Featured


Courses

SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

Courses Landing page

Study at SETU Waterford

Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

Study at SETU Waterford landing Page

Students

Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

Students Landing Page

Schools

SETU Waterford offers a broad range of academic programmes from levels 6 to 10 on the national framework of qualifications across Business, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Humanities, Science and Computing.

Schools Landing Page

International

The Office for International Relations co-ordinates the admission, administration and support for international students throughout the course of their studies at SETU Waterford.

International Landing Page

Research

SETU Waterfordis recognised as the leading research performer in the institute of technology sector with research activities that are internationally benchmarked, strategic, and economically relevant. Find out about the amazing multi disciplinary research under way

Research Landing Page

About

Discover the routes into studying at SETU Waterford for school leavers, adult learners, further education students, graduates and people who have already started studies elsewhere as well as options for those interested in online courses.

About Landing Page

News

Uncover the research discoveries, student and staff achievements, human stories, community spirit, global links and external engagement news at SETU Waterford

News Landing Page

Events

From virtual events to conferences, talks, public lectures and happenings in on-campus venues SETU Waterford is a hub of activity. Stay up to date with our calendar of upcoming events.

Events Landing Page
Code
SE501
Cao points
🛈 299 - 602
Level
8
Campus
Cork Road
Duration
4 years
Credits
240 ECTS
Placements
Available
International Applications
Accepted
arrow-down

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

The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is a full time, four year, honours degree which can be chosen within the SE501 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) Common Entry Route. 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 nine month work placement, allowing them to develop valuable professional skills. Recent placement opportunities have included: Analog Devices, Bausch & Lomb, Teva, FeedHenry, TSSG, UPMC Whitfield Cancer Care, Genzyme, Fidelity Investments, ESA (European Space Agency, Holland) and NPrime (UK).. Students may also study abroad in one of SETU’s partner institutions in Europe, Canada or the USA.

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.  

Professional Links

This course is recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP), the professional body for physicists. Graduates qualify for Membership of the Institute of Physics. Further details can be found at Degree accreditation and recognition | Institute of Physics (iop.org)

 

Physics for Modern Technology Programme Handbook

Year 1
Semester 1Semester 2
Introductory Biology Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Introductory Chemistry Mathematics for Scientists
Introductory Physics Physical and Organic Chemistry
Introductory Mathematics Physics for Scientists
Introduction to ICT for ScientistsChoose two of the following electives:
Good Lab Practice and Core Skills *Introduction to Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science
*Introduction to Food Science
*Introduction to Modern Physics
*Plant Biology
*Science & Society
Year 2
Semester 3Semester 4
Mechanics and WavesAdvanced Mechanics
Science, Universe & SocietyElectromagnetism
Electronic Devices & SystemsDC / AC Fundamentals
Ordinary Differential Equations Advanced Calculus
Programming Fundamentals 1Programming Fundamentals 2
Spectroscopic TechniquesThermodynamics for Engineers
Year 3
Semester 5Semester 6
Atomic, Quantum and Solid State Device PhysicsWork Placement
Electromagnetism, Physical Optics and Photonics
Measurement Systems
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Computational Environments & Toolchains
Semiconductor Fundamentals
Year 4
Semester 7Semester 8
Introduction to Convergent TechnologiesSemiconductor Devices
Computational PhysicsPhotonics Applications
Control SystemsResearch Project
Nuclear Physics & Spectroscopic TechniquesSmart Grid Technologies/Renewable Energies
Research Methodology & Literature ReviewChoose one of the following electives:
Choose one of the following electives:*Digital Control
*Process Technology*The Connected Car
*Cloud Computing 1*Applied Fluid Dynamics
*Advanced Driver Assistance Systems*Data Mining 2
*Data Mining 1

Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology:

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

How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology on the CAO:

The entry route for this programme is from SE501 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry).

At the end of year 1, students must confirm their degree option and may change their selection up to that date.

Advanced and Equivalent Entry for the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology:

Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technoloy graduates: 

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.

  • 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 for BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology graduates: 

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.

