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    Astrophysics (BSc (Hons))
    Go to University College Cork
    University College Cork

    Astrophysics (BSc (Hons))

    University College Cork

    University College Cork

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    Ireland, Cork

    University RankQS Ranking
    293

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Bachelor

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Course Code

    CK408

    Campuses

    Main Site

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake Deadlines9-Sep-2024
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 4 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    EUR 23,000  / year
    Next Intake 9-Sep-2024

    Astrophysics (BSc (Hons))

    About

    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.

    Disciplines

    Science

    Engineering and Food Science

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Recognised Qualification

    Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS 1 Year at Bachelor degree level from a recognised university with competitive grades in specific relevant subjects

    Band 2 Programmes

    Minimum Entry Requirements

    Minimum average of 90% in Tawjihiyah (General Secondary Education Certificate) PLUS competitive grades in year 1 at Bachelor degree level.

    International Baccalaureate   

  • English Program Requirements

    English Language Requirements (for Non-Irish EU applicants)

    Teaching in Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) is normally through the medium of English; therefore all applicants are required to demonstrate a high level of competence in the English Language.

    Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of equivalent competence in English Language through their school leaving examination or matriculation examination or by achieving the minimum standard (there may be higher levels for matriculation and/or particular programmes in individual institutions) in a recognised English language test, as specified below (note applicants are assessed on the results of a single sitting only):

    UCC Language Centre Pre-sessional Programmes

    These programmes are available to assist students who:

    • Have not achieved their required level of English for acceptance onto their undergraduate or postgraduate programme
    • Feel they do not have the academic or general English language skills necessary to succeed at the University

     Find out more about the Language Centre's Pre-Sessional Programmes.

    Career

    1. Study
    2. Undergraduate
    3. Courses
    4. Astrophysics

    About This Course

    Explore This Section

    1. Fact File
    2. Course Outline

    Fact File

    • Title

      Astrophysics

    • Code

      CK408

    • College

      Science, Engineering and Food Science

    • Duration

      4 years

    • Teaching Mode

      Full-time

    • Qualifications

      BSc (Hons)

    • Fees

      See Fees and Costs for full details.

    • Entry Requirements

      Refer to CK408 See Requirements for full details.

    Course Outline

    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.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee

    EUR 23,000  / year

    How to Apply

    1. Check Dates: Check the opening and closing dates for the application process in the fact file boxes at the top of the page.

    • For Irish and EU applicants we operate a rounds system and you can check the rounds closing dates here.
    • Note that not all our programmes are subject to the rounds system so check the opening and closing dates for your specific programme in the fact file boxes above.

    2. Gather Documents: Scanned copies of supporting documents have to be uploaded to the UCC online application portal and include:

    • Original qualification documents listed on your application including transcripts of results from institutions other than UCC;
    • Any supplementary items requested for your course if required.

    3. Apply Online: Apply online via the UCC online application portal. Note the majority of our courses have a non-refundable €50 application fee.

    Any questions? Use our web enquiry form to contact us.

    Please note you will be required to provide additional information as part of the online application process for this programme. This will include the following questions:

    • You may enter the details of professional or voluntary positions held. We strongly encourage you to complete this section with all relevant work experiences that will support your application.

    • In addition to your previously declared qualifications, please outline any additional academic courses, self-learning and professional training relevant to this programme.

    • Please describe your motivation and readiness for this programme.

    University College Cork

    Astrophysics (BSc (Hons))

    University College Cork

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    Ireland,

    Cork

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