| Code | CK407, CK408 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 Years |
| Teaching Mode | Full-time |
| Qualifications | BSc (Hons) |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 |
Course Outline
Our Mathematical Sciences & Physics degree programme is offered jointly by the School of Mathematical Sciences and the School of Physics. It provides a grounding in mathematics and physics, emphasising problem-solving skills and capacity for analytical and logical thinking in mathematics, as well as an intuitive and analytical understanding of physics.
Please refer to CK407 and CK408 for more details.
Year 1 Core Modules
- Introduction to Mathematical Modelling
- Mathematical Software
- Introduction to Abstract Algebra
- Introductory Physics I
- Introductory Physics II
Year 2 Core Modules
- Mathematical Modelling
- C/C++ Programming with Applications
- Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques
- Fourier Methods
- Mathematical Analysis I
- Linear Algebra
- Multivariable Calculus
- Classical Mechanics
- Introduction to Quantum Physics
- Electrostatics and Magnetostatics
- Introduction to Astrophysics and Special Relativity
- Experimental Physics I
Year 3 Core Modules
- Vector and Tensor Methods
- Mathematical Analysis II
- Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
- Quantum Mechanics
- Electromagnetism
- Statistical Thermodynamics
- Experimental Physics II
Year 4 Core Modules
- Topics in Mathematics
- Functional Analysis
- Project
- Measure Theory and Martingales
- Topics in Modern Algebra
- Topics in Differential Geometry
- Stochastic Modelling II
Plus
- Physics Minor Research Project and 3 modules from List A and 2 modules from List B
Or
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Stars and the Interstellar Medium
- Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
- Gravitation and Cosmology
- Physics Minor Research Project and one module from List A or B
List A
- Advanced Mechanics
- Advanced Quantum Mechanics
- Advanced Electromagnetism
- Atomic and Molecular Physics
- Gravitation and Cosmology
- Experimental Physics III
List B
- Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
- Nuclear and Particle Physics
- Observational Astrophysics
- Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
- Quantum Field Theory
- Introduction to Plasma Physics
- Introduction to Lasers and Photonics
- Advanced Computational Physics
- Stars and the Interstellar Medium
- Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
- Quantum Optics and Advanced Spectroscopy
Academic Programme Catalogue
See the Academic Programme Catalogue for the complete and up-to-date content for this course. Note that the modules for all courses are subject to change from year-to-year. For complete descriptions of individual modules, see the Book of Modules.
Course Practicalities
In a typical year, you will study 12 five-credit modules. This equates to 12 lecture hours and six to nine tutorial or laboratory hours per week on average.
Most modules consist of two lectures per week, together with associated homework that is discussed in tutorials. Modules in applied mathematics that involve significant use of the computer have associated laboratory practicals. The School of Mathematical Sciences has dedicated, well-equipped computer laboratories for this purpose.
Certain physics modules are based entirely on practical laboratory work and the School of Physics has dedicated teaching laboratories as well as state-of-the-art research laboratories available.
Assessment
Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including in-class tests and take-home problems etc.
Lecturers take care to give you as much feedback on your progress as possible. The remaining marks for a module are allocated based on an end-of-semester or end-of-year written examination. Some modules (project or experimental physics modules for example) are examined wholly by continuous assessment.
Who teaches this course
Staff across the disciplines of Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, and Statistics teach modules in this course, putting a wide breadth of physical and mathematical knowledge and research experience at your disposal. This is evidenced by the high level and the wide range of final-year undergraduate research projects offered.
Why Choose This Course
- Physics and Mathematics occupy central positions in science and technology.
- You will enter the jobs market with a degree that combines a high level of training in both numerical and experimental work.
- The emphasis on developing problem-solving skills across a range of disciplines is highly regarded by employers.
Our students have an excellent track record in both career development following graduation and in postgraduate study. We have strong links with local, national, and international companies and with research institutes, which will add value to your degree and strengthen its reputation.
Skills and Careers Information
Graduates from BSc (Hons) in Mathematics & Physics do well in the employment market because of the skills they offer. As society becomes increasingly more complex and more technologically oriented, the capacity for clear logical thinking and the quality of numeracy are in continuing and growing demand.
Employers recognise that graduates of this degree have already proved their ability to master difficult ideas and solve challenging problems and can consequently be expected to have the capacity and flexibility to quickly learn new techniques and new problem-solving skills. A wide range of careers is open to graduates of this degree.
Many careers are directly related to a qualification in this subject, such as teaching and lecturing, scientific research and development, software development and computing.
Many other careers require the ability to think logically and quantitatively, such as banking, management, consulting, and insurance. Some careers are open to graduates of any discipline, such as retailing, sales and marketing, administration, the media and the civil service.
Graduates can undertake a wide range of professional diplomas, as well as research MSc and PhD degrees.
Requirements
Non-EU Applicants
Non-EU applicants are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such applicants are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page and refer to our International Office page for more information.
Fees and Costs
- Whether you are an EU or Non-EU student will affect the course fees applicable to you. See more information on EU Fees, Non-EU Fees, or Free Fees Status.
- The State will pay the tuition fees for EU students who are eligible under the Free Fees Scheme. The annual student contribution and capitation fees are payable by the student.
- See the Fee Schedule to find out the course fee.
- Check out scholarships that may be available to you.
- Explore our Nurturing Bright Futures free online course (Module 5) to learn about managing your money as a student and budgeting for university life.
How To Apply
Irish and European (EU/EFTA/UK) Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See the CAO Handbook for useful information on applying through the CAO.
Mature Applicants
Apply via the CAO by 1 February. To apply for a place as a mature student, you must be 23 years of age on or before 1 January of the year of entry.
QQI/FET Applicants
Apply via the CAO. See our QQI/FET Applicants page for information on the Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) Further Education and Training (FET) application process.
Non-EU Applicants
If you are from outside the EU/EFTA/UK, apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page for more information.