Undergraduate Programmes

Industrial & Environmental Physics / Fisic Thionsclaíoch & Chomhshaoil DT260

Qualification awarded: BSc (Industrial & Environmental Physics) Level 7 / BSc (Fisic Thionsclaíoch & Chomhshaoil) Leibhéal 7
Duration of programme: 3 years
Type of programme: Ordinary Degree
Number of places: 15 approx.

What is Industrial & Environmental Physics?

The aim of this programme is to produce graduates with the necessary skills for employment as technicians/technologists or scientific personnel in the fields of technology and physics, with a particular emphasis on the applications of physics in industrial and environmental contexts including the science underlying renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

What are my career opportunities?

Graduates of this programme will have experience and skill in handling instrumentation and in the analysis, interpretation, presentation and critical evaluation of data. These skills along with an up-to-date knowledge of their field makes them highly suited for careers in industry and technology, especially in industries relating to renewable energy and sustainability, as technicians or as research assistants.

The fore-runner of this programme was the Physics option of the Applied Science degree and graduates of that programme have found employment in a wide range of technological sectors, including the semi-conductor and electronics industry, the computer industry, industrial or state analytical and research laboratories, Biosciences laboratories, sound-engineering, as technicians in teaching laboratories and many other areas.

What other options do I have after completion?

Graduates who achieve appropriate grades are eligible to apply for entry to Year 3 of the Honours Degree programme DT222 Physics Technology.

What will I study on this programme?

The first year of the programme is common with the programmes DT212 Science, DT259 Biosciences and DT261 Medicinal Chemistry & Pharmaceutical Sciences, giving the student a broad scientific base before concentrating on the Applied Physics in Year 2 and Year 3.

The programme is offered on a modular basis. Six common core modules in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, professional skills and Information Technology provide students with a solid foundation in science. In the second semester there are modules of Project Based Physics, Astronomy and Environmental & Energy Physics. The student chooses an additional module from a selection of Chemistry and Biology modules on offer.

In the third year the applied and practical nature of the degree and the emphasis on environment, energy and industry come to the fore.