Bachelor

Specialization in astrophysics during the BSc

Experts at the Centre for Astronomy offer several specialized modules during the undergraduate degree in Physics which you will take should you pick the astrophysics stream. These modules lay the foundation for your career in astronomy and astrophysics and lead up to the final undergraduate project in 4th year in which you will undertake cutting edge research under the guidance of one of our staff members. Have a look at the specialized astrophysics modules below or go to the full physics degree program.

1st Year - Laying the foundation

PH109 - Physics Special Topics will give you an introduction to various streams of the physics program including the astrophysics stream. In 2 taster lectures in Semester 1 and 12 dedicated lectures in Semester 2 you will get an introduction to astronomical research in Galway and to astronomy in general. This includes basic knowledge of our solar system, astronomical coordinate systems and observational astronomy.

2nd Year - Building your knowledge

PH222 - Astrophysical Concepts

PH223 - Observational Astronomy is where you will learn about the telescopes, instruments, filters and detectors that astronomers use. What can we learn by taking images, spectra, and repeated measurements? How do we overcome the limitations of our own atmosphere and our planet’s motion? This module covers astronomy across all wavelengths, from radio to X-ray; with an emphasis on visible/optical observing, and how to plan it.

3rd Year - First steps to the stars

PH331 - Wave Optics

PH362 - Stellar Astrophysics

PH363 - Astronomical Data Analysis is where you will learn how to process data obtained from telescopes. You will apply new tools, to extract science-grade measurements from raw data: from making deep tricolour images of galaxies, to photometry and astrometry of stars, to spectroscopy of nebulae. It is a mainly practical module, with 10 computer lab sessions, and an exciting field trip to use a large professional telescope in Italy for several nights.

4th year - Spreading your wings

PH4109 - Exoplanets and Planet Formation is a course where we are getting into all the details of how we can detect planets outside of the solar systems and how these planets are forming. From our solar system to habitable exoplanets and the Fermi paradox the course offers an observationally driven overview over all the most recent research results in the field.

MP403 - Cosmology and General Relativity

PH4102 - Final year project: This is the big thesis project at the end of the degree program in which you will get the chance to conduct independent research for the first time. Experts at the Centre for Astronomy offer a wide range of thesis topics, from instrumentation for next generation telescopes, light pollution and stellar variability, to the formation of planets, aurorae and thunderstorms on distant worlds and the death of stars.