Science and Land Sciences students celebrated at industry-sponsored awards

Science and Land Sciences students celebrated at industry-sponsored awards

Read more
Inaugural SETU Science and Land Science Awards

Inaugural SETU Science and Land Science Awards

Read more
Combine travel with study at SETU Waterford: Find out how and why

Combine travel with study at SETU Waterford: Find out how and why

Read more
‘Continuous assessment’ of course choices urged as CAO opens for applications

‘Continuous assessment’ of course choices urged as CAO opens for applications

Read more
New hub to help grow Waterford student entrepreneurial potential launched

New hub to help grow Waterford student entrepreneurial potential launched

Read more
Secondary students place physics in limelight with FilmPhys video competition

Secondary students place physics in limelight with FilmPhys video competition

Read more
Winners announced at Science Industry Sponsored Awards ceremony

Winners announced at Science Industry Sponsored Awards ceremony

Read more
Waterford-born Nobel laureate honoured at world-class ‘Walton Institute’

Waterford-born Nobel laureate honoured at world-class ‘Walton Institute’

Read more
WIT launches physics video competition: FilmPhys

WIT launches physics video competition: FilmPhys

Read more
SETU’s Michael Cooke wins Student of the Year and Best Physics Research Project

SETU’s Michael Cooke wins Student of the Year and Best Physics Research Project

Read more
Zoom ceremony for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards 2020

Zoom ceremony for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards 2020

Read more
Advice from our mature students to others

Advice from our mature students to others

Read more
Every day is Maths Week thanks to maths activities from WIT’s Calmast

Every day is Maths Week thanks to maths activities from WIT’s Calmast

Read more
WIT lecturer awarded EPA funding for coastal radiation monitoring research

WIT lecturer awarded EPA funding for coastal radiation monitoring research

Read more
Bausch & Lomb “Physics Project Award” awarded to SETU student Shane Hearne

Bausch & Lomb “Physics Project Award” awarded to SETU student Shane Hearne

Read more
New agreement gives WIT a role in EPA national radioactivity monitoring programme

New agreement gives WIT a role in EPA national radioactivity monitoring programme

Read more
Students showcase autonomous vehicle software projects at UK conference

Students showcase autonomous vehicle software projects at UK conference

Read more
Ceremony takes place for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards

Ceremony takes place for Department of Science Industry Sponsored Awards

Read more
In photos: Science Careers Day 2019 at WIT

In photos: Science Careers Day 2019 at WIT

Read more
New Women in Technology Society in WIT

New Women in Technology Society in WIT

Read more
Small class size allowed for ideas to be shared openly says Kacper

Small class size allowed for ideas to be shared openly says Kacper

Read more
International Women’s Day Women in Technology event highlighted breadth of tech careers

International Women’s Day Women in Technology event highlighted breadth of tech careers

Read more
Women working in technology invited to inspire the next generation

Women working in technology invited to inspire the next generation

Read more
WIT physics graduate wins award at the IRRS Scientific Meeting

WIT physics graduate wins award at the IRRS Scientific Meeting

Read more
Physics - the central component to existing and future technologies

Physics - the central component to existing and future technologies

Read more
Physics lecturer appointed Visiting Associate Professor at UCD

Physics lecturer appointed Visiting Associate Professor at UCD

Read more
Final year project led to engineering job for Physics graduate

Final year project led to engineering job for Physics graduate

Read more
WIT scientist’s guest blog featured in Scientific American this week

WIT scientist’s guest blog featured in Scientific American this week

Read more
WIT’s Calmast costumed Robert Boyle drama brings science to life

WIT’s Calmast costumed Robert Boyle drama brings science to life

Read more
WIT scientist Cormac O’Raifeartaigh goes viral in USA

WIT scientist Cormac O’Raifeartaigh goes viral in USA

Read more
Physics for Modern Technology graduate talks about Space Science

Physics for Modern Technology graduate talks about Space Science

Read more
WIT lecturer gives Science Week talk to Astronomy Ireland

WIT lecturer gives Science Week talk to Astronomy Ireland

Read more
Daniel receives graduate position at firm following work placement

Daniel receives graduate position at firm following work placement

Read more
WIT to offer extra STEM opportunities with CAO’s ‘Available Places’

WIT to offer extra STEM opportunities with CAO’s ‘Available Places’

