BA Physics: Physical Sciences

at Trinity College Dublin The University of Dublin

In the first two years you study Physics and Mathematics and one other subject. The Physics course includes topics in astrophysics, statistics, mechanics, thermodynamics, electricity, acoustics and optics, nuclear physics and quantum physics. The mathematics course includes topics in calculus, linear algebra, fourier analysis and mechanics. You spend three hours per week in experimental or computational laboratories. You will learn computer coding skills through the Python programming language.

In the third year you take lecture modules in Physics and spend one day per week in the experimental laboratory as well as receiving training in communication and presentation skills. In the fourth year you carry out an experimental or computational Capstone research project during the first nine weeks of the first semester and then take lecture modules in Physics which cover core Physics at a more advanced level as well as approved modules.

Third year modules
Quantum Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Condensed Matter Physics, Atomic Physics, Semiconductor Physics and Devices, Stellar and Galactic Structure, Statistical Mechanics, Computer Simulation.

Fourth year modules

Quantum Physics, High Energy Physics, Nuclear Structure, Condensed Matter, Nanoscience, Electromagnetic Interactions, Modern Optics, Polymers, Soft Matter, Energy Science and Computational Physics.

The fees for BA Physics: Physical Sciences may vary from €10,000 to €25,000 annually for tuition fees. The fee's prices may get higher for International Students.

The Trinity physics degrees are all recognised by the Institute of Physics, which is the professional body for physicists in Ireland and the UK, as qualifications for the professional title ‘Chartered Physicist’ (CPhys). Physics graduates are always in high demand in Ireland and abroad in modern high-technology industries, as well as in teaching. You may also find a career in academic institutions, government and industrial research organisations and production facilities or in the meteorological service. There are diverse opportunities in electronics, telecommunications, biophysics, hospital and health physics, automation and computing. Your degree course will give you the opportunity to acquire problem solving skills which will be valued by your future employer. It could also give you useful primary training for a legal, managerial or actuarial career, where a technical background is attractive.