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Physics - degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Climate, Theoretical
Course Overview
GY320 Physics is the fundamental science, which seeks to understand the basic laws governing the structure of matter, the nature of energy and the physical forces that form our world. Its span of interest ranges from the nature of the short-range forces which operate inside the atomic nucleus to the origin and structure of the universe.
If you have an enquiring mind, and are interested in discovering how things work, then this could be the course for you. The Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Climate, Theoretical) four year degree at NUI Galway offers you the flexibility in how you can study physics. It gives you the opportunity to experience a number of subjects along with core Physics before specialising in your chosen pathway in third year.
These pathways are:
- Applied Physics, the study of physics with particular emphasis on technological and practical applications
- Astrophysics, the part of astronomy that deals with the physics of the universe, including that of stars, black holes and galaxies
- Biomedical Physics, the application of physics to the medical and biological sciences
- Theoretical Physics, the application of mathematical tools and models to explain and predict physical phenomena
- Climate Physics, focussed on understanding the physics of climate change from a rigorous-science perspective, a study of the key processes driving climate change, enabling a response on a regional, national and international scale
You will be introduced to these pathways at the very start of the programme. Students will gain an insight into some of the most exciting and interesting areas of scientific inquiry.
Do I need honours level Mathematics?
No, but physics is mathematical. In the first and second year you will be required to take mathematics courses, which will bring you to the standard required.
Do I need Leaving Certificate physics?
Leaving Certificate physics will help you but it is not a requirement. We will teach you physics in first year.
Click here for more information on the Bachelor of Science (Physics – degree options in Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Climate, Theoretical).
See our New Physics brochure for further details: Physics brochure 2021 We are currently revising our brochure.
Applications and Selections
Who Teaches this Course
Requirements and Assessment
Key Facts
Entry Requirements
Minimum Grade H5 in two subjects and passes in four other subjects at O6/H7 level in the Leaving Certificate, including Irish, English, Mathematics, a laboratory science subject (i.e, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Physics with Chemistry (joint), Computer Science or Agricultural Science) and any two other subjects recognised for entry purposes.
Additional Requirements
Duration
4 years
Next start date
September 2023
A Level Grades (2022)
universityofgalway.ie/alevels
Average intake
30
QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes
Closing Date
NFQ level
Mode of study
ECTS weighting
Award
NUI Galway School of Physics was awarded Juno Practitioner status by the Institute of Physics in 2013. The aim of Project Juno is to recognise and reward departments that can demonstrate they have taken action to address the under-representation of women in physics. www.iop.org
CAO
GY320
Course code
Course Outline
Year 1
- Physics
- Physics Specialist Topics
- Applied Mathematics or Biology
- Mathematics
Year 2
- Physics (four modules)
- Plus eight additional modules chosen from an approved list in the following areas:
- Applied Mathematics
- Astrophysics
- Anatomy
- Mathematics
- Earth and Ocean Sciences (Climate stream)
- Megatrends (Economics and Business)
Year 3
- Physics (six modules)
- Plus six additional modules chosen from an approved list in the following areas:
- Applied physics
- Astrophysics
- Biomedical Physics
- Theoretical Physics
- Other modules available in the College of Science
Year 4
- Core Physics modules
- Specialist Physics courses (Applied, Astrophysics, Biomedical, Theoretical,Climate)
- Plus advanced laboratory, project work and problem solving
Modules Years 1, 2 and 3
Modules Year 4
Curriculum Information
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Subject
- Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Required Core Subject
- A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.
