving certificate physics will help you but it is not a requirement. We will teach you physics in first year.

Why study Physics at NUI Galway

Employer Endorsement “the challenges faced in automotive Vision & imaging are diverse and require different skill sets including technical expertise, problem solving, adaptability, communication & teamwork. our experience is that graduates from the BSc, masters and Phd programmes in the nUi Galway School of Physics have these competences in abundance and thus form a vital part of our team at r&d Valeo”. derek Savage, computer Vision & imaging (cVi) department manager, Valeo Vision Systems.

We are one of Ireland’s top universities for graduate employability, with over 93% of our graduates working or in further study within six months of graduating.93%

GY320 Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in applied, astrophysics, Biomedical, theoretical)

cao code: GY320

coUrSe leVel: 8

dUration: 4 years

minimUm entrY PointS 2013: 400

aVeraGe intake: 35

leaVinG certificate entrY reqUirementS: Minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O Level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

Course Outline & Pathways

Course Information

1st Year

Stream a Stream B

this stream is suited to students who have an interest in astrophysics and theoretical Physics

this stream is suited to students who have an interest in applied Physics and Biomedical Physics

2nd Year

Stream Stream Stream Stream

Physics Applied MathsMaths Studies or Maths

Physics Applied MathsAstrophysics Computer Science

Physics Maths Studies or Maths Maths Methods

Physics Anatomy Maths Methods Maths Molecular Bio Statistics

3rd Year

PhySicS and theoretical PhySicS

PhySicS with aStroPhySicS

PhySicS and aPPlied PhySicS

PhySicS with Biomedical PhySicS

PhysicsTheoretical Physics

Core PhysicsAstrophysicsMathematical Methods

Core PhysicsMathematical Methods

Core PhysicsBiomedical PhysicsMathematical Methods

4th Year

PhySicS and theoretical PhySicS

PhySicS with aStroPhySicS

PhySicS and aPPlied PhySicS

PhySicS with Biomedical PhySicS

PhysicsTheoretical Physics

Core PhysicsAstrophysicsPractical

Core PhysicsApplied Physics Practical

Core PhysicsBiomedical PhysicsPractical

aPPlied PhYSicS NUI Galway has a strong tradition in offering “hands-on” degrees in physics. An Applied Physics degree is attractiveto students who are interested in industrial or commercial applications of physics, particularly in emerging areasnot yet addressed by engineering degrees [leading to careers at the cutting edge]. The degree develops analytical skills and understanding of the physical concepts that are relevant to both private and publicly funded research programmes, as well industrial applications.

aStroPhYSicS Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences and has fascinated humankind since the earliest times. Yet the pace of astronomical discovery is faster now than ever before. It provides a wonderfully interesting way to study physics, even if your final career choice is not directly related to astronomy. For part of the thi rd year, students travel to an observatory abroad.

Biomedical PhYSicS Biomedical Physics is one of the fastest growing areas in physics today, involving the application of physics and physical methods to problems in medicine. The programme includes specialist topics such as molecular imaging, medical imaging, radiation biology, biophotonics and radiation therapy. The close proximity of the University Hospital allows access to cutting edge clinical facilities for training and research and there are world class biomedical physics facilities on campus.

theoretical PhYSicS Theoretical Physicists use mathematical methods, physical concepts and computational techniques to try to fundamentally understand the physical world from subatomic to cosmological scales. The recent discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider and ongoing efforts to detect and explain gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy are amongst many current high profile active research activities taking place across the world.

All our courses offer a thorough grounding in Physics, Maths and Computing. All the Physics courses at NUI Galway are strongly influenced by our thriving laboratory-based research programmes. In the summer following completion of third year, students are particularly encouraged and helped to secure a placement in industry or in a research laboratory in Ireland or abroad.

PoStGradUate StUdieSPhysics graduates can apply for a number of postgraduate programme, depending on the specialisms selected in a wide range of areas such as Applied Physics, Astrophysics, Energy/Environmental Studies, Medical and Biomedical Physics, Meteorology and Theoretical Physics, Software and Design. For more information visit www.nuigalway.ie/physics .

In what area should I specialise??

A degree in Physics is excellent training for employment in high technology industries (e.g. communications, electronics, optics and photonics, semiconductors and medical devices) and also in fields such as second- and third-level education, meteorology, the environmental and medical sciences, and software design.

A Physics degree can also lead to an exciting career in fundamental research in any area of physics or in multidisciplinary areas such as nanotechnology, medical physics, biophysics, occupational health, and materials science. Theoretical physicists often work in the financial and actuarial sectors.

Meteorologists, Medical Physicists, Teachers, Lecturers, Patent Examiners, Astronomers, Space Scientists, Professors, Engineers, Financial Analysts, Computer Engineers, Pop Stars, Comedians, Politicians, Team Leaders, Entrepreneurs, Graphic Designers, Computer Game Designers, Development Aid Researchers, Forensic Scientists, Laser Physicists, Nuclear Scientists, Oil Explorers, Renewable Energy Researchers, Rocket Scientists and Volcanologists...

Career Opportunities

Who has a Physics degree?

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analystfergal keaney BSc 2013, analytics analyst with accenture

“I love the fast paced environment of consultancy where your comfort zone is always being challenged. As a physicist we have a unique pragmatic approach to problem solving, and work well in large teams to deliver consistent innovative solutions. Studying physics has given me the confidence I need to adapt quickly with complex analytical and statistical models, using and developing them to deliver valuable business insight”.

meteorologistaisling Butler BSc 2012, trainee operational meteorologist, Uk met office

“I followed my BSc with an MSc in Meteorology from Reading University. Weather and climate have always been of particular interest to me and my undergraduate degree course, laid the foundation for further atmospheric studies, particularly through modules in Atmospheric Physics, Thermodynamics and Oceanography. This gave me a head start in my MSc as I was applying much of my physics knowledge to understanding weather variability and climate patterns”.

algorithm expertJohn mcdonald BSc 2004 (Phd 2007), lead algorithm integration expert, Valeo Vision Systems

“Automotive vision is at the forefront of modern technologies, in terms of both the hardware and software innovations. Given the cutting-edge nature of the field, the projects are complex and the work is extremely dynamic and challenging. Every day is different, which makes the job enjoyable and the challenges make it rewarding. A degree in Physics has instilled in me the ability to think abstractly and laterally in order to analyse problems from many different perspectives”.

medical PhysicistSinéad cleary BSc 2002 (mSc 2003), medical Physicist, University hospital Galway

“Work as a radiotherapy medical physicist ensures the accurate and safe delivery of radiotherapy treatments to cancer patients. The logical and analytical thinking along with the theoretical knowledge gained from my BSc and MSc are put to use in numerous ways in day to day work, which varies from the clinical needs of the department to the clinical and theoretical research of medical trials and new emerging technologies”.

Meet the Graduates

School of Physicstel +353 (0) 91 492490e: tess.mahoney@nuigaway.iew: www.nuigalway.ie/physics

nUi Galway School of Physics was awarded Juno Practitioner status by the institute of Physics in 2013. the aim of Project Juno is to recognise and reward departments that can demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in physics .http://www.iop.org/policy/diversity/initiatives/juno/index.html

Science museum curatoralison Boyle BSc 1998, curator of astronomy and modern Physics at the Science museum london

“I’m responsible for interpreting a world-leading historical collection and ensuring it is kept up to date with the latest major developments. My physics training comes in particularly useful for understanding and interpreting 20th and 21st century science, especially when I have five minutes to get my head around a major space science story before talking about it on the TV news!”