This program provides a positive experience of physics and encourages students to foster and maintain an intellectual curiosity in the discipline, specifically in the area of physics with astronomy and space science. We encourage/educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in economic sectors requiring analytical skills or for further study of the subject. Our students will become well grounded in the fundamentals of physics with an appreciation of more specialised knowledge and the current frontiers of research. Our learning environment emphasises laboratory work at all stages, combining in-class, project and problem-solving work including data analysis and programming. Our students will be imbued with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour, and the ability to communicate complex information effectively. We deliver targeted modules throughout the degree complemented by specialised laboratories and field trips, to focus on all aspects of astronomy and space science. Assessment is based on individual work, group work, work in the laboratory, project work including student presentation and written report.
- School
- School of Physics
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Level
- Undergraduate
- NFQ Level
- 8
- Award
- Bachelor of Science
- Mode of Delivery
- On Campus
- Programme Director
- Professor John Quinn
- 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 3: 50
Stage 4: 60
Curricular information is subject to change.
2 - Students will be able to tackle problems in physics and formulate an appropriate solution
3 - Students will be able to use mathematics to describe the physical world
4 - Students will be able to plan, execute and report the results of an experiment or investigation
5 - Students will be able to compare results critically with predictions from theory
6 - Students will also have acquired communications skills
7 - Students will have acquired analytical skills
8 - Students will have acquired IT skills
9 - Students will have acquired personal skills, the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team, interact constructively with other people, and show leadership in their area of expertise.
10 - Students will have acquired ethical behaviour, including critical thinking, understanding of arguments and consequences, and scientific integrity
11 - Students will be flexible, able to adapt and contribute to the specific research and development in the space science sector.
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.
This is primarily a physics degree programme, with an emphasis on the applications of physics in astrophysics and space science. You will gain an understanding of how ground-based and space-based technologies are used to explore the universe and how modern science can be used to understand it.
The course contains modules in physics, mathematics, astronomy and space science. Advanced topics include stellar and planetary formation and evolution, black holes, galaxies and cosmology. Related modules on relativity, elementary particle physics, nuclear physics and quantum mechanics provide a rigorous foundation in the science underpinning astronomy and astrophysics. There is a significant hands-on practical component where you will gain experience in experimental and observational techniques as well as scientific computing.
In Stage 1 the focus is on building a strong foundation in Physics and Mathematics, and you will undertake a module called ?Astronomy and Space Science?. In Stage 2 you will continue to acquire core Physics and Mathematics skills and will undertake a module entitled ?Exploring the Solar System? which includes a dedicated laboratory component.
STAGE 3
In Stage 3 you will undertake advanced Physics modules on topics such as Mechanics and Relativity, Electromagnetism, Quantum Mechanics, Optics and Lasers, as well as a module entitled ?Stellar Astrophysics and Astronomical Techniques?. In addition, practical skills are developed through laboratory work which includes experiments on a range of topics in Physics and develops skills in computer interfacing, data analysis and computational physics. In addition, there are dedicated laboratories for understanding astronomical detectors, with emphasis on analysis of data produced by telescopes utilising CCD detectors, in preparation for the Stage 4 observing trip.
STAGE 4
In Stage 4 you will undertake core modules such as Applied Quantum Mechanics, High Energy Particle Physics and Galaxies and Observational Cosmology. Optional modules include Theoretical Astrophysics, General Relativity and Black Holes, as well as other topics including Medical Physics, Biophysics and Photonics. You will also undertake a trip to an observatory in Spain where you will obtain optical data for your final-year astronomy project.
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 Physics with Astronomy & Space Science degree is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which positions graduates to go into the rapidly growing space sector. There are opportunities for well-qualified graduates to work with major space agencies, such as ESA and NASA, or with space companies. Graduates are also qualified to go into areas such as medical physics, meteorology, semiconductor technology, energy, ICT and finance.
Graduates may apply for MSc programmes such as Space Science & Technology. They may also pursue research through PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad in many fields of physics.
Associate Professor John Quinn
UCD School of Physics
askscience@ucd.ie
Stage 3
Students should take 5 core modules and 2 option modules. Students are required to complete 50 programme credits in Stage 3. In addition, students may select 10 credits from elective modules to complete Stage 3 or alternatively, select additional modules from the BSc programme.
Stage 4
Students take 5 core modules (40 credits) and 4 option modules. If not taken in Stage 3, students MUST TAKE PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 as 3 of their option modules in Stage 4.
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 3 Core Modules |
PHYC30170 | Physics with Astronomy and Space Science 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 |
PHYC30100 | Stellar Astrophysics & Astronomical Techniques | Autumn | 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. If PHYC20100 had been taken in Stage 2, students 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. If PHYC20100 had been taken in Stage 2, students must take PHYC30050 in Stage 3. |
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 PHYC30080 in Stage 3. PHYC30080 can be taken in Stage 3 or Stage 4. |
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 PHYC30080 in Stage 3. PHYC30080 can be taken in Stage 3 or Stage 4. |
PHYC30080 | Optics & Lasers | Spring | 5 |
Stage 3 Options - C) 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 - D) Min 0 of: Students are required to complete 50 programme credits (cores/options) in Stage 3. An additional option module may be selected from the list below. Alternatively, elective modules can be taken to complete Stage 3. |
ACM30220 | Partial Differential Equations | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PHYC40600 | Physics with Astronomy and Space Science Laboratory II | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 15 |
Stage 4 Core Modules |
PHYC40890 | Astronomy Field Trip (10) | 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 Core Modules |
PHYC40030 | Galaxies, Observational Cosmology & the Interstellar Medium | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 3, PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 must be taken in Stage 4. |
PHYC30050 | Condensed Matter Physics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 3, PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 must be taken in Stage 4. |
PHYC30080 | Optics & Lasers | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - B) Min 0 of: If not taken in Stage 3, PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 must be taken in Stage 4. |
PHYC30090 | Nuclear Physics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
ACM40750 | Gen Relativity & Black Holes | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40120 | General Relativity & Cosmology | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40470 | Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40930 | Ultrafast Soft X-ray Photonics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC41070 | Techniques in Biophysics | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
ACM30200 | Mathematical Fluid Dynamics I | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
ACM41040 | GR and Gravitational Waves | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40110 | Medical Physics (Selected Topics) | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40210 | Applied Optics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40360 | Theoretical Astrophysics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40650 | Advanced Statistical Physics | Spring | 5 |
Stage 4 Options - C) Min 1 of: Students take a minimum of 1 option module from the list below. Students who have already completed PHYC30050, PHYC30080 and PHYC30090 in Stage 3 should take 4 option modules from this list. Students who take ACM41040 must also take ACM40750. |
PHYC40800 | Quantum Field Theory | Spring | 5 |
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 |