About Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials, BA (Hons) - at Trinity College Dublin
To coincide with the opening of the new Institute for Advanced Materials, the Departments of Physics and Chemistry in Trinity College Dublin introduced a new degree option in October 2000 - the Physics and Chemistry of Advanced Materials. Advanced materials are fundamental in enabling the new technologies which will be the driving force for the Celtic Tiger in this 21st century.
Just as silicon is the foundation of electronics and the information technology revolution, so new materials now emerging from the laboratory will form the basis of the technology of the 21st century. Our course has a strong emphasis on laser materials that have the potential to be the `new-silicon' of future computer systems.
This new degree provides a flexible qualification for employment in `cutting edge' high technology industries. The course will appeal to high quality, motivated students with a strong interest in the application of chemistry and physics to practical problems.
The Government's Technology Foresight Report identified materials as strategic to Ireland's future and it is clear that a skills shortage in the materials area is looming. Trinity College Dublin has reacted quickly to this situation. The Institute for Advanced Materials was completed at the end of March with substantial funding from the Higher Education Authority (HEA). It provides 2500 m2 of modern teaching space and 3500 m2 of leading-edge materials research space within the one building, and the college believes that the synergy between teaching and research is the key to a vibrant and productive presence in the area of advanced materials.
In the 1st and 2nd years, students study Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. In the 3rd and 4th years, students take specialised courses in materials Physics and Chemistry. In their 4th year, students carry out a research project, usually in an industrial laboratory, to familiarise themselves with the applications of advanced materials in real-life situations.
