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Theoretical Physics

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At UCD, Theoretical Physics puts emphasis on the mathematical description of physical phenomena, providing a unified picture of the fundamental laws of nature. It is ideally suited to students who enjoy studying Mathematics and Physics in secondary school. Insights from Theoretical Physics are driving our understanding of nature at all scales, from the origin of large-scale structures in the universe to the Planck scale, where our current understanding of space and time breaks down. The degree subject comprehensively covers Theoretical Physics, while developing your knowledge and expertise in problem solving, using analytical and computational techniques, which have wide application in, for example, biophysics, social physics, quantum physics, relativity and nanoscience.

About This Course

At UCD, Theoretical Physics puts emphasis on the mathematical description of physical phenomena, providing a unified picture of the fundamental laws of nature. It is ideally suited to students who enjoy studying Mathematics and Physics in secondary school. Insights from Theoretical Physics are driving our understanding of nature at all scales, from the origin of large-scale structures in the universe to the Planck scale, where our current understanding of space and time breaks down. The degree subject comprehensively covers Theoretical Physics, while developing your knowledge and expertise in problem solving, using analytical and computational techniques, which have wide application in, for example, biophysics, social physics, quantum physics, relativity and nanoscience.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Theoretical Physics is one of the degree subjects available through the Physics stream in the common entry Science course. Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Physics stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree subject. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from and if a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. For more information on choosing a degree subject at the end of Second Year, visit the Physics stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Theoretical Physics student could study each year in UCD.

First Year

Scientific Enquiry • Introduction to Applied & Computational Mathematics • Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences • Frontiers of Physics • Foundations of Physics • Astronomy & Space Science • Fields, Waves and Light • Option Modules • Elective Module 

Second Year

Computational Science • Classical Mechanics • Calculus of Several Variables • Introductory Quantum Mechanics • Oscillations & Waves • Vector Calculus • Methods for Physicists • Electronics & Devices • + modules for 1 other Science Subject • Elective Modules

Third Year

Advanced Theoretical Physics Laboratory • Classical Mechanics+Relativity • Quantum Mechanics • Electromagnetism • Optics & Lasers • Complex Analysis • Option Modules • Elective Modules • Physics offers summer research experience to undergraduates

Fourth Year

Research Project • Applied Quantum Mechanics • Advanced Mathematical Methods • High Energy Particle Physics • Nuclear Physics • General Relativity & Cosmology • Computational Biophysics • Quantum Field Theory • Option Modules

Timetables & Assessment
Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full-time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Students can apply to study for a trimester or year in third year in a number of universities worldwide including University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Santa Cruz; San Jose State University, and University of Melbourne.

Theoretical Physics graduates can choose to develop careers in a variety of sectors including academic and government research Institutions, energy technologies, information and communication technology, advanced materials (e.g. semiconductor industry), management consulting, stock market and financial risk analysis, climate change and environmental impact analysis, and second and third-level education.

The Theoretical Physics degree is an accredited Physics degree and graduates are well prepared for further research and have successfully completed PhDs in MIT, Caltech, Harvard, Princeton and Cambridge, as well as in UCD.

The UCD School of Physics typically offers a number of research studentships working on a range of projects within the school. These are suitable for undergraduates currently studying physics or a related discipline, and aim to give students the opportunity to gain research experience.



More information about the internship module and application process.


UCD Science Office

You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:




  • Submit your query using our dedicated Contact Form.

  • Drop into the office in the UCD O'Brien Centre for Science, Science East, Room E1.09. Our office opening hours are 10am to 4pm (during term time).


