Physics and Astrophysics UCC

Withdrawn_Sean

I currently have physics down as my 1st choice on my CAO but I'm beginning to have doubts as to how well I could cope. Right now, I'd be leaning towards doing either the single physics degree or the physics/maths one. I certainly have a good interest in both subjects but ability I suppose is a different issue altogether. Having just done the leaving I'd be hoping for a B in both physics and applied maths and a high C in maths. I was just wondering if this is enough to be able to handle the course, especially if I was to follow the maths route as overall my maths ability is probably just above average?
Any info in general on the course would be greatly appreciated.

KnifeWRENCH

I got a B2 in Maths for the Leaving Cert (didn't do Applied MAahs) and in September will enter 3rd year of the Physics and Maths degree. I would also say my maths ability is just above average, but that hasn't stopped me enjoying this course and being able to progress.

In 1st Year Calculus and Linear Algebra will be taught from scratch. Provided you attend the lectures you'll find those modules straightforward enough. You can also do a module in Abstract Algebra, which would be a big help to you in 2nd year if you decide to do Physics/Maths (I didn't do that module and regret not taking it.) Physics and Maths is a tough course, but I'd say you'd be able for it if you're willing to take on the challenge!

Also if you do decide to enter CK408 and you get through 1st Year you'll have ages to decide whether you want to go down the single Hons. Physics route or the Joint Honours Math/Phys route for 2nd year onwards.

starchild27

I would advise you to stick with the astrophysics. I am going into final year applied physics and my maths is average (i did OL for my leaving) and I have not had any problems with the maths. Half my class consists of Astronomy students and they love their course. I wish i has chosen the astronomy option too, it is very interesting.

We had a physics career talk earlier this year and a lady spoke to us about her career having studied astronomy and physics at college. She said out of all her peers and work colleuges she was the only one who could say she had never been out of work a day in her life!

Michaelrsh

starchild27 wrote: »

I would advise you to stick with the astrophysics. I am going into final year applied physics and my maths is average (i did OL for my leaving) and I have not had any problems with the maths. Half my class consists of Astronomy students and they love their course. I wish i has chosen the astronomy option too, it is very interesting.

We had a physics career talk earlier this year and a lady spoke to us about her career having studied astronomy and physics at college. She said out of all her peers and work colleuges she was the only one who could say she had never been out of work a day in her life!

*sigh of relief*, that's good to hear, I'll be entering physics with astronomy and space science in UCD soon and my main worry was actually getting a job down the line in four years. I know physics is an interesting subject as well as astronomy, it's just what type of career can one obtain apart from teaching secondary school physics and maths?

Morbert

Michaelrsh wrote: »

*sigh of relief*, that's good to hear, I'll be entering physics with astronomy and space science in UCD soon and my main worry was actually getting a job down the line in four years. I know physics is an interesting subject as well as astronomy, it's just what type of career can one obtain apart from teaching secondary school physics and maths?

Hmmm... It can be hard getting a job directly related to physics (with the obvious exception of becoming a physicist). A lot of people move into finance, as far as I'm aware.

Michaelrsh

Morbert wrote: »

Hmmm... It can be hard getting a job directly related to physics (with the obvious exception of becoming a physicist). A lot of people move into finance, as far as I'm aware.

I wouldn't say finance is too bad:D

dazzday

Morbert wrote: »

Hmmm... It can be hard getting a job directly related to physics (with the obvious exception of becoming a physicist). A lot of people move into finance, as far as I'm aware.

Tbh the majority of Physics grads will go on to do postgrads. Technically a Physics degree gives you the same prospects as an engineer or scientist but you have a much broader range of specialities, thats why its necessary to focus your skills with a postgrad.
But having said that a Physics degree is possibly one of the strongest degress to come out of college with, it opens a huge amount of doors and you are not limited in anyway to what you want to do (in comparison to having a Business or Civil Engineering degree for example). You are eligable for nearly all postgrads ( once heard a rumour that technically you are eligable for ALL postgrads,although i think that loophole has been closed!) ibcluding Law, Finance, Engineering, the other Sciences (ive seen people do PhDs in Chemistry with a physics degree!).

Definately a degree i reccomend to someone who isnt sure at what they want to do yet in life, but possibly has an aptitude for maths or a curiosity for how things work. Definately a degree you wont find boring; learning how to build a Nuclear bomb, how the universe was created, possibilities of time travel, atom-size robots and invisible materials...you'll certainly find something that sparks an interest. Plus a Physics degree sounds impressive, especailly whan you can mention the word "Quantum" and half know what you are talking about!


Having just graduated from a class of 25 this year, here is a rough breakdown of where people went next:

4 PhD in highend computing,astronomy,optics,nuclear physics
6 MSc in Medical Physics
3 MEng/Msc in photonics/nanotechnology and other engineering
3 Dipolmas in Applied Physics
1 Diploma in Teaching
1 Masters in Business/Finance/Actuary
2 Full time employment
5 unaccounted for (year out etc)

As you can see quite a wide range.


Op, in regards to Maths, i wouldnt worry about it too much. I only averaged a C in Honours at LC and i got by fine. In your first years it will be all based upon Mechanics and Maths Physics...nothing that should be too much of a problem, particualrly with tutorials and a little work. In your later years there proabbly will be a high level of calculus in subjects such as Astrophysics, Solid State Physics, Relativity etc...but the majority of these will be derivations which while need to be understood can be learned off for exams.... I dont think any Physics lecturere will expect every student to be able to derive high end astrophysics by themselves!!!