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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
156
Physics and astrophysics
Since before the dawn of human civilisation man has gazed in
wonder at the night sky. The exploration of our solar system and
the universe beyond continues to fascinate us. Astrophysics is
still a major part of human endeavour in science.
At the end of the Senior Freshman (second) year, you may
choose to study for a degree in Physics and astrophysics by
substituting roughly one quarter of the general physics courses
with astrophysics courses in the final two years.
In the third year the astrophysics courses range over modern
astronomical instrumentation, spectroscopy, space plasmas,
stellar evolution, galaxies and an introduction to general
relativity and modern cosmology. There is hands-on experience
of astrophysical observation in the third-year laboratory, using
optical and radio telescopes.
In the final year astrophysics lectures provide a more in-depth
study of our own solar system, planetary systems around other
stars, interstellar matter and galaxies. There is also a focus on
modern developments in astronomy, such as dark matter, black
holes and supernovae. Final-year students carry out either a
physics or an astrophysics research project with the opportunity
of working at an observatory elsewhere in Ireland or abroad.
Study abroad
Final-year students in both Physics and Physics and
astrophysics may get the opportunity to carry out their
research
project at a laboratory or observatory abroad
. In recent years
students have worked at the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre,
at the Universities of Potsdam and Regensburg in Germany, at
the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in the United States
and at the European Space Agency in Madrid.
Career opportunities
Physics graduates are always in demand in Ireland and
elsewhere 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 the meteorological service. There
are diverse opportunities in electronics, telecommunications,
biophysics, hospital and health physics, automation and
computing, as well as in a wide range of careers for which
employers value the skills of problem-solving that come with
the degree. It could also be a useful primary training for a legal,
managerial or actuarial career for which a technical background
is very attractive.
Did you know?
n
A recent report by the Institute of Physics on Physics
and the Irish Economy (2007) showed that physics-
based sectors account for over 80% of manufacturing
industry and over 80,000 jobs in the Republic of
Ireland alone. That means more jobs than in the
finance, banking and insurance sector!
n
The School of Physics in Trinity College is the biggest
physics department in Ireland (north or south). Over
100 physics graduates from Trinity College and other
universities are currently doing research leading to
Masters and Ph.D. degrees. Much of this research is
in collaboration with research groups in other leading
universities and institutes around the world.
Further information
www.physics.tcd.ie
Tel: +353 1 896 1675