Read more
10 things to make you fall in love with Waterford

10 things to make you fall in love with Waterford

Read more
Challenge Science: 10 years inspiring scientists of tomorrow

Challenge Science: 10 years inspiring scientists of tomorrow

Read more
The Irish Times interview with WIT chemistry lecturer Sheila Donegan

The Irish Times interview with WIT chemistry lecturer Sheila Donegan

Read more
Fred Hoyle: The brilliant man who lost the Big Bang debate

Fred Hoyle: The brilliant man who lost the Big Bang debate

Read more
Future is Bright for Physics Graduates

Future is Bright for Physics Graduates

Read more
Dr Cormac talks Big Bang to Pat Kenny

Dr Cormac talks Big Bang to Pat Kenny

Read more
Maths Eyes 2014 Competition Prize Giving Event

Maths Eyes 2014 Competition Prize Giving Event

Read more
Cormac O’Raifeartaigh reviews ‘A Theory of Everything’

Cormac O’Raifeartaigh reviews ‘A Theory of Everything’

Read more
Einstein discussion with Pat Kenny on Newstalk

Einstein discussion with Pat Kenny on Newstalk

Read more
WIT scientist’s article on lost Einstein manuscript described in Physics World

WIT scientist’s article on lost Einstein manuscript described in Physics World

Read more
Magic Maths Shows + Games + Challenges = Maths Week 2013!

Magic Maths Shows + Games + Challenges = Maths Week 2013!

Read more
WIT Scientist Meets the Father of the God Particle

WIT Scientist Meets the Father of the God Particle

Read more
Minister praises WIT for promoting Maths

Minister praises WIT for promoting Maths

Read more
Don’t expect an evolution in US climate policy

Don’t expect an evolution in US climate policy

Read more
Lost genius who merits a place on the podium

Lost genius who merits a place on the podium

Read more
Higgs boson: Scientists at WIT welcome Cern announcement

Higgs boson: Scientists at WIT welcome Cern announcement

Read more
See more

Contact

Course Leaders
Claire Keary
Dr. Claire Keary
Lecturer in Physics
Tel: 51834087 [email protected]
Catherine Walsh
- Catherine Walsh
Lecturer in Physics
Tel: 51302639 [email protected]

Ask a Question

Department Courses

Certificate in Research Methods in Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Research Methods in Biological Agriculture

BSc (Hons) in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

BSc (Hons) in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

Certificate in Green & Sustainable Pharmaceutical Production

Certificate in Green & Sustainable Pharmaceutical Production

MSc/Postgrad Diploma in Organic and Biological Agriculture

MSc/Postgrad Diploma in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Project Management and Marketing

Certificate in Project Management and Marketing

Certificate in Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity

Certificate in Agroforestry and Landscape Biodiversity

Certificate in Food, Health and Nutrition

Certificate in Food, Health and Nutrition

Certificate in Crop Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Crop Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Livestock Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Livestock Management in Organic and Biological Agriculture

Certificate in Soil Health and Water Management

Certificate in Soil Health and Water Management

Certificate in Food Safety and Analytical Microbiology

Certificate in Food Safety and Analytical Microbiology

Plant Protection

Plant Protection

Certificate in Advanced Drug Formulation Science

Certificate in Advanced Drug Formulation Science

Certificate in Garden Management and Plant Selection

Certificate in Garden Management and Plant Selection

Certificate in Nursery Stock Production

Certificate in Nursery Stock Production

Certificate in Sportsturf Science

Certificate in Sportsturf Science

Certificate in Sustainable Food Production

Certificate in Sustainable Food Production

Certificate in Landscape Design

Certificate in Landscape Design

Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry)

Bachelor of Science (Hons) (Common Entry)

Certificate in Advanced Analytical Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Analytical Techniques

Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture

Certificate in Biopharmaceutical Analysis and Cell Culture

Certificate In International Regulatory Affairs (Postgraduate)

Certificate In International Regulatory Affairs (Postgraduate)

Certificate in Statistics and Data Analysis

Certificate in Statistics and Data Analysis

Certificate in Strategic Quality Management

Certificate in Strategic Quality Management

Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Spectroscopic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Chromatographic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Chromatographic Techniques

Certificate in Advanced Materials Characterisation

Certificate in Advanced Materials Characterisation

Higher Cert in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

Higher Cert in Science in Good Manufacturing Practice & Technology

BSc in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology

BSc in Good Manufacturing Practice and Technology

MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management

MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Innovation

BSc (Hons) in Food Science & Innovation

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc (Hons) in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc in Science (General)

BSc in Science (General)

BSc in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc in Pharmaceutical Science

BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science

BSc in Molecular Biology with Biopharmaceutical Science