NUIG Physics 3.09

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Shape your own future
Study Physics at NUI Galway

http://www.nuigalway.ie/physics/

What is physics?
Physics is the fundamental science. It 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.
Applied Physics is the study of physics with particular emphasis on technological and practical applications. Astrophysics is the part of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including that of stars, black holes and galaxies. Biomedical Physics is the application of physics to the medical and biological sciences. Theoretical Physics is the application of mathematical tools and models to explain and predict physical phenomena.
Why study Physics at NUI Galway?
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, Theoretical) four year degree at NUI Galway offers you to 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
Astrophysics
Biomedical Physics
Theoretical Physics

During your first and second year, you will gain an insight into one of the most exciting and interesting areas of scientific inquiry, including modules such as applied mathematics and anatomy.



GY320 The Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Theoretical)
CAO Code: GY320
Course level: 8
Duration: 4 years
Minimum Entry Points 2013: ???
Average intake: 15
Minimum A-level Grades 2013: ????
Leaving Certificate Entry Requirements: Minimum Grade HC3 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at H or O Level in the Leaving Certificate including: Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e. Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.

A-level/GCSE Entry Requirements: ????


Do I need honours level math?
No but physics is mathematical and in years first and second you will take maths courses to bring you to the standard that is required.
Do I need leaving certificate Physics?
No, we will teach you physics in first year.


What area should I specialise in in Third Year?
Applied Physics
NUI Galway has a strong tradition in offering “hands-on” degrees in physics. The School of Physics at NUI Galway was the first in Ireland to introduce an Applied Physics degree. An Applied Physics degree is attractive to students who are interested in industrial or commercial applications of physics, particularly in emerging areas not yet addressed by engineering degrees. The degree also covers core aspects of fundamental Physics. The degree develops analytical skills and understanding of the physical concepts that are relevant to both private and publicly funded research programmes, as well industrial applications.
In the summer following completion of third year, students are particularly encouraged and helped to secure a placement in industry or in a research laboratory. The Physics with Applied Physics course at NUI Galway is strongly influenced by thriving laboratory-based research programmes. Physics programmes benefit from leading-edge research activities in smart optics, computational physics, and climate change. Applied physics programmes benefit from research activities in climate change, environmental monitoring and laser based micro- and nanoscale fabrication.

Astrophysics
Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences and has fascinated humankind since the earliest times. Yet the pace of astronomical discovery is faster now than ever before. It provides a wonderfully interesting way to study physics, even if your final career choice is not directly related to astronomy. NUI Galway was the first third-level institution in Ireland to offer a denominated four-year honours degree in Physics with Astrophysics, giving interested students the opportunity to explore in detail the technologies, discoveries and research methodologies of this dynamic field.

The Physics with Astrophysics stream offers a thorough grounding in Physics, Computing and Applied Maths, as well as a good background in modern Astrophysics. In the 3rd year, students travel to an observatory abroad to be taught “Observational Astronomy”. In the vacation preceding fourth year, there may be opportunities for internships in observatories and research institutes abroad or in industry.
Biomedical Physics
Biomedical Physics is one of the fastest growing areas in physics today, involving the application of physics and physical methods to problems in medicine. The programme includes specialist topics such as molecular imaging, medical imaging, radiation biology, biophotonics and radiation therapy. The close proximity of the University Hospital allows access to cutting edge clinical facilities for training and research and there are world class biomedical facilities on campus.
Students will learn about cutting edge clinical technology and the fundamental principles behind, for example, the technologies used to diagnose and treat cancer patients. Students also receive an education in core Physics, Computing, Mathematics, and Anatomy. They will acquire essential skills such as, problem solving, data handling, critical reasoning, and computing.
Theoretical Physics
Theoretical Physicists use mathematical methods, physical concepts and computational techniques to try to fundamentally understand the physical world from subatomic to cosmological scales. The possible recent discovery of the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider and ongoing efforts to detect and explain gravitational waves, dark matter and dark energy are amongst many current high profile active research activities taking place across the world.

The Physics with Theoretical Physics stream begins with a broad and thorough grounding in maths, applied maths and physics including laboratory work and computational modeling. From the third year, the course is split equally between physics and theoretical physics and is taught by staff from the School of Physics and the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Applied Mathematics. Third and fourth year courses include:
Modelling
Computational Physics
Quantum Mechanics
Nuclear and Particle Physics
Fluid Mechanics
Electromagnetism
Cosmology and General Relativity

Final year research project
Theoretical physics is a fascinating way to study both maths and physics
and the analytic, problem-solving and computational skills required for
this challenging degree are always highly sought by employers and can
lead to further specialised postgraduate study

Careers opportunities
A degree in Physics is an excellent training for employment in high technology industries (e.g. communications, electronics, optics and photonics,semiconductors and medical devices) and also in
fields such as second- and third-level education, 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. Note- career section incomplete