Physical Sciences

NFQ: Level 8

In the Physical Sciences stream you will study foundation topics in physics including: classical and quantum mechanics, electromagnetism, relativity, statistical physics and thermodynamics as well as applied physics topics including: atomic, nuclear and particle physics, modern optics, condensed matter physics and semiconductor physics. Students who choose to specialise in Physics and Astrophysics will also study stellar and galactic structures, planetary and space science, the interstellar medium and cosmology. Students who choose to specialise in Nanoscience will also study thin films and polymers, spectroscopy of nanostructures, and further options in solid state chemistry and condensed matter physics.

In addition, students in the Physical Sciences stream will learn how to use computers for numerical modelling via the Python programming language and how to use a range of physical instruments for making measurements in the laboratory. Students in the 3rd year take a course in Communication Skills which helps them to hone their oral and written presentation skills and shows them how to prepare a curriculum vitae. Third year students have the opportunity to meet graduates of the School of Physics through the ‘Wild Geese’ programme where they receive guidance on building their careers.

Students in the fourth year undertake a nine week full time project, which is carried out in a research laboratory in Trinity or in a research laboratory in another university or research institute. Students commonly travel to the US, UK, France, Germany and Australia for their final year projects. Students specialising in Physics and Astrophysics may travel to a telescope observatory.

The Trinity Physical Science degrees are 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). Our 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 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.