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Science: Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)  (PYS2)

BSc (NFQ Level 8) · Academic Year 2024/2025
School
College of Science Administration Office
Attendance
Full Time
Level
Undergraduate
NFQ Level
8
Award
Bachelor of Science
Mode of Delivery
On Campus
Programme Director
Assoc Professor Tara McMorrow
Overall Programme Credits:
240
Programme Credits:
Stage 1
Core/Option: 55 Electives: 5
Stage 2
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 3
Core/Option: 50 Electives: 10
Stage 4
Core/Option: 60 Electives: 0
Major/Minor Core & Option Credits:
Stage 1: 55

Curricular information is subject to change.

Science Common Entry: Physics Stream

Science is a common entry course, leading to a BSc degree in one of 22 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.

Students’ performance will be reviewed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail 50% or more of their registered modules, and who fail to progress to the next stage of their programme, will be identified under the UCD Continuation – Academic progress policy. Students’ performance will continue to be reviewed in subsequent trimesters and students will be invited to meetings with the College of Science office for support and guidance.

Where the rate of progression and performance over two academic years is deemed unacceptable, a case will be submitted to the Governing Board for review. A recommendation for discontinuation may be the outcome of this review.

As Stages 3 and 4 have the most dynamic components of the programme, and the material studied previously may no longer be relevant, a student who has been away from the programme for a significant period should be required to register again to Stage 3. The upper limit for completion of Stages 3 and 4 should be six years if they choose to do 120 credits with 20 in each year.

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.



 


Stage 1

Students must select a total of 12 modules (60 credits) in Stage 1 with a minimum of 11 modules taken from core and option modules. Core and option modules are to be taken as directed. An Elective module can be taken in the Spring trimester.

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
 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

See the UCD Assessment website for further details

Module Weighting Info
 
  Award GPA
Programme Module Weightings Rule Description Description >= <=
BHSCI001 Stage 4 - 70.00%
Stage 3 - 30.00%
 Standard Honours Award First Class Honours

3.68

4.20
Second Class Honours, Grade 1

3.08

3.67
Second Class Honours, Grade 2

2.48

3.07
Pass

2.00

2.47
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