Why Choose This Course
As well as the knowledge I gained from my course, I developed a keen problem-solving ability which will stand to me in any career...
Dr Anna Hourihane | UCC Graduate, BSc & PhD in Astrophysics
Find Out More
As well as the knowledge I gained from my course, I developed a keen problem-solving ability which will stand to me in any career. One of the exciting highlights was some real observing experience, at a 12m research-class telescope, in Greece.
It was really amazing to observe first-hand Mars, or the rings of Saturn in such detail!
As part of this course, students obtain practical experience using a research-grade telescope abroad in Year 3. In addition, the university houses the unique Crawford Observatory and a new astronomical observing facility on the top of its science building.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
A field trip abroad to an astronomical observatory in Year 3 is an integral part of the overall course.
Skills and Careers Information
Most practicing astronomers in Ireland, i.e. those carrying out astronomical research, tend to teach at the third level.
For those who do not pursue research in Astrophysics beyond their degree, graduates have the same wide range of potential employers as do those graduating with a Physics degree. Examples of the careers recent graduates have pursued include software engineer, energy researcher, Eircom engineer, stockbroker, geophysicist, and BT technical manager.
Requirements
Refer to CK408.
Non-EU Candidates
Non-EU candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to the Irish Leaving Certificate. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language.
To verify if you meet the minimum academic and language requirements visit our qualification comparison page.
Refer to our International Office page for more information on how to apply to UCC.
Fees and Costs
Refer to CK408.
For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.
How Do I Apply
Refer to CK408.
EU Applicants: The Central Applications Office (CAO) processes applications for undergraduate courses in Irish Higher Education Institutions. Refer to the CAO page for further information.
Mature Applicants (age 23 or over): See the CAO Mature Applicants page and the Mature Students Admissions Pathway (MSAP) page for essential information on the application process for mature students.
QQI FET/FETAC Applicants: See our QQI FET/FETAC Applicants page.
Non-EU Applicants: Non-EU applicants apply online via the UCC Apply portal. See our International Office page.
All Applicants: Please note that the modules listed are indicative of the current set of modules for this course and are subject to change from year to year. Please check the College Calendar for the full academic content of any given course for the current year.
- In UCC, we use the terms programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.
Physics occupies a central position in science and technology. It is concerned with fundamental questions about the basic building blocks of matter and how the universe evolved.
The Astrophysics degree at UCC is designed for those who have always harboured an interest in astronomy and the physics of the universe.
The course equips students with the same fundamental background in Physics, and with the same numerical and computational skills, as those graduating via the more traditional Physics degree course. This course is not differentiated from the Physics degree until Year 3. Refer to CK408 for more details.
Year 1 Modules
Option 1 - Core
- PY1052 Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
- PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
- MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
- MA1059 Calculus (5 credits)
- MA1060 Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
- AM1052 Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
- AM1053 Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
Electives
- AM1054 Mathematical Software (5 credits)
- CM1006 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists and Mathematicians (10 credits)
- CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)
- CS1061 Programming in C (5 credits)
- CS1065 Computer Applications with Visual Basic (5 credits)
- CS1068 Introductory Programming in Python (5 credits)
- MA1057 Introduction to Abstract Algebra (5 credits)
- PY1054 Special Topics in Physics (5 credits)
- ST1051 Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
Option 2 - Core
- PY1052 Introductory Physics 1 (10 credits)
- PY1053 Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
- MA1058 Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
- MA1059 Calculus (5 credits)
- MA1060 Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
- CM1007 Introduction to Chemistry for Physicists (15 credits)
Electives
- BL1002 Cells, Biomolecules, Genetics and Evolution (5 credits)
- BL1003 Introduction to Biological Chemistry and Microbiology (5 credits)
- BL1004 Physiology and Structure of Plants and Animals (5 credits)
- BL1005 Introduction to Ecology (5 credits)
- Year 2 Core Modules: Astrophysics and Special Relativity; C/C++ Programming with Applications; Classical Mechanics; Computational Physics; Electrostatics and Magnetostatics; Experimental Physics; Experimental Methods; Fourier Methods; Multivariable Calculus; Quantum Physics; Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics. Electives: Ordinary Differential Equations; Linear Algebra; Mathematical Modelling
- Year 3 Core Modules: Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques; Condensed Matter Physics: Electromagnetism; Experimental Physics; Experimental Methods; Nuclear and Particle Physics; Optics; Quantum Mechanics; Statistical Thermodynamics; Vector and Tensor Methods; Observational Astrophysics. Electives: Mathematical Experimentation and Chaos; Fluid Mechanics; Optimisation and the Calculus of Variations; Computational Techniques
- Year 4 Core Modules: Stars and the Interstellar Medium; Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics; Gravitation and Cosmology; Research Project; Experimental Physics. Electives: Quantum Optics; Physics of Semiconductor Devices; Advanced Mechanics; Advanced Quantum Mechanics; Advanced Electromagnetism; Advanced Condensed Matter Physics; Atomic and Molecular Physics; Quantum Field Theory; Introduction to Plasma Physics; Introduction to Lasers and Photonics; Advanced Computational Physics
See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the CK408 Programme and the Book of Modules for further details on Physics.