We ask you to indicate where you are applying from so that we can show you the information most relevant to you about a course, studying at UCD, where to get assistance, how you apply and, in due course, what fees you pay.
As a general rule, pick the Irish/UK/EU option if you have been a legal resident of Ireland, any other EU or EEA country, the Swiss Confederation or the UK in recent years.
More detailed information is available at ucd.ie/students/fees/eufeeassessment/.
This course is available through the following application route(s)
AAC / ABBC / ABB
+ E AS Level
33
GCSE A / A Level D
(or AS Level C)
IB SL 6 / HL 4
GCSE A / A Level D
(or AS Level C)
IB SL 6 / HL 4
544
O2/H6 in MathematicsO2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) andO6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
BBC / BCCC / BCC
+ C AS Level
29
GCSE A / A Level D
(or AS Level C)
IB SL 6 / HL 4
GCSE A / A Level D
(or AS Level C)
IB SL 6 / HL 4
544
O2/H6 in MathematicsO2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) andO6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Science is a common entry course, leading to a BSc degree in one of 26 degree subjects. All degree subjects are organised into thematic streams. The Physics stream includes the following degree subjects:
Degree Subjects:
Students interested in Physics and Mathematics can study both streams in First Year.
Choosing your Degree Major
In general, students have to decide on one stream to pursue in second year and will study two or more degree subjects from that stream. Limited degree subjects between different streams can be studied in second year. They must be compatible from a content and timetable perspective, such as Mathematics and Physics and a list is not available as it can change each year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major.
Graduates work in a number of areas, depending on their degree subject. Each degree equips students with a particular skillset that may be applied to one or more industries.
If a Physics degree interests you, depending on the degree subject, graduates have worked in the Semiconductor, Nanotechnology & Space Industry.
Many of our Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science graduates also work in Computing, Risk, Finance & Analytics.
UCD Science Office
You can contact the UCD Science Office in the following ways:
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
SCI10010 | Principles of Scientific Enquiry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MATH10340 | Linear Algebra in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences | Spring | 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 PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. 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. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, 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 PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. 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. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, 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 PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. 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. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, 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 PHYC 10070 Foundations of Physics. Student that did not receive an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. 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. Any student who did not obtain a H5 or higher in Higher Level Leaving Certificate Computer Science, or equlivaent, must take COMP10290 in Stage 1. |
PHYC10070 | Foundations of Physics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any student who did not achieve at least an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. In addition, students who wish pursue Physical Sciences and who are required to take MATH00010 MUST take MATH10400 in the Summer Trimester as a substitute for MATH10350. |
MATH10350 | Calculus in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Students must take one Mathematics module in the Autumn Trimester of Stage 1. Any student who did not achieve at least an O1 or H5 in Leaving Certificate Mathematics must take MATH00010 and achieve A-. In addition, students who wish pursue Physical Sciences and who are required to take MATH00010 MUST take MATH10400 in the Summer Trimester as a substitute for MATH10350. |
MATH10400 | Calculus (Online) | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. 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 ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. |
PHYC10050 | Astronomy & Space Science | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. 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 ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. |
PHYC10250 | Thermal Physics and Materials | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. 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 ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. |
ACM10060 | Applications of Differential Equations | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - C) Min 0 of: To complete a degree in Physics, Theoretical Physics or Physics with Astronomy & Space Science, students must take these modules in either Stage 1 or Stage 2 of their programme. 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 ACM 10060 in Stage 1. PHYC 20080 should only be taken by students in Stage 1 if they have achieved H5 in both Mathematics and Physics at Leaving Certificate. |
PHYC20080 | Fields, Waves and Light | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
BIOL00010 | Fundamentals of Biology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
BIOL10130 | Biology in Action | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
BIOL10140 | Life on Earth | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
CHEM00010 | Introductory Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
CHEM10040 | The Molecular World | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
CHEM20100 | Basis of Inorganic Chemistry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
COMP10010 | Introduction to Programming I | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
MATH10040 | Numbers & Functions | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
PHIL10160 | Critical Thinking | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
PHYC10210 | Quanta, Particles & Relativity | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
STAT10010 | Research Methods | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
GEOL10050 | Earth and Humanity | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
GEOL10060 | Introduction to Earth Sciences | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
STAT10050 | Practical Statistics | Autumn and Spring (separate) | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
ACM10090 | Climate Change:Causes & Consequences | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
BIOL10110 | Cell Biology & Genetics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
BMOL10030 | Biomedical Sciences: Understanding Human Disease. | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
CHEM10050 | Basis of Organic and Biological Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
CHEM20140 | Introductory Transition Metal Chemistry | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
COMP10020 | Introduction to Programming II | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
COMP10060 | Computer Science for Engineers I | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
ECON10720 | Microeconomics for Business | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
GEOL10030 | Field Geology, Level 1 | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
GEOL10040 | Earth, Environment and Society | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
GEOL10070 | Understanding Earth Systems | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
MATH10320 | Mathematical Analysis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
MATH10410 | Mathematics & Science Education & Communication | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - D) Min 0 of: Students must have a minimum of 55 credits in Science Programme modules. Students may select 60 credits from Science programme modules or they can choose 55 credits and one 5-credit elective for Spring. Careful selection of modules can increase the number of subject areas available to a student in Stage 2. Students interested in pursuing Mathematics, Physics and Education must take MATH10410 and STAT10060 in Stage 1. |
STAT10060 | Statistical Modelling | Spring | 5 |
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science):
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | PYS2 Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science) Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
| showAudience-audienceInt | SCU1 Science Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Undergraduate Degree (Non EU) Non EU Undergraduates |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN200 Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science) Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Application through CAO |
| showAudience-audienceEU | DN200 Science Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Application through CAO |
Additional special entry route(s) to Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science):
These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceInt | SCU1 Science Bachelor of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Access Progression Pathway Access Progression Pathway Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid. If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type. |