Denominated Degree in Physics & Astronomy

Click here for a detailed course syllabus.

Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences and has fascinated humankind since the earliest times, but now, at last, a new understanding promises to answer some of the age-old questions ...

• How did the Universe begin, and how will it end?
• How does the Universe work?
• How do stars, stellar systems and planets come into being, and how do they work?
• Where does life come from, and is it unique to the earth?

Background

In order to celebrate the new understanding which astronomy is achieving, to explain the new technologies which have brought this about, and to provide a comprehensive scientific education NUI Galway is offering a Denominated (4 year) honours degree in Physics & Astronomy.

• Cao Course Code for B.Sc. Physics & Astronomy is GY312
• Entry Requirements: Mathematics A minimum grade C at higher Level, or grade A at Ordinary Level in Leaving Cert, or equivalent A level
• Qualified European students (including those from Great Britain & Northern Ireland) will not be subject to tuition fees on this course

Course Description

Astronomy forms an identifiable part of each year's course. Uniquely in Ireland, Physics and Astronomy students in Galway begin to study a special course in astronomy from day 1.

In first year, the course covers

• The fundamentals of astronomy & solar system planetary science
• Physics
• Mathematics
• Mathematical Physics
• Computing (C programming)

In second year you will study

• The techniques of astronomical observations, including a field trip to a professional observatory abroad
• Astrophysics - the physics behind modern astronomy
• The historical development of our view of the Universe - in conjunction with the Philosophy Department
• Computing
• Physics
• Mathematical Physics

Field-Trip to Loaino Astronomical Observatory, Italy, gives an opportunity for hands-on collection of astronomical data using professional telescopes.

In third and fourth year subjects studied include

• Stellar physics
• Electronic & optical instrumentation
• Quantum physics
• Signal processing
• Cosmology & general relativity
• High energy astrophysics
• Interstellar & plasma physics
• Astronomical data processing (computing)
• Mathematical Physics

There will be data processing and theoretical or practical projects, using data from the Galway Observatory and/or data from large telescopes.

There may be opportunities for internships in Industry,or at Observatories and Research Institutes abroad in vacations preceding third and fourth years.

Click here for comments by 2000/2001 students.

Career Opportunities

The course will provide an education in astronomy, physics, computing and mathematics to a very high level. Graduates will be particularly well qualified for careers in

• Astronomy
• Physics Research
• Jobs in industry
• Teaching
• Computing
• Meteorology
• Financial services, etc.

To take one example (in software engineering):

"Computers are now a fundamental tool for all scientific research. From Compaq's perspective, science is an important and fast-growing market. Our Group is responsible for design of a line of supercomputing products targeted at the scientific research market. We require not just computer engineering skills, but also an in-depth understanding of how scientific models are built and how they should be best implemented on our machines. The Physics & Astronomy course in NUI, Galway will produce graduates with these fundamental skills - skills which can be applied to a diverse range of applications - from automotive design, to bioinformatics, to derivatives trading. Beyond this, graduates from this course will also easily find opportunities in 'mainstream' software engineering, where potential high performers are often to be found in mathematics and physics programs. In particular, graduates of these programs demonstrate a more developed facility for 'self-education' , and therefore cope more easily when faced with new and difficult challenges, than those who might appear to have more relevant academic experience. Compaq is happy to focus on developing the professional software engineering skills of our graduate hires, building on the fundamental research, analysis and design skills they have developed at college."