Year 1 (60 Credits)
Optional MA161: Mathematical Studies - 15 Credits - Semester 1Optional MA180: Mathematics (Honours) - 15 Credits - Semester 1
Optional MP180: Applied Mathematics - 15 Credits - Semester 1
Optional BO101: Biology - 15 Credits - Semester 1
Optional CH101: Chemistry - 15 Credits - Semester 1
Required PH101: Physics - 15 Credits - Semester 1
Required PH109: Physics Special Topics - 10 Credits - Semester 1
Required CS103: Computer Science - 5 Credits - Semester 1
Year 2 (60 Credits)
Optional MP236: Mechanics I - 5 Credits - Semester 3Optional PH222: Astrophysical Concepts - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MA211: Calculus I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MA215: Mathematical Molecular Biology I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MA284: Discrete Mathematics - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MA2286: Differential Forms - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional AN2102: Histology of the Fundamental Tissues - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional CS2101: Programming for Science and Finance - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional ST2001: Statistics for Data Science 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional MG3113: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional CH203: Physical Chemistry - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional CH204: Inorganic Chemistry - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional EOS213: Introduction to Ocean Science - 10 Credits - Semester 3
Required PH2102: Physics Laboratory and Problem Solving I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Required MP231: Mathematical Methods I - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Required PH2105: Mechanics and Thermodynamics - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional BSS2103: Introduction to Sustainability 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional BSS1100: Digital Citizenship - 5 Credits - Semester 3
Optional CS211: Programming and Operating Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MP237: Mechanics II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MA203: Linear Algebra - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MA212: Calculus II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MA216: Mathematical Molecular Biology II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional AN226: Systems Histology - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MA2287: Complex Analysis - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional MA283: Linear Algebra - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PH223: Observational Astronomy - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional ST2002: Statistics for Data Science 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional BSS2104: Introduction to Sustainability 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional PH2103: Thermodynamics & Atomic Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional CH202: Organic Chemistry - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional CH205: Analytical & Environmental Chemistry - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Optional EOS2102: The Earth: From Core to Crust - 10 Credits - Semester 4
Required PH2104: Physics Laboratory and Problem Solving II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required MP232: Mathematical Methods II - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Required PH2106: Atomic Physics & Electromagnetism - 5 Credits - Semester 4
Year 3 (60 Credits)
Optional MP305: Modelling I - 5 Credits - Semester 5Optional PH222: Astrophysical Concepts - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH328: Physics of the Environment I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH339: Radiation and Medical Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH363: Astronomical Data Analysis - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional ST311: Applied Statistics I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH333: Quantum Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH3101: Experimental and Computational Physics - 15 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH3102: Experimental and Computational Physics for Theoretical Physics - 10 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH338: Properties of Materials - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional MP366: Electromagnetism - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional MP494: Partial Differential Equations - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Required MP345: Mathematical Methods I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Required PH331: Wave Optics - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional MP356: Quantum Mechanics I - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional MP410: Non-Linear Elasticity - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional SCI901: Erasmus Study Exchange Semester I - 30 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HKU3102: HKUST: Sem Abroad Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science (35) - 35 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HKU3101: HKUST: Sem Abroad Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science - 25 Credits - Semester 5
Optional JCU300: Study Exchange with John Carroll University (USA) - 30 Credits - Semester 5
Optional HKU300: HKUST: Sem I Study Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science - 30 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH3105: Experimental and Computational Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional SCI9101: Science Semester Abroad Exchange - 30 Credits - Semester 5
Optional SCI9102: Science Semester Abroad Exchange (35) - 35 Credits - Semester 5
Optional SCI9103: Science Semester Abroad Exchange (25) - 25 Credits - Semester 5
Optional BSS1100: Digital Citizenship - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional BSS2103: Introduction to Sustainability 1 - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH2107: Scalable Technology-based Innovation - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional MG3113: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 5
