Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

Students will learn how to plan and develop their modelling programs and algorithms to imitate the underlying processes of a physical system, and how to analyse and test the results of their calculations. In the negotiated learning framework, the students will be able to take modules in programming, mathematical and numerical methods and deepen their knowledge in modern theoretical and experimental physics research projects from atomistic and molecular modelling to nanooptics, spectroscopy and nanotechnology related applications.

This MSc program provides a positive experience of current computational methods used in modern physics-related research, with state-of-the art applications from biology, material science, or society. This programme is intended for graduates from the physical sciences and from relevant engineering disciplines who wish to enter this new and exciting arena, either as industrial researchers, analysts or academic researchers. We encourage/educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in economic sectors requiring analytical skills. Our students will become well-grounded in the fundamentals of modern computational physics with an appreciation of more specialised knowledge and the current frontiers of research.Our learning environment emphasises computing laboratory, hands-on computational work via a research module that is a large part of the MSc programme, in addition to in-class, project and problem-solving work. The environment is research-based, with a deep level of expertise available to the students in their chosen field. Students and staff have access to state-of-the-art computational and laboratory-based technology platforms through direct collaborations with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC). The students will experience an environment where cross-disciplinary, industry and international connections are rich. Our students will be endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

Programme outcomes

The graduates from this programme should be familiar with a range of technologies (including computational programming languages, software packages, methods and algorithms) and interfacing between physical-based modeling and applied (e.g., biomedical or material science) systems.  Student will also devlop skills in areas of direct interest to employers such as: communication, patents and commercial activity as related to scientific technology, data processing and time management.

• Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to a specific project in the field.
• Describe the state-of-the art knowledge and skills in the field.
• Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management. Presenting findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
• Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
• Plan, execute and report the results of a numerical investigation and compare results critically with predictions from theory and experimental evidence.
• Set up, conduct and interpret simulations and/or experiment to create new knowledge.
• Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.

View All Modules Here

Students will learn how to plan and develop their modelling programs and algorithms to imitate the underlying processes of a physical system, and how to analyse and test the results of their calculations. In the negotiated learning framework, the students will be able to take modules in programming, mathematical and numerical methods and deepen their knowledge in modern theoretical and experimental physics research projects from atomistic and molecular modelling to nanooptics, spectroscopy and nanotechnology related applications.

Modules will be decided upon agreement with the Programme Director, indicative modules available include: 

• Applied Quantum Mechanics
• Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations
• Nanofluidics and Biosimulation
• Biomimicry
• Numerical Weather Prediction
• Advanced Statistical Physics
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Numerical Algorithms
• Stochastic Models
• Time Series Analysis
• Physics Research Project 

MSc Computational Physics (F120) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9560
nonEU    fee per year - € 27720

MSc Computational Physics (F121) Part Time
EU          fee per year - € 4790
nonEU    fee per year - € 13860

***Fees are subject to change

Internship Opportunities*
There are opportunities to apply for an internship in an academic or industry workplace. The internship comprises a research project, the theme of which is chosen by the student in agreement with the supervisor and MSc Course Director. The project may include experimental research, modelling/simulations research, and/or other research appropriate to the MSc programme theme.
*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.

This programme is intended for applicants who have a strong background in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and 2.2 class honours may be accepted.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent. 

Students meeting the programme’s academic entry requirements but not the  English language requirements, may enter the programme upon  successful completion of UCD’s Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master’s Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/ 

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes 

Faculty Profile

Associate Professor Nicolae-Viorel Buchete, UCD School of Physics & UCD Institute for Discovery
Ongoing research projects in his group at UCD are concerned with statistical mechanics and conformational dynamics of biomolecular systems, protein folding, amyloid aggregation, structural aspects of systems biology and bioinformatics, and with multiscale modelling of biomolecules and complex fluids.

• MSc Space Science&TechFT(NL)
• MSc Climate Change: Science & Impacts FT
• MSc Nanotechnology (Negotiated Learning) FT
• MSc Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics (N Learning)FT
• MSc NanoBio Science FT

• Access to state-of-the-art computational and laboratory-based technology platforms through collaborations with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC).
• Opportunity to collaborate with the researchers in UCD research institutes including the Complex Adaptive Systems Laboratory and Systems Biology Ireland. 
  

The following entry routes are available:

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised