Bachelor of Science (Physics-degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Climate, Theoretical)

Program Overview

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Course Overview

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GY320 Physics is the fundamental science, which seeks to understand the basic laws governing the structure of matter, the nature of energy and the physical forces that form our world. Its span of interest ranges from the nature of the short-range forces which operate inside the atomic nucleus to the origin and structure of the universe.

If you have an enquiring mind, and are interested in discovering how things work, then this could be the course for you. The

Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Climate,

Theoretical

)

four year degree at University of Galway offers you the flexibility in how you can study physics. It gives you the opportunity to experience a number of subjects along with core Physics before specialising in your chosen pathway in third year.

These pathways are:

Applied Physics, the study of physics with particular emphasis on technological and practical applications

Astrophysics, the part of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including that of stars, black holes and galaxies

Biomedical Physics, the application of physics to the medical and biological sciences

Theoretical Physics, the application of mathematical tools and models to explain and predict physical phenomena

Climate Physics, focussed on understanding the physics of climate change from a rigorous-science perspective, a study of the key processes driving climate change, enabling a response on a regional, national and international scale

You will be introduced to these pathways at the very start of the programme. Students will gain an insight into some of the most exciting and interesting areas of scientific inquiry.

Do I need honours level Mathematics?

No, but physics is mathematical. In the first and second year you will be required to take mathematics courses, which will bring you to the standard required.

Do I need Leaving Certificate physics?

Leaving Certificate physics will help you but it is not a requirement. We will teach you physics in first year.

Click here for more information on the Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical,  Climate, Theoretical).

See our New Physics brochure for further details:

Physics brochure 2021 We are currently revising our brochure.

Program Outline

Course Outline

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Year 1

Physics

Physics Specialist Topics

Applied Mathematics or Biology

Mathematics

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Year 2

Physics (four modules)

Plus eight additional modules chosen from an approved list in the following areas:

Applied Mathematics

Astrophysics

Anatomy

Mathematics

Earth and Ocean Sciences (Climate stream)

Megatrends (Economics and Business)

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Year 3

Physics (six modules)

Plus six additional modules chosen from an approved list in the following areas:

Applied physics

Astrophysics

Biomedical Physics

Theoretical Physics

Other modules available in the College of Science

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Year 4

Core Physics modules

Specialist Physics courses (Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Theoretical,Climate)

Plus advanced laboratory, project work and problem solving

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Modules Years 1, 2 and 3

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Modules Year 4

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Curriculum Information

Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).

Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.

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Glossary of Terms

Credits

You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.

Module

An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.

Subject

Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.

Optional

A module you may choose to study.

Required

A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).

Required Core Subject

A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.

Semester

Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.

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Year 1 (60 Credits)

Optional

MA161:

Mathematical Studies

- 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional

MA180:

Mathematics (Honours)

- 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional

MP180:

Applied Mathematics

- 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional

BO101:

Biology

- 15 Credits - Semester 1

Optional

CH101:

Chemistry

- 15 Credits - Semester 1

Required

PH101:

Physics

- 15 Credits - Semester 1

Required

PH109:

Physics Special Topics

- 10 Credits - Semester 1

Required

CS103:

Computer Science

- 5 Credits - Semester 1

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Year 2 (60 Credits)

Optional

MP236:

Mechanics I

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

PH222:

Astrophysical Concepts

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

MA211:

Calculus I

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

MA215:

Mathematical Molecular Biology I

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

MA284:

Discrete Mathematics

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

MA2286:

Differential Forms

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

AN2102:

Histology of the Fundamental Tissues

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

CS2101:

Programming for Science and Finance

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

ST2001:

Statistics for Data Science 1

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

MG3113:

Megatrends

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

CH203:

Physical Chemistry

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

CH204:

Inorganic Chemistry

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

EOS213:

Introduction to Ocean Science

- 10 Credits - Semester 3

Required

PH2102:

Physics Laboratory and Problem Solving I

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Required

MP231:

Mathematical Methods I

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Required

PH2105:

Mechanics and Thermodynamics

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

BSS2103:

Introduction to Sustainability 1

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

BSS1100:

Digital Citizenship

- 5 Credits - Semester 3

Optional

CS211:

Programming and Operating Systems

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

MP237:

Mechanics II

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

MA203:

Linear Algebra

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

MA212:

Calculus II

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

MA216:

Mathematical Molecular Biology II

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

AN226:

Systems Histology

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

MA2287:

Complex Analysis

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

MA283:

Linear Algebra

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

PH223:

Observational Astronomy

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

ST2002:

Statistics for Data Science 2

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

BSS2104:

Introduction to Sustainability 2

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

PH2103:

Thermodynamics & Atomic Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

CH202:

Organic Chemistry

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

CH205:

Analytical & Environmental Chemistry

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Optional

EOS2102:

The Earth: From Core to Crust

- 10 Credits - Semester 4

Required

PH2104:

Physics Laboratory and Problem Solving II

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Required

MP232:

Mathematical Methods II

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

Required

PH2106:

Atomic Physics & Electromagnetism

- 5 Credits - Semester 4

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Year 3 (60 Credits)

Optional

MP305:

Modelling I

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH222:

Astrophysical Concepts

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH328:

Physics of the Environment I

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH339:

Radiation and Medical Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH363:

Astronomical Data Analysis

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

ST311:

Applied Statistics I

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH333:

Quantum Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH3101:

Experimental and Computational Physics

- 15 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH3102:

Experimental and Computational Physics for Theoretical Physics

- 10 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH338:

Properties of Materials

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

MP366:

Electromagnetism

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

MP494:

Partial Differential Equations

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Required

MP345:

Mathematical Methods I

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Required

PH331:

Wave Optics

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

MP356:

Quantum Mechanics I

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

MP410:

Non-Linear Elasticity

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

SCI901:

Erasmus Study Exchange Semester I

- 30 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

HKU3102:

HKUST: Sem Abroad Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science (35)

- 35 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

HKU3101:

HKUST: Sem Abroad Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science

- 25 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

JCU300:

Study Exchange with John Carroll University (USA)

- 30 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

HKU300:

HKUST: Sem I Study Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science

- 30 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH3105:

Experimental and Computational Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

SCI9101:

Science Semester Abroad Exchange

- 30 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

SCI9102:

Science Semester Abroad Exchange (35)

- 35 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

SCI9103:

Science Semester Abroad Exchange (25)

- 25 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

BSS1100:

Digital Citizenship

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

BSS2103:

Introduction to Sustainability 1

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH2107:

Scalable Technology-based Innovation

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

MG3113:

Megatrends

- 5 Credits - Semester 5

Optional

PH362:

Stellar Astrophysics

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

MP307:

Modelling II

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

PH329:

Physics of the Environment II

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

PH340:

Biomedical Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

ST312:

Applied Statistics II

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

MP357:

Quantum Mechanics II

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Required

PH337:

Thermal Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Required

PH335:

Nuclear & Particle Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Required

MP346:

Mathematical Methods II

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

MP365:

Fluid Mechanics

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

SCI902:

Erasmus Study Exchange Semester II

- 30 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

UC3002:

Study Exchange with University of California Sem II

- 30 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

HKU324:

HKUST: Spring Study Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

- 30 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

PH3106:

Experimental Physics and Professional & Educational Development

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

BSS2104:

Introduction to Sustainability 2

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

Optional

MG3115:

Megatrends

- 5 Credits - Semester 6

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Year 4 (60 Credits)

Optional

PH4102:

Final Year Project

- 20 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

PH421:

Quantum Mechanics

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

PH422:

Solid State Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

PH424:

Electromagnetism and Special Relativity

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

PH428:

Atmospheric Physics and Climate Change

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

PH430:

Biophotonics

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

MP305:

Modelling I

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

MP366:

Electromagnetism

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

MP403:

Cosmology And General Relativity

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

MP494:

Partial Differential Equations

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

MA4102:

Algebraic Foundations of Quantum Computing

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

MM4000:

Final Year Project

- 10 Credits - Semester 7

Required

PH4101:

Physics Problem Solving

- 5 Credits - Semester 7

Optional

PH423:

Applied Optics and Imaging

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

PH429:

Nanotechnology

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

MP365:

Fluid Mechanics

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

MP491:

Non Linear Systems

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

PH4105:

Ocean Climate Physics

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

PH4107:

Final Year Project for Theoretical Physics Students

- 10 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

PH4108:

Soft Condensed Matter

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

Optional

EOS4101:

Earth Observation and Remote Sensing

- 5 Credits - Semester 8

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Why Choose This Course?

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Career Opportunities

A degree in physics is an excellent training for employment in high technology industries (e.g. communications, electronics, optics and photonics, semiconductors, medical devices) and also in fields such as second- and third-level education,climate science, meteorology, the environmental and medical sciences, and software design.

A physics degree can also lead to an exciting career in fundamental research in any area of physics or in multidisciplinary areas such as nanotechnology, medical physics, biophysics, occupational health, and materials science. Theoretical physicists often work in the financial and actuarial sectors.

Click here to read a report produced for the Institute of Physics which shows 160,000 people are employed in physics based industries in Ireland .

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Employer Endorsement

“The challenges faced in Automotive Vision & Imaging are diverse and require different skill sets including technical expertise, problem solving, adaptability, communication & teamwork. Our experience is that graduates from the BSc, Masters and PhD programmes in the University of Galway School of Physics have these competences in abundance and thus form a vital part of our team at R&D Valeo”.

Derek Savage, Computer Vision & Imaging (CVI) Department Manager, Valeo Vision Systems

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