| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc (Hons) | Full-time | 4 years | September | EU 3000 | EUR 3000 |
Overview
How did the universe evolve? What are the basic building blocks of matter? These are the fundamental questions concerning physics, which is central to current and future science and technology.
Physics is used to tackle problems as diverse as the development of new energy sources, safer medical diagnostics, high-temperature superconductors and ever smaller and faster devices for electronics and telecommunications.
As a physics student, you will embark on a dynamic and exciting course of study that combines intellectual fascination with practical application to a wide range of human endeavours, including biological sciences, engineering, earth sciences, philosophy and medicine.
The attributes needed by a good physicist include spatial and conceptual vision, mathematical fluency, curiosity, imagination and capacity for hard work.
Course Details
Admission to the BSc Physics course is via the Physics and Astrophysics (CK408) entry stream. The Year 1 curriculum provides a broad foundation in physics and mathematical subjects, allowing students to pursue several possible degree courses.
Year 1 Modules:
Option 1:
Core:
PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits);
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits);
MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits);
MA1059 Calculus (5 credits);
MA1060 Introduction to Analaysis (5 credits);
AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits);
AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
Electives:
AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits);
CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits);
CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits);
CS1061 Programming in C (5 credits);
CS1065 Computer Applications with Visual Basic (5 credits);
CS1068 Introductory Programming in Python (5 credits);
MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (5 credits);
PY1054 Special Topics in Physics (5 credits);
ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Option 2:
Core:
PY1052 Introductory Physics (10 credits);
PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits);
MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits);
MA1059 Calculus (5 credits);
MA1060 Introduction to Analysis (5 credits);
CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)
Electives:
BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits);
BL1003 Introduction to Bological Chemistry and Microbiology (5 credits);
BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits);
BL1005 Introduction to Ecology (5 credits)
Years 2 Modules:
Core:
Astrophysics and Special Relativity; C/C++ Programming with Applications; Classical Mechanics; Computational Physics; Electrostatistics and Magnetostatics; Experimental Physics; Experimental Methods; Fourier Methods; Multivariable Calculus; Quantum Physics; Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
Electives:
Ordinary Differential Equations; Linear Algebra; Mathematical Modelling
Year 3 Modules:
Core:
Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques; Condensed Matter Physics; Electromagnetism; Experimental Physics; Experimental Methods II; Nuclear and Particle Physics; Optics; Quantum Mechanics; Statistical Thermodynamics; Vector and Tensor Methods
Electives:
Mathematical Experimentation & Chaos; Fluid Mechanics; Optimisation and the Calculus of Variations; Computational Techniques; Observational Astrophysics
Year 4 Modules:
Core:
Research Project; Experimental Physics
Electives:
Observational Astrophysics; Advanced Mechanics; Advanced Quantum Mechanics; Advanced Electromagnetism; Advanced Condensed Matter Physics; Atomic and Molecular Physics; Quantum Field Theory; Plasma Physics; Lasers and Photonics; Advanced Computational Physics; Stars and the Intersellar Medium; Galactic and Extragalactic; Experimental Physics; Physics and Semiconductor Devices
See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.
Fact File
Course Code: CK408
Course Title: Physics
College: Science, Engineering and Food Science
Duration: 4 Years
Teaching Mode: Full-time
Qualifications: BSc (Hons)
NFQ Level: Level 8
Costs: Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2016/17 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165.
2017 Entry Requirements: H5 in two subjects and O6 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. A H4 must be obtained in a Laboratory Science subject, or Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.
Entry Points: 2016: 525 points. Points vary from year to year.
Course Practicalities
Expected lecture hours:You will attend 15-20 lectures and tutorials per week. These are typically held in the mornings.
Expected lab/practical hours:You will attend two or more practicals per week. These are typically held in the afternoons.In Year 4, in addition to practicals, you will carry out a 12-week final-year research project.
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 assignments and in-class tests, online exercises, end-of-semester examinations, and performance in laboratory practicals as well as seminars. Presentations and written reports for your research project, and for some modules, form a significant portion of the overall assessment.
Application Procedure
EU applicants: Application to Year 1 of the degree programme is made directly through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Applicants should apply online at www.cao.ie. The normal closing date for receipt of completed applications is 1st February of the year of entry.
Non-EU Applicants
Mature Applicants: Application is made through the CAO (www.cao.ie) and the closing date for receipt of completed application is 1st February of the year of proposed entry.
Further Contact Information
Prof John McInerney
Head of Department of Physics
T: +353 (0)21 490 2468
E:j.mcinerney@ucc.ie
W:http://www.physics.ucc.ie/
2017 Entry Requirements: H5 in two subjects and O6 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate from Irish, English, Mathematics, one Laboratory Science subject (Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint) or Agricultural Science) and two other subjects recognised for entry purposes. A H4 must be obtained in a Laboratory Science subject, or Mathematics or Applied Mathematics.
Entry Points: 2016: 525 points. Points vary from year to year.
Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.
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