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ACM20030 Computational Science Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 MATH20060 Calculus of Several Variables Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PHYC20020 Introductory Quantum Mechanics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ACM20050 Classical Mechanics Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ACM20060 Oscillations and Waves Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 ACM20150 Vector Integral & Differential Calculus Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PHYC20060 Methods for Physicists Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PHYC20090 Electronics and Devices Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not previously taken in Stage 1, students enrolled to Stage 2 Theoretical Physics must take PHYC 20080 in Stage 2.
PHYC20080 Fields, Waves and Light Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B)1 of:
If not taken in Stage 1, students must take PHYC10250 in Stage 2. Students who completed PHYC10250 in Stage 1 must take PHYC20100 in Stage 2.
PHYC10250 Thermal Physics and Materials Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - B)1 of:
If not taken in Stage 1, students must take PHYC10250 in Stage 2. Students who completed PHYC10250 in Stage 1 must take PHYC20100 in Stage 2.
PHYC20100 Thermo & Stat Physics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 MATH20300 Linear Algebra 2 for the Mathematical Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 PHYC10050 Astronomy & Space Science Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 PHYC10210 Quanta, Particles & Relativity Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 PHYC10270 Introduction to Biophysics Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 STAT20110 Introduction to Probability Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 MATH10320 Mathematical Analysis Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 MATH20310 Groups, Rings and Fields Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 PHYC20040 Exploring the Solar System Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students must select 50 credits from programme modules (cores and options). Students may also select 10 credits from elective modules. Alternatively, additional Option modules may be selected from the list below but students are not restricted to this list.
 STAT10060 Statistical Modelling Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30320 Advanced Laboratory for Theoretical Physics I 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ACM30220 Partial Differential Equations Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30020 Classical Mechanics and Relativity Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30030 Quantum Mechanics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 ACM30200 Mathematical Fluid Dynamics I Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 MATH30040 Complex Analysis Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30070 Electromagnetism Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A)1 of:
Students must take PHYC20100 if not taken in stage 2, Students who had taken PHYC20100 in Stage 2 must take PHYC30050 in Stage 3.
 PHYC20100 Thermo & Stat Physics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A)1 of:
Students must take PHYC20100 if not taken in stage 2, Students who had taken PHYC20100 in Stage 2 must take PHYC30050 in Stage 3.
 PHYC30050 Condensed Matter Physics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 0 of:
PHYC30090 can be taken in Stage 3 or Stage 4. Students who wish to take PHYC40110 Medical Physics in Stage 4 must take PHYC30090 in Stage 3.
 PHYC30090 Nuclear Physics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Students must choose one module from this list.
 ACM30130 Advanced Computational Science Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Students must choose one module from this list.
 ACM30190 Dynamical Systems Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Students must choose one module from this list.
 ACM30020 Applied Analysis Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Students must choose one module from this list.
 ACM30090 Mathematical Biology Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 1 of:
Students must choose one module from this list.
 ACM30140 Numerical Methods for PDEs Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional option modules may be selected from the list below, instead of elective modules, to complete Stage 3
 MATH20300 Linear Algebra 2 for the Mathematical Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional option modules may be selected from the list below, instead of elective modules, to complete Stage 3
 PHYC30100 Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional option modules may be selected from the list below, instead of elective modules, to complete Stage 3
 ACM30210 Foundations of Quantum Theory Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional option modules may be selected from the list below, instead of elective modules, to complete Stage 3
 PHYC30080 Optics & Lasers Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - D) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional option modules may be selected from the list below, instead of elective modules, to complete Stage 3
 STAT20100 Inferential Statistics Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PHYC40900 Proj. Theoretical Physics 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PHYC40020 Applied Quantum Mechanics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PHYC40080 High Energy Particle Physics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
One (but not both) of PHYC40120 or ACM40750 must be taken by all Theoretical Physics students in Stage 4. Students who wish to take ACM41040 in the Spring must also choose ACM40750 in the Autumn.
 ACM40750 Gen Relativity & Black Holes Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A)1 of:
One (but not both) of PHYC40120 or ACM40750 must be taken by all Theoretical Physics students in Stage 4. Students who wish to take ACM41040 in the Spring must also choose ACM40750 in the Autumn.
 PHYC40120 General Relativity & Cosmology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
If not taken in Stage 3, students must take PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 in Stage 4.
 PHYC30050 Condensed Matter Physics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of:
If not taken in Stage 3, students must take PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 in Stage 4.
 PHYC30090 Nuclear Physics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM30190 Dynamical Systems Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM40010 Electrodynamics & Gauge Theory Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM40070 Math Fluid Dynamics II Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM40690 Applied Complex Variables Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM41020 Maths of Machine Learning Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC30100 Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40930 Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC41070 Techniques in Biophysics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM30020 Applied Analysis Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM30090 Mathematical Biology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM40890 Advanced Fluid Mechanics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM41010 Math of Sust & Environment Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM41030 Optimization Algorithms Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 ACM41040 GR and Gravitational Waves Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40030 Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40200 Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40360 Theoretical Astrophysics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40650 Advanced Statistical Physics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 5 of:
[Set A] If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 have been taken in Stage 3: Students must register to a total of 7 modules from Set A and Set B (35 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A. Only a maximum of two modules can be selected from Set B. If PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 are taken in Stage 4: students must register to 5 modules from Set A and Set B (25 credits). These can be selected entirely from Set A if desired. Only two modules can be selected from Set B. In either of the above cases students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750.
 PHYC40800 Quantum Field Theory Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 SCI30080 Professional Placement-Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40330 Advanced Laboratory for TP III Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40570 Physics Demonstrating\Tutoring Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40690 Advanced Laboratory Physics Autumn and Spring (separate)  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC30080 Optics & Lasers Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40110 Medical Physics (Selected Topics) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - D) Min 0 of:
[Set B] Students may select a maximum of 2 option modules from this list. students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring  5

In First Year, I had the opportunity to sample a number of different areas before eventually choosing Theoretical Physics as my degree. The combination of problem solving, mathematics and programming helped me make my decision. I travelled to CERN in Geneva with the Physics Society which was a great experience. Since my graduation, I have been working as a Technology Consultant within Ernst & Young which gave me the opportunity to work on a large variety of projects and learn about how technology can be used to solve problems for various clients.

Ian Smith, Graduate

"In First Year, I had the opportunity to sample a number of different areas before eventually choosing Theoretical Physics as my degree. The combination of problem solving, mathematics and programming helped me make my decision. I travelled to CERN in Geneva with the Physics Society which was a great experience. I also regularly go on surf trips with UCD Surf Club around Ireland. I travelled with the club to Taghazout in Morocco on their annual foreign trip where I had an amazing time. Since my graduation, I have been working as a Technology Consultant within Ernst & Young which gave me the opportunity to work on a large variety of projects and learn about how technology can be used to solve problems for various clients."

Ian Smith, Graduate

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Theoretical Physics:

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SCU1
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Bachelor of Science

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Commencing September 2025
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Bachelor of Science

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