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Physics is about the fundamental laws of the universe that govern living as well as non-living systems. It is a fundamental science, involving a deep understanding of nature derived from mathematical and experimental insights. Physics is the subject that constantly asks “why?”, questioning why matter and energy exist and act as they do, and discovering the underlying rules that govern their behaviour. Physicists now believe that all phenomena observed in the universe can be explained in terms of a handful of forces: gravity, electricity, magnetism, and weak and strong nuclear interactions.

About This Course

Physics is about the fundamental laws of the universe that govern living as well as non-living systems. It is a fundamental science, involving a deep understanding of nature derived from mathematical and experimental insights. Physics is the subject that constantly asks “why?”, questioning why matter and energy exist and act as they do, and discovering the underlying rules that govern their behaviour. Physicists now believe that all phenomena observed in the universe can be explained in terms of a handful of forces: gravity, electricity, magnetism, and weak and strong nuclear interactions.

Developments in physics have led to advances in many fields, including medicine and the semiconductor industry. Understanding physical principles and discovering new laws that explain our universe at an even deeper level are the challenges that confront physicists in the 21st century. The degree subject will develop your knowledge and skills in problem-solving, data analysis, computation and experimental techniques.

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 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

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

Third Year

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

Fourth Year

Research Project • Applied Quantum Mechanics • Classical Mechanics+Relativity • Quantum Mechanics • Electromagnetism • Optics & Lasers • Option Modules

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.

The UCD Physics degree is an accredited Physics degree and recent Physics graduates have pursued careers in areas such as energy technology, medical physics, meteorology, advanced materials (e.g. semiconductor industry), Geoscience, ICT and financial industries, and semi-state bodies such as EPA’s Office of Radiological Protection.

Graduates are also eligible to apply for MSc programmes in NanoBio Science, Space Science & Technology, Nanotechnology, Medical Physics or Meteorology, or for PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad in diverse areas such as Radiation Physics, Physics of Advanced Materials, Atomic Physics, Particle Physics and Astrophysics.

Research Internships

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.


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 1 Core Modules
 SCI10010 Principles of Scientific Enquiry Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 PHYC10080 Frontiers of Physics Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
 ACM10080 Introduction to Applied and Computational Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
 COMP10290 Computation for Scientists Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
 MATH00010 Introduction to Mathematics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of:
Students who did not achieve a H5 or better (or equivalent) in Leaving Certificate Physics must take PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010. Students who wish to pursue a degree in Theoretical Physics, Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, and who did not achieve a H5 or above in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Applied Mathematics must take ACM10080 in Stage 1. Students who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science must take COMP10290 in Stage 1.
 PHYC10070 Foundations of Physics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM10060 in Stage 1. PHYC20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. PHYC10250 is required for all Physics subjects and must be taken in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
 PHYC10050 Astronomy & Space Science Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM10060 in Stage 1. PHYC20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. PHYC10250 is required for all Physics subjects and must be taken in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
 PHYC10250 Thermal Physics and Materials Autumn  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM10060 in Stage 1. PHYC20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. PHYC10250 is required for all Physics subjects and must be taken in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
 ACM10060 Applications of Differential Equations Spring  5
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 0 of:
Students who wish to continue with Physics, Astronomy and SpaceScience must take PHYC10050 in Stage 1. Students who wish to continue with Theoretical Physics must take ACM10060 in Stage 1. PHYC20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. PHYC10250 is required for all Physics subjects and must be taken in Stage 1 or Stage 2.
 PHYC20080 Fields, Waves and Light Spring  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
 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 Physics must take ACM10060 and PHYC20080 in Stage 2.
ACM10060 Applications of Differential Equations Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not previously taken in Stage 1, students enrolled to Stage 2 Physics must take ACM10060 and PHYC20080 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:
For students progressing to Stage 3 PHYSICS, ACM20030 must be completed in Stage 2 or Stage 3.
 ACM20030 Computational Science Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) 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.
 COMP10290 Computation for Scientists Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - D) 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 - D) 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 - D) 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 - D) 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 - D) 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.
 ACM20060 Oscillations and Waves Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - D) 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 - D) 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 - D) 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
 PHYC30300 Advanced Laboratory I 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30020 Classical Mechanics and Relativity Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30030 Quantum Mechanics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30070 Electromagnetism Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 PHYC30080 Optics & Lasers Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must take PHYC20100 if not taken in stage 2, otherwise they must take PHYC30050
 PHYC20100 Thermo & Stat Physics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 1 of:
Students must take PHYC20100 if not taken in stage 2, otherwise they must take PHYC30050
 PHYC30050 Condensed Matter Physics Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 1 of:
If not taken in Stage 2 students must take ACM20030. If ACM20030 had been taken in Stage 2, students must take PHYC30090 in Stage 3. PLEASE NOTE: Students wishing to take PHYC40110 Medical Physics in stage 4 must take PHYC30090 in stage 3
 ACM20030 Computational Science Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - B) Min 1 of:
If not taken in Stage 2 students must take ACM20030. If ACM20030 had been taken in Stage 2, students must take PHYC30090 in Stage 3. PLEASE NOTE: Students wishing to take PHYC40110 Medical Physics in stage 4 must take PHYC30090 in stage 3
 PHYC30090 Nuclear Physics Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional modules may be selected from the list below or alternatively, students may select 10 credits from elective modules to complete Stage 3.
 ACM30220 Partial Differential Equations Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional modules may be selected from the list below or alternatively, students may select 10 credits from elective modules to complete Stage 3.
 PHYC30100 Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - C) Min 0 of:
Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. Additional modules may be selected from the list below or alternatively, students may select 10 credits from elective modules to complete Stage 3.
 PHYC41070 Techniques in Biophysics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PHYC40960 Physics Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  10
Stage 4 Core Modules
 PHYC40970 Advanced Laboratory II (15) 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  15
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) 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 - A) 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 - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 ACM40750 Gen Relativity & Black Holes Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC30100 Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40120 General Relativity & Cosmology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40470 Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40930 Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC41070 Techniques in Biophysics Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. 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 - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. 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 - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 ACM30200 Mathematical Fluid Dynamics I Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 ACM41040 GR and Gravitational Waves Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40030 Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. 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 - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40200 Quantum Theory of Condensed Matter Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40210 Applied Optics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40360 Theoretical Astrophysics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40650 Advanced Statistical Physics Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 3 of:
Students should select a minimum of 3 Option modules from the list below. Students who are required to register to the Programme Core PHYC30050 or PHYC30090 should only register to 4 modules from this list. Students who are required to register to both PHYC30050 and PHYC30090 should select 3 modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. Students who successfully completed SCI30080 will be manually registered to this module by the College of Science Office.
 PHYC40800 Quantum Field Theory Spring  5