Optional PH362: Stellar Astrophysics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional MP307: Modelling II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional PH329: Physics of the Environment II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional PH340: Biomedical Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional ST312: Applied Statistics II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional MP357: Quantum Mechanics II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Required PH337: Thermal Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Required PH335: Nuclear & Particle Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Required MP346: Mathematical Methods II - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional MP365: Fluid Mechanics - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional SCI902: Erasmus Study Exchange Semester II - 30 Credits - Semester 6
Optional UC3002: Study Exchange with University of California Sem II - 30 Credits - Semester 6
Optional HKU324: HKUST: Spring Study Exchange with Hong Kong University of Science & Technology - 30 Credits - Semester 6
Optional PH3106: Experimental Physics and Professional & Educational Development - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional BSS2104: Introduction to Sustainability 2 - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Optional MG3115: Megatrends - 5 Credits - Semester 6
Year 4 (60 Credits)
Optional PH4102: Final Year Project - 20 Credits - Semester 7Optional PH421: Quantum Mechanics - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional PH422: Solid State Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional PH424: Electromagnetism and Special Relativity - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional PH428: Atmospheric Physics and Climate Change - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional PH430: Biophotonics - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional MP305: Modelling I - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional MP366: Electromagnetism - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional MP403: Cosmology And General Relativity - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional MP494: Partial Differential Equations - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional MA4102: Algebraic Foundations of Quantum Computing - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional MM4000: Final Year Project - 10 Credits - Semester 7
Required PH4101: Physics Problem Solving - 5 Credits - Semester 7
Optional PH423: Applied Optics and Imaging - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Optional PH429: Nanotechnology - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Optional MP365: Fluid Mechanics - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Optional MP491: Non Linear Systems - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Optional PH4105: Ocean Climate Physics - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Optional PH4107: Final Year Project for Theoretical Physics Students - 10 Credits - Semester 8
Optional PH4108: Soft Condensed Matter - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Optional EOS4101: Earth Observation and Remote Sensing - 5 Credits - Semester 8
Further Education
Honours graduates can pursue higher degrees in physics or, depending on the specialisms selected, in a wide range of areas such as applied physics, astrophysics, energy/environmental studies, medical and biomedical physics, meteorology, and theoretical physics.
Why Choose This Course?
Career Opportunities
A degree in physics is an excellent training for employment in high technology industries (e.g. communications, electronics, optics and photonics, semiconductors, medical devices) and also in fields such as second- and third-level education,climate science, meteorology, the environmental and medical sciences, and software design.
A physics degree can also lead to an exciting career in fundamental research in any area of physics or in multidisciplinary areas such as nanotechnology, medical physics, biophysics, occupational health, and materials science. Theoretical physicists often work in the financial and actuarial sectors.
Click here to read a report produced for the Institute of Physics which shows 160,000 people are employed in physics based industries in Ireland.
Employer Endorsement
“The challenges faced in Automotive Vision & Imaging are diverse and require different skill sets including technical expertise, problem solving, adaptability, communication & teamwork. Our experience is that graduates from the BSc, Masters and PhD programmes in the NUI Galway School of Physics have these competences in abundance and thus form a vital part of our team at R&D Valeo”.
Derek Savage, Computer Vision & Imaging (CVI) Department Manager, Valeo Vision Systems
Who’s Suited to This Course
Learning Outcomes
Transferable Skills Employers Value
Work Placement
Study Abroad
Related Student Organisations
Course Fees
Fees: EU
Fees: Tuition
Fees: Student Contribution
Fees: Student levy
Fees: Non EU
EU Fees are comprised of Tuition + Student Contribution Charge + Student Levy €140 - payable by all students and is not covered by SUSI. Further detail here.
Find out More
Dr Alexander Goncharov
College of Science
T 353 (0)91 492 490
F 353 (0)91 750 501
E alexander.goncharov@universityofgalway.ie
School of Physics - www.universityofgalway.ie/physics
Other Usefull links:
- Careers in physics - Where physics could take you: Career paths | Institute of Physics (iop.org)
- Equality & Diversity in Physics at NUI Galway - https://www.universityofgalway.ie/physics/juno/
What Our Students Say

Laura Britton | BSc Applied Physics
I have very fond memories of studying physics in University of Galway and have made lifelong friends along the way. The undergraduate degree gave me a strong foundation in physics theory, and in particular I developed the confidence to be able to break any problem down into its fundamentals and solve with critical thinking. I went on to study a masters in Key Enabling Technologies in the NCLA department which really helped me to hone my research and practical skills. During the masters, I conducted research alongside an exciting start-up company here in the West of Ireland. I am currently employed by this company as a photonics researcher and we are in the process of developing a light-based treatment to remove sea lice from fish! I enjoy my work and every day I am challenged to use the creative problem solving skills that I developed during my time in University of Galway.