This Degree Programme is offered jointly by the Departments of Physics and by the School of Mathematical Sciences.

Applied Mathematics is closely associated in modern science with mathematical modelling, which is widely recognised as the key universal tool of science and engineering. Models are commonly demanded for the description and prediction of physical phenomena and also for very many processes of society. The range is very wide: spanning from Economics to Ecology and from Medicine to Meteorology. Successful mathematical modelling requires the applied mathematician to master many skills; such as an understanding of physical phenomena, the construction of model equations, the ability to solve equations and the capacity for model evaluation. In this regard, Applied Mathematics and Physics are genuinely complementary disciplines. Physical intuition provides a useful insight into the formulation and solution of equations; mathematical thought and ideas provide a fundamental interpretation and insightful understanding of the phenomena.

Physics sets out to understand the processes, forces and structures of nature. One of its major characteristics is its ability to describe apparently disconnected and complex phenomena in terms of an underlying simplicity of mathematically expressed principles and structures. It should be no surprise that such a subject has powerful applications and that those with expertise in the subject should be sought after.

Graduates from the BSc (Hons) in Applied Mathematics and Physics are very well placed in the employment market because of the skills they possess. Their disciplined background in Applied Mathematics and Physics, as well as computing expertise, equips them for a wide range of careers - for example: Scientific and industrial research and development, lecturing and teaching, software development and computing, banking, management, consulting and insurance; accounting, financial mathematics or meteorology, retailing, sales and marketing, administration, the media and the civil service.

The College of Science, Engineering and Food Science offers a wide range of one year full-time (or two year part-time) professional diplomas e.g. Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Applied Physics) and Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Science (Modelling and Numerical Computing). There are also programmes leading to MSc (Master of Science) and PhD programmes.

• Year 1
• CK407 - Core Modules: Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits), Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits), Mathematical Software (5 credits), Calculus and Analysis (10 credits), Topics in Modern Mathematics (10 credits), Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits). Students must chose both Introductory Physics I (10 credits) and Introductory Physics II (10 credits).
• CK408 - Core Modules: Introductory Physics I (10 credits), Introductory Physics II (10 credits), Calculus and Analysis (10 credits). Students must then select from the following Modules: Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits), Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits), Mathematical Software (5 credits). Elective Modules: Chosen from Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics.
• Year 2
• Mathematical Modelling, Non-linear Worlds and Chaos I, C/C++ Programming with Applications, Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques, Fourier Methods, Multivariable Calculus, Mechanics and Electromagnetism I, Quantum, Thermal and Statistical Physics I.
• Year 3
• Vector and Tensor Methods, Fluid Mechanics I, Optimisation and the Calculus of Variations, Nonlinear Dynamics Control, Partial Differential Equations with Applications I, Computational Techniques, Mechanics and Electromagnetism II, Quantum, Thermal and Statistical Physics II.
• Year 4
• Fluid Mechanics II, Topics in Applied Mathematics, Applied Stochastic Differential Equations, Partial Differential Equations with Applications II, Perturbation and Asymptotic Methods, Applied Mathematics Project, Advanced Electromagnetism and Quantum Physics. Plus an elective in Atomic and Molecular Physics.

The UCC Astrophysics degree is designed for those who have always harboured an interest in Astronomy and the Physics of the universe. The course equips students with the same fundamental background in Physics, and with the same numerical and computational skills as those graduating via the ‘hands on’ Physics degree programme. This programme is not differentiated from the Physics degree until Third Year. As part of this course, students obtain ‘hands on’ experience using a research class (1.2 m diameter mirror) telescope at the Kryoneri Observatory in Greece in their Third year. In addition, the University houses the unique Crawford Observatory.
In addition to the core Physics material, Astrophysics students also cover topics such as Observational Astronomy and Cosmology, Star Formation and Evolution, White Dwarfs, Neutron Stars, Black Holes, Accretion Physics, Galactic Structure, Active Galactic Nuclei, Cosmology, Newtonian Gravity, Gravitational Waves, Massive Black Holes and Gravitational Collapse.

Most practicing astronomers in Ireland - i.e. those who carry out astronomical research - teach in Universities or Institutes of Technology. For those students not pursuing research in Astrophysics beyond their degree, graduates of this course have the same wide range of potential employers as do those graduating with a Physics degree. Specific examples of the careers recent graduates have pursued include software engineer, energy researcher, Eircom engineer, stockbroker, geophysicist and BT technical manager.
Within the Department of Physics there is a wide range of research groups working, including three Astrophysics (or closely related) groups. These groups currently have a full-time manpower complement of 13, and have been successful in attracting support funding from Science Foundation Ireland and other funding agencies. Their main research areas include black holes in binary star systems, jets from active galactic nuclei, and gravitational physics.

