BSc (Hons) in Physics and Astrophysics
University College Cork
Key Information
Campus location
Cork, Ireland
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 3,130 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Sep 2024
* EU state student contribution + capitation; Non-EU : EUR 22,500
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
If you are passionate about how things work and enjoy scientific experiments and mathematics, you should think about studying physics. Fundamentally Physics and Astrophysics are concerned with the study of the universe, from the largest galaxies to the nature of matter itself. Without doubt, this programme will challenge you and your imagination and opens up a world of opportunity both personal and in your career.
Physics, and the technologies developed by physicists, play a major role in chemistry, biology, medicine, electronics, geology, and in the applied fields of optics, nanotechnology, computer science, and engineering. A physics education not only develops your problem-solving skills but will also provide you with a solid knowledge of basic science and the ability to apply and adapt that knowledge within the workplace for the betterment of society.
Pathways
Students can enter second-year Science from the BSc Physics and Astrophysics (CK408) entry stream. You can proceed to a BSc Single Honours Degree in Astrophysics, Science Education (Physics Route only) or Physics, or a Joint Honours Degree in Physics with one of Applied Mathematics or Mathematics.
There are a variety of pathways from this degree and your choice of electives will impact your route. Please see the University Calendar (Physics) for more information.
Why Choose This Course
Who teaches this course?
Staff across disciplines, including physics, mathematics, applied mathematics, and statistics teach modules on this course, which is one of the top two degrees offered by the school.
Connected Curriculum
Our learning approach reflects our commitment to the Connected Curriculum where we emphasise the connection between students, learning, research and leadership through our vision for a Connected University. Our staff are at the forefront of this integrative approach to learning and will support you in making meaningful connections within and between topics such as physics, maths, technology, and society.
Available Scholarships
We support our postgraduate community by offering scholarships and bursaries to prospective and current students. Please see the SEFS Scholarships and Funding PG page for more information.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
In the third year there are opportunities for studying abroad at a variety of universities in the US and Europe. Recently, UCC Physics students have spent third year at the University of California, University of Massachusetts, University of North Carolina, and the University of Marburg in Germany.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
There are a variety of pathways from this degree and your choice of electives will impact your route. Please see the University Calendar (Physics) for more information.
In Year 1 students take 60 credits as follows:
All modules 5 credits unless otherwise stated.
Option 1
- PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
- PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
- MA1011 Mathematical Methods I
- MA1012 Mathematical Methods II
- AM1020 Mathematical Modelling
- AM1021 Mechanics I
- ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Option 2
- PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
- PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
- AM1052 Introduction to Mathematics
- MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MA1059 Calculus
- MA1060 Introduction to Analysis
- ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
Option 3
- PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
- PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
- MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra
- MA1059 Calculus
- MA1060 Introduction to Analysis
- CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)
Electives for Option 1 and 2 choose 15 credits from the following:
- AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling*
- AM1054 Mathematical Software*
- CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits)#
- CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)#
- CS1061 Programming in C
- CS1065 Computer Applications with Visual Basic
- CS1068 Introductory Programming in Python
- MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra*
- PY1054 Special Topics in Physics
- ST1050 Statistical Programming in R
- BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
- BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals
- BL1006 Habitats and Ecosystems
Electives for Option 3; Choose 10 credits from the following:
- BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution
- BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals
- BL1006 Habitats and Ecosystems
*Students wishing to study BSc in Mathematical Sciences and Physics must take these modules.
#Students wishing to study BSc in Chemical Sciences must take one of these modules.
See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.
Assessment
Written exams take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules have formal examinations and many modules use other types of assessment. Please see the Book of Modules for more information on each module and its assessment.
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
An education in physics provides problem-solving, analytical, computational, mathematical and IT skills and can lead to a wide range of careers. 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. Please refer to Skills and Careers Information for each separate degree programme in the CK408 entry route.