Chemical Physics (BSc (Hons))

University College Cork

Ireland, Cork

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Home/Ireland/Cork /University College Cork/Chemical Physics (BSc (Hons))

University College Cork

Ireland , Cork

Key Facts

Program Level

Bachelor

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Course Code

CK406; 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)

Next Intake 9-Sep-2024

Chemical Physics (BSc (Hons))

About

Why Choose This Course

The skills you gain in this degree are mainly problem-solving based, which is very desirable when it comes to looking for a job or a postgraduate position...

Aoife Lucid, BSc Chemical Physics

Find Out More

The skills you gain in this degree are mainly problem-solving based, which is very desirable when it comes to looking for a job or a postgraduate position. Personally, I was interested in quantum mechanics and solid-state chemistry/physics and was able to make choices that allowed these to be my principal areas of study in my final year.

The BSc in Chemical Physics at UCC is the only such degree in Ireland. In comparison, this degree is also awarded by several top-tier UK universities such as Edinburgh, University College London, and Bristol, among others.

The degree provides rich theoretical and practical training in both physics and in chemistry and will equip you for careers in either subject.

In careers where deep insight into both subjects is required, graduates in Chemical Physics will possess a significant competitive advantage over graduates with standard degrees in either physics or chemistry. The course is internationally accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

There are possibilities of summer projects in the Department of Physics. The department is an active participant in undergraduate student-exchange programmes with numerous partner universities across Europe.

Skills and Careers Information

The theoretical, practical, and analytical skills developed during the Chemical Physics degree are highly sought by employers.

Typical career outlets include advanced research and development in either an industrial setting or in an academic environment. Many industrial sectors depend on the qualification of the Chemical Physics graduates. These include:

the analytical and laser industry
process engineering and quality control
the environmental sector
information technology
biotechnology-related areas where data processing and computer-related skills are sought.

Requirements

Refer to CK406 and 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

The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2021/22 the Student Contribution Fee will be €3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be €138. Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees.

For International Fees see our Fees Schedule page.

How Do I Apply

Refer to CK406 and 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.

Chemical Physics sits at the intersection of chemistry and physics. It aims to understand the structure, energies and transformations of matter and its dynamics at a molecular level.

Our BSc Chemical Physics degree provides a solid grounding in both physics and chemistry and is ideally suited to students who are curious about how and why the world works at a molecular level. With a broad education in the physical sciences, highly developed problem-solving and analytical skills, and extensive training in experimental methods, graduates of Chemical Physics may be assured of excellent employment prospects in industry, government, research and teaching.

The BSc in Chemical Physics at UCC is internationally accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Entrance to the BSc Chemical Physics degree is via Physics and Astrophysics or Chemical Sciences.

Modules

Year 1 Modules: Refer to CK406 and CK408.

Year 2 Core Modules: Computational Physics; Electrostatics and Magnetostatics; Energetics and Kinetics; Experimental Methods; Fourier Methods; Main Group and Transition Element Chemistry; Quantum Physics; Spectroscopy; Structure, Bonding and Quantum Mechanics; Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics; Calculus. Electives: States of Matter; Organic Chemistry for Environmental Scientists.

Year 3 Modules: C/C++ Programming with Applications; Computer Modelling and Numerical Techniques; Condensed Matter Physics; Electromagnetism; Environmental Chemistry and Analysis; Experimental Methods; Materials Chemistry; Optics; Physical Chemistry; Quantum Mechanics; Scientific Communication and Information Literacy Skills.

Year 4 Core Modules: Chemical Physics; Advanced Chemistry Research Project; Advanced Physics Research Project. Electives: Lasers, Photochemistry and Spectroscopy; Interfaces, Microscopy and Modelling; Advanced Nano Materials; Atmospheric Chemistry and Air Pollution; Advanced Quantum Mechanics; Advanced Electromagnetism; Advanced Condensed Matter Physics; Introduction to Lasers and Photonics; Physics of Semiconductor Devices.

The practical component of the course complements the knowledge gained in lectures. Experimental skills and insight are developed during the practicals, which cover chemical synthesis and compositional analysis; preset and open experiments involving the use of research equipment, electronics and interfacing, error analysis and interpretation; and report writing and data dissemination (seminars and poster presentations).

This exposure to all aspects of experimental methodologies gives students the ability and confidence to tackle the Year 4 research projects. The practical training also provides a firm foundation for postgraduate research and for technical careers in industry.

See the College Calendar for more detailed information on the programme and see the Book of Modules for a more detailed description of programme modules.

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

Expected lecture hours: Students generally attend 15 to 20 lectures per week. Lectures are generally held in the mornings.

Expected lab/practical hours: Students generally attend two or more practicals per week. Practicals are generally held in the afternoons. In Year 4, practicals are replaced by research projects, which account for most time outside of lectures.

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.