• Year 1
• Core Modules:
  • Calculus and Linear Algebra (10 credits), Introductory Physics I and II (10 credits each)
• Plus 10 credits from one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - Mechanics I and II (5 credits each)
  • Option 2 - Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits) and Elements of Mathematical Modelling (5 credits), plus elective modules to the value of 20 credits from the following: Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics.
• Year 2
• Core Modules:
  • Classical Mechanics, Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Introduction to Computational Physics, Introduction to Quantum Physics, Electrostatics and Magnetostatics, Introduction to Astrophysics and Special Relativity, Experimental Physics
• Plus one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - C/C++ Programming with Applications, Fourier Methods, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus
  • Option 2 - Engineering Mechanics with Transform Methods, C/C++ Programming with Applications or Intermediate Calculus for Scientists, Linear Algebra and Science Education I
• Year 3
• Core Modules:
  • Electromagnetism, Statistical Thermodynamics, Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics, Optics, Quantum Mechanics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Experimental Physics, Observational Astrophysics
• Plus one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - Vector and Tensor Methods, Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques, Computational Techniques, Fourier Transform Methods in Linear Systems Analysis
  • Option 2 - Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques
• Year 4
• Core Modules:
  • Stars and the Interstellar Medium, Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics, Gravitation and Cosmology, Major Research Project, Plus electives from a list of optional modules

Chemical Physics is a modern subject standing at the boundary between Chemistry and Physics and brings the theoretical knowledge and experimental techniques of physics to the investigation of the molecules and molecular materials of chemistry. Interdisciplinarity in science is the key to advance our fundamental knowledge of nature which is required to face the continuously growing challenges of a modern society. It is a fascinating scientific field and the source of many modern technological developments and innovations - it is an area for people with a real enthusiasm for both the great physical sciences. Chemical Physics graduates will have excellent employment prospects in wide variety of research and industry environments.

The four year degree programme is designed to produce graduates equipped with multidisciplinary knowledge and skills in the areas of physical and chemical sciences. The first three years consist of equal amounts of Chemistry and Physics modules and some Mathematics modules. The final year offers a wide choice of modules so that students can direct their studies to any preferred direction they have identified. There is a strong emphasis on the use of computer applications and modelling in the degree programme. Features of the course include modules in Molecular Physics, Physical Chemistry, and (Applied) Mathematics as well as Computer Modelling; student seminars and workshops, laboratory practical classes and research projects. There are also opportunities for summer projects in the Physics Department.

The career prospects of this degree programme are based on the universality of the expertise and skills acquired during the programme. The versatile and broad education in physical sciences, the solid experimental training, the problem solving skills, the computing and modelling skills in chemical physics guarantee outstanding employment opportunities in a large number of professional domains. Typical career outlets involve scientific activities, advanced research and development in either an industrial setting or in an academic environment. Many industrial sectors depend on the qualification of the Chemical Physics graduates. These include the analytical and laser industry, process and engineering and quality control, the environmental sector, IT and biotechnology related areas where data processing and computer-related skills are sought.

• Year 1
• Chemistry (20 credits), Mathematics (10 credits), Physics (20 credits), Applied Mathematics (10 credits)
• Year 2
• Chemistry: Physical, Inorganic, Spectroscopy, Bonding.
  Physics: Thermal, Quantum, Electro-magnetics, Mechanics
• Year 3
• Chemistry: Valence Theory, Materials, Spectroscopy, Chemical Reactivity.
  Physics: Statistical, Quantum, Optics, Wave Phenomena
• Year 4
• Chemical Physics.
  Chemistry: Photochemistry, Materials, Environmental Chemistry.
  Physics: Laserphysics, Solid State & Atomic, Computational.

Science teaching is a very challenging and worthwhile career. Did you enjoy learning about science in school? Do you feel you would like a career in which you spend your time helping young people to succeed? Do you think that you would like the activity of classroom and laboratory teaching? If you have answered ‘yes’ to these questions, then you should consider taking a module in science education as part of your degree.

The overall aim of this programme is the professional development of Science teachers of the highest possible calibre. Students in First Year take exactly the same subjects as all other students in CK406 and CK408. Students may also enter the course via CK402 provided they take route one in Second Year as specified in the UCC University Calendar, i.e. 40 credits of Chemistry modules in Second Year. In Second Year, students may take a ‘taste of teaching’ by choosing Science Education as an elective module. If you find that you have enjoyed the experience of teaching, you may take another Science Education module in Third Year. Typically, these Science Education modules cover topics like classroom organisation and teaching approaches, lesson planning, understanding teaching and learning, the role of practical work in science education, etc. Each of the Science Education modules involves attendance at one lecture for 12 weeks. Your teaching ability, portfolio of prepared lessons and a teaching project all count towards the mark awarded for the module. At the end of Third Year you have the choice of proceeding to Fourth Year of this degree or you may stay in the mainstream BSc (Hons) programme. Fourth Year of the Honours Bachelor of Science (Education) is exactly the same course as that undertaken by those students pursuing the Postgraduate Diploma in Education.

