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Engineering, Mathematics and Science
168
In the final year you will also carry out a research
project, frequently abroad in an industrial laboratory,
to
become familiar with the applications of advanced materials,
nanostructures or nanodevices in real-life situations. Many
students do their projects in innovative research areas such
as nano-technology, and smart and biomimetic materials.
Laboratories where projects have taken place include the IMEC
micro- and nano-electronics research centre in Leuven, Belgium;
The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California; and the
University of Potsdam (Universität Potsdam) Germany.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of continuous
assessment and end-of-year examinations.
Study abroad
Many students carry out their final year project abroad, mainly
in Australia, Belgium, France, Germany or the USA. This allows
students to develop their practical skills in materials science and
to learn about different countries and cultures.
Career opportunities
This degree will provide you with a flexible qualification for
employment in cutting-edge high technology industries, such
as the semiconductor, polymer and optical industries. There are
also opportunities to carry out postgraduate study in advanced
materials, a key research area in Trinity College itself.
Did you know?
n
Many graduates from this course go on to do research
in the CRANN research centre for nanoscale materials.
It is housed in the new Naughton Institute in Trinity
College and has state of the art facilities for research
into the nanoworld. CRANN was pioneered by the
Schools of Physics and Chemistry in Trinity College.
Further information
Tel: +353 1 896 1726 / 2040
Theoretical physics
COURSE CODES:
PLACES 2012:
POINTS 2011:
DEGREE AWARDED:
TR035
40
490*
B.A.
Special Entry Requirements:
Leaving Certificate
HB3
In mathematics and
physics
Advanced GCE (A-Level)
Grade B
In mathematics and
physics
See also:
TR031: Mathematics, page 164
TR071: Science, page 140
TR076: Nanoscience, physics and chemistry of advanced
materials, page 167
What is Theoretical physics?
Theoretical physics explores the natural world at its most
fundamental level, using mathematical theories guided by
experimental investigation. For some it is the foundation for
an academic career in mathematics or physics. For others it
provides the basis for many career options in industry, medicine,
law, finance and computing. Trinity College provides a course
which ranges widely across physics and mathematics. Its
graduates are in demand for their technical skills and versatility.
Is this the right course for you?
If you enjoy mathematics and seeing how physical theories can
be developed to unlock the secrets of the universe on every
scale from the quark to the Big Bang, you will be stimulated by
this course. If you want to keep a wide range of options open for
the future, you can do this in Theoretical physics. It consistently
attracts a spirited and talented class that makes the most of the
Trinity experience.
Course overview
The course combines much of the mathematics and physics
curricula, including several modules specifically designed with
the Theoretical physics programme in mind. In the Freshman
(first and second) years students take 40 credits in maths and
20 credits in physics (from a total of 60 credits). In the Sophister
(third and fourth) years students take, on average, 30 credits
in maths and 30 credits in physics. There are approximately 24
hours of lectures, tutorials and laboratory classes per week.
Course content
Cosmology, astrophysics, chaos, relativity and quantum
mechanics are some of the exciting topics that you will study. In
the practical classes you will study the latest ideas in magnetism,
superconductivity, laser technology and semiconductors.