SDG3 SDG4 SDG 7 SDG 9 SDG 11 SDG 12 SDG 14 SDG 15

 

By studying an undergraduate degree in the Science programme, you will be joining a global community of scientists and will be taught by world-class researchers at the forefront of research in one of the most innovative and diverse programmes in Ireland, encompassing biology, sustainability, chemistry, physics, earth sciences, mathematics and computer science. Faculty who teach on the Science programme draw on their research to provide an inclusive and equitable education for scientists who will be leaders and innovators in a range of industries and research institutes working towards a sustainable and equitable future. 

The curriculum is informed by the following research:

  • Exploring and understanding the processes that drive and can mitigate and enable adaptation to global change from evolutionary, environmental and social perspectives at levels ranging from molecular and genetic to individual, ecosystem and landscape

  • Translating fundamental discoveries to a greater understanding of health and disease, with the ultimate aim of informing novel drug discovery

  • Performing fundamental and applied research with a focus on current societal challenges including the energy transition, environmental change, geohazards and access to natural resources

The College of Science offers a range of degree subjects within the Science and Sustainability common entry courses that embed sustainability principles and are working towards the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

  • Good Health and Well-being (SGD 3)

  • Quality Education (SDG 4)

  • Affordable and Clean Energy (SGD 7)

  • Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9)

  • Sustainable Cities and Communities (SGD 11)

  • Responsible Consumption and Production (SGD 12)

  • Life Below Water (SDG 14)

  • Life on Land (SDG 15)

I fell in love with Physics after being able to apply what I learned in the classroom first-hand in the lab at UCD. This interest was boosted by two internships. After second year, I worked closely with UCD School of Physics staff to write programs to solve equations describing white dwarf and neutron stars. In third year, I travelled to the University of Notre Dame in the United States to study radioactive materials’ impact on the environment. Inspired by these internships, I began a PhD in particle physics. I am currently based at CERN in Switzerland, helping to run the ATLAS experiment at the Large Hadron Collider.

Eimear Conroy, Graduate

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SCU1
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Bachelor of Science

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Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)
Bachelor of Science

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Bachelor of Science

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