You will have six weeks experience of teaching (2 hours per week plus one hour of mentoring) in a local school. You will have the assistance of a mentor teacher in this school. The teaching experience will help you to make up your mind about a career in teaching. Your teaching practice will be supervised by a member of staff of the Department of Education, UCC. This degree programme was initiated by UCC in response to the international shortage of teachers of the Physical Sciences. Whilst full-time permanent teaching positions are not plentiful in Ireland, there remains a shortage of teachers of Physics and Chemistry. Graduates of this degree have no difficulty finding full time permanent positions overseas.

• Year 1
• CK402 - Core Modules: Biology (20 credits), Chemistry (15 credits), Physics (15 credits), Mathematics (10 credits).
• CK406
  • Option 1: Chemistry (20 credits), Mathematics (10 credits), Physics (10 credits). Plus 20 credits chosen from Biology or Environmental Science and Geology or Computer Science.
  • Option 2: Chemistry (20 credits), Mathematics (15 credits), Physics (10 credits). Plus 15 credits chosen from Applied Mathematics, Physics or Computer Science.
• CK408
  • Physics (20 credits) - Introductory Physics I and II
  • Mathematics (10 credits) - Calculus and Linear Algebra
  • Plus one of the following options (10 credits): Option 1 - Mechanics I and II, or Option 2 - Introduction to Mechanics, Elements of Mathematical Modelling.
  • Elective Modules: Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics.
• Year 2
• Students take modules from the following areas as appropriate: Chemistry, Physics, Science Education, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
• Year 3
• Students take modules from the following areas as appropriate: Chemistry, Physics, Science Education, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
• Year 4
• Students study the following core modules:
  ED6301 Philosophy and History of Education (5 credits)
  ED6302 Psychology and Sociology of Education (5 credits)
  ED6303 Curriculum Assessment and Technology (5 credits)
  ED6304 Teaching Studies: Theories and Practices of Teaching & Learning (5 credits)
  ED6305 Reflective and Professional Practice (5 credits)
  D6306 Inclusive and Multicultural Education (5 credits)
  ED6307 Teaching Practice (20 credits)
  ED6317 The Teaching of Mathematics (5 credits)

Physics is a dynamic and exciting subject, which combines intellectual fascination with practical relevance to a wide range of human endeavour, from Philosophy and Theology to Medicine and the Biological Sciences to Engineering and the Earth Sciences. The attributes needed by a good physicist include spatial and conceptual vision, mathematical fluency, curiosity and imagination.

Throughout each year of the BSc course in Physics, the student will take modules consisting of lectures and closely associated laboratory classes. The laboratory classes include some of the classic experiments of Physics, demonstrating important principles or techniques, with students graduating towards more ambitious open-ended investigations. Tutorials, seminars, problem solving and discussion sessions and computational exercises are integral parts of the study. Below is a table showing the modules available to the student.

• Year 1
• Core Modules:
  • Calculus and Linear Algebra (10 credits), Introductory Physics I and II (10 credits each)
• Plus 10 credits from one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - Mechanics I and II (5 credits each)
  • Option 2 - Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits) and Elements of Mathematical Modelling (5 credits), plus elective modules to the value of 20 credits from the following: Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Statistics.
• Year 2
• Core Modules:
  • Classical Mechanics, Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics, Introduction to Computational Physics, Introduction to Quantum Physics, Electrostatics and Magnetostatics, Introduction to Astrophysics and Special Relativity, Experimental Physics
• Plus one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - C/C++ Programming with Applications, Fourier Methods, Linear Algebra, Multivariable Calculus
  • Option 2 - Engineering Mechanics with Transform Methods, C/C++ Programming with Applications or Intermediate Calculus for Scientists, Linear Algebra and Science Education I
• Year 3
• Core Modules:
  • Electromagnetism, Statistical Thermodynamics, Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics, Optics, Quantum Mechanics, Nuclear and Particle Physics, Experimental Physics
• Plus one of the following options:
  • Option 1 - Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques, Advanced Calculus, Complex Numbers and Functions
  • Option 2 - Vector and Tensor Methods, Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques, Plus Elective Modules
  • Option 3 - Mathematical Modelling in Engineering, Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques or Advanced Calculus, Complex Numbers and Functions, Science Education II
• Year 4
• Core Modules:
  • Experimental Physics, Major Research Project, 8 electives chosen from other Physics Modules