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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 Junior Sophister (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 Senior Sophister (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.
Senior Sophister students carry out either a physics or an
astrophysics research project with the opportunity of working at
an observatory 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. There is also 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
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 PhD degrees. Much of this research is
in collaboration with research groups in other leading
universities and institutes around the world.
Further information
Tel: +353 1 896 1675
