BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology

Bachelor of Science (Honours)Physics for Modern Technology
Code:
WD180
Delivery:
Full Time
2018 CAO range:
        370 - 460
Level:
8
Campus:
Cork Road
Duration:
4 years
Credits:
240 ECTS
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Why are Physics and Technology important?

  • Physics is central to understanding the world around us and it is the driving force behind most modern technologies
  • Smartphones, iPads, fibre-optics, lasers, GPS satellites, solid state drives, radiotherapy beams, smart sensors, medical imaging systems, and a host of other devices and systems are all applications of physics.  

What is the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology?

The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is a four-year honours degree course, including a six-month work placement in industry.  This is an inter-disciplinary course which provides students with an understanding of the physics underlying modern technologies such as semiconductors, optics/photonics, alternative energy, and sensor systems. It is designed to provide students with strong and complementary skills in the areas of physics, engineering, mathematics and programming. Graduates will develop a range of transferable skills that are valued and much sought after by industry. 

BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology work placement or study abroad

Students undertake a work placement in industry, or within a research group, for a full semester in third year of this course. This allows the student to develop valuable professional skills within an organisation. Recent placement opportunities have included: Analog Devices, Intel, Bausch & Lomb, SensL, Waterford Energy Bureau, UPMC Whitfield Cancer Centre, Fidelity Investments, Teva and Red Hat (Ireland); ESA (European Space Agency, the Netherlands); and NPrime (Sheffield, UK).

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Data AcquisitionElectromagnetism, Solid State & Modern Physics
Science Universe and Society 1Mechanics & Waves
Introductory PhysicsPhysics for Scientists
Engineering MathematicsCalculus
Introductory ChemistryPhysical & Organic Chemistry
Materials 1Science and Society
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Advanced Mechanics Science Universe and Society 2
Alternative EnergyElectromagnetism and Physical Optics
Electronic Devices & SystemsDC / AC Fundamentals
Ordinary Differential Equations Advanced Calculus
Programming Fundamentals 1Programming Fundamentals 2
Materials 2Thermodynamics
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Atomic, Quantum and Solid State Device PhysicsWork Placement
Electromagnetism, Physical Optics and Photonics
Computational Environments and Toolchains
Advanced Engineering Maths
Measurement Systems
Semiconductor Fundamentals
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Advanced OpticsSemiconductor Devices
Computational Physics Photonics Applications
Nuclear and Particle PhysicsResearch Project
Control Systems
Research Methodology and Literature Review
Semiconductor Device Technology and Spectroscopic Techniques
Choose one of the following electives:Choose one of the following electives:
*Theory and Applications of DSP*Digital Control
*Process Technology*Advanced Materials and Process Selection
*Embedded Operating Systems*Vehicle Network Protocols
*Cloud Technologies*Data Mining
* = elective module* = elective module

Leaving Certificate 2017:

Minimum entry requirements

2 subjects: H5
4 subjects: O6/H7
English or Irish: O6/H7
Mathematics: O2/H5

Advanced and Equivalent Entry:

Graduates of BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology will find employment in industry and research in a range of sectors. Visit the Institute of Physics in Ireland website for more information on the many interesting and diverse career opportunities open to physicists.

Career Opportunities

  • Semiconductors
  • Telecommunications/Photonics
  • Medical Physics
  • Biomedical Devices
  • Space Science & Technology
  • Automotive
  • Alternative Energy
  • Meteorology
  • Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
  • Teaching after gaining a Professional Master of Education
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics
  • Financial Services

Follow on Study

Graduates may proceed onto a number of taught masters courses at WIT:

Professional Links

The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is recognised by the Institute of Physics, which is the professional body for physicists in Ireland and the UK. Graduates of this degree programme can obtain membership of the Institute of Physics.

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Course Leader

  • Keary, Claire View Profile

    Dr. Claire Keary

    Lecturer in Physics

    Tel: 51834087 Email: CKEARY@wit.ie

    • Course Leader

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