Physics with Astronomy & Space Science

Programme Short Name:	BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Load (FT vs PT):	Full Time
Levels (UG, G, etc):	Undergraduate studies
Course Information:	CAO Code: DN200 MPG CAO Points Range 2015: 510 - 625 Length of Course: 4 Years DN200 Places: 402 Leaving Certificate: Passes in six subjects including English, Irish, Mathematics (Min OB3/HD3), one laboratory science subject or Applied Mathematics or Geography (Min OB3/HD3). Two of the six subjects must be minimum HC3. Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for: A-Level/GCSE Other EU Applicants Non-EU Applicants Level 5/6 FETAC Entry Routes Level 6/7 Progression Routes Mature Entry Route
Why is this course for me?	This is primarily a Physics degree, with an emphasis on the applications of physics in astrophysics and space science. Students will gain an understanding of how groundbased and space-based technologies are used to explore the universe and how modern science can be used to understand it. Astronomers pursue knowledge and understanding of the underlying processes at work in the universe through physics. Physics, in its broadest sense, is the study of the fundamental laws and forces that shape the natural world. The core of the degree is therefore an Institute of Physics accredited honours BSc qualification in Physics.
What will I study?	There’s a substantial emphasis on gaining hands-on experience in astronomical techniques and on teamwork projects. Students have access to UCD’s robotic telescope in South Africa. This is a sample pathway for a degree in Physics with Astronomy & Space Science. First Year Physics Mathematics Optional Science modules Elective modules Second Year Physics + 1 Other Science Subject Elective modules Third Year Physics with Astronomy and Space Science (Support is provided for students when applying to summer internship programmes at NASA, ESA, CERN and the Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias. Students can also apply for ESA summer internships) Elective modules Fourth Year Physics with Astronomy & Space Science (Students either participate in a week-long mission-design workshop at the University of La Laguna in Tenerife, or they undertake astronomical observations at Tenerife's Teide Observatory.) All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials. Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities. For detailed information on subject content click the relevant link below: First Year Second Year Third & Fourth Year
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities	As the Physics with Astronomy & Space Science degree is primarily a physics degree, opportunities are open to graduates in the space industry (NASA and ESA), medical physics, meteorology, semiconductor industries, energy technology sector, ICT industry, financial sector, geoscience and semi-state bodies. Graduates may apply for MSc programmes in Space Science & Technology, Nanobio Science, Nanotechnology, Medical Physics or Meteorology. They may also apply for PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad in diverse areas such as Radiation Physics, Physics of Advanced Materials, Atomic Physics, Particle Physics and Astrophysics.
International Study Opportunity:	Students can apply to study for a semester or year in third year in a number of universities worldwide including: University of California, Berkeley, USA University of California, Santa Cruz, USA San Jose State University, California, USA University of Melbourne, Australia
Student Profile	"I would like to go into research after my degree, specifically in the area of high-energy astrophysics, such as gamma ray bursts. During second year, I had the opportunity to visit CERN, the home of the Large Hadron Collider. This trip was amazing and I would definitely recommend it. Joining the Physics Society was one of the best decisions I made in UCD. I liked it so much that I became the secretary this year!" Eimear O’Reilly, Student
Related Programs:	Physics Theoretical Physics
Pathway
Contact Information:	Prof Lorraine Hanlon & Dr John Quinn UCD School of Physics Science Centre (North) Belfield, Dublin 4 Tel: +353 1 716 2214 Email: lorraine.hanlon@ucd.ie / john.quinn@ucd.ie