Physics with Astronomy in DCU?

ryan_w94

Hello everyone,
I am in 6th year at the moment and the CAO is open again, and I am researching more courses. I know it is probably too late at this stage but since the CAO closed last time I have developed a great interest in Astronomy. What I would like to ask people is for information and advice on this course, from anyone or people who are currently studying the course and could tell me what it is like. I have looked up the information on Qualifax and most of the details, but I am wondering is the course heavily based on the physics side of things, being astrophysics rather than astronomy,or a bit of both? Also is the course difficult? I am doing Physics for my leaving cert and I enjoy it but may not be the best, but I am putting a lot of effort into the subject. Also I am doing Ordinary level maths, but consider myself to be very good at the ordinary level. Any information is greatly appreciated!
Ryan.

thecornflake

ryan_w94 wrote: »

Hello everyone,
I am in 6th year at the moment and the CAO is open again, and I am researching more courses. I know it is probably too late at this stage but since the CAO closed last time I have developed a great interest in Astronomy. What I would like to ask people is for information and advice on this course, from anyone or people who are currently studying the course and could tell me what it is like. I have looked up the information on Qualifax and most of the details, but I am wondering is the course heavily based on the physics side of things, being astrophysics rather than astronomy,or a bit of both? Also is the course difficult? I am doing Physics for my leaving cert and I enjoy it but may not be the best, but I am putting a lot of effort into the subject. Also I am doing Ordinary level maths, but consider myself to be very good at the ordinary level. Any information is greatly appreciated!
Ryan.

Great to see people ask questions about courses and looking for information rather than just jumping into it like so many do.

Firstly, if you think this course involves doing some observations with a telescope and looking at constellations then this is not the course for you. Many people seem to have a rather romantic view of the course whereby they think they will be stargazing ect but this is most certainly not the case. There was an opportunity to go to Italy the past few years to visit an observatory when students were in third year but I'm not sure if this is still going ahead.

The course is essentially a data crunching course with a few random modules mashed together, from what everyone I know who did it says. I did applied physics and even the space head guys would say that my course was better as we would study solid state physics, semiconductor ect where as they would not. These modules I believe are extremely important and I think it is silly that they never got the opportunity to take them. As I said above, a lot of the course is number crunching using special software for analysing data in addition to some basic physics modules that run parallel to the two other physics courses offered. The lads that did the course haven't got a clue what constellations are what, they haven't got a clue about black holes ect (essentially no clue about the "cool" stuff), basically it is a bit of a snore course IMO.

To conclude, I would recommend you research each individual module that is offered in the course and understand what each one involves so you would not be disappointed, bearing in mind that you can take some of the modules even if you are in one of the other physics courses. From what I have seen, the only module I would have liked to take from the astro course that I was not able to was the module on general relativity, but this is extremely difficult and I was probably better off not taking it.

Did this help ?

ryan_w94

Thanks for the reply! This has cleared my mind up a bit now, I have this course down fourth at the moment and was considering moving it up higher. I might stick with computer applications as my first choice, as this course seem to be more on the physics side of things, I guess I'll keep it as a hobby either way! I just thought it was more universe related, to me that's the interesting part. Thanks!

p1akuw47h5r3it

thecornflake wrote: »

Great to see people ask questions about courses and looking for information rather than just jumping into it like so many do.


The course is essentially a data crunching course with a few random modules mashed together, from what everyone I know who did it says. I did applied physics
Did this help ?

Hey sorry to crash the thread. I'm just wondering how you find/found(?) the AP course? I'll more than likely doing this next year (I did CES this one) so could you just tell me your general thoughts please. I've talked with other students and the course head but I always like to hear more opinions. Thanks

thecornflake

DanDan6592 wrote: »

Hey sorry to crash the thread. I'm just wondering how you find/found(?) the AP course? I'll more than likely doing this next year (I did CES this one) so could you just tell me your general thoughts please. I've talked with other students and the course head but I always like to hear more opinions. Thanks

It was what I wanted, exactly what it says on the tin, applied physics, not astro or theoretical, applied. A lot of people go into the course expecting to learn about all theoretical stuff for particle physics and CERN work but it is not like that at all. I can't stress that enough, this is a proper physics course where they teach you hands on skills in the lab that are very applicable to industry. You do still study a bit of theory ect as you would expect but nothing too heavy.

The main focus of the course is semiconductors and solid state physics. DCU are all about industry and thus they picked these really important modules which are very useful. If you don't like solid state you can pick other modules but IMO you should take them as I found them to always be thought to us extremely well.

Another thing to add is the staff, they're excellent. I have never seen such a bunch of people so dedicated to students and to teaching. They really do a fantastic job, and I have never had any problems with any of the physics lecturers. They are very good at teaching you the material and ensure that you fully understand whats happening, so that a really big plus in my eyes.

I have noticed that all the physics courses have gone up in numbers since I did it but I'm sure the class sizes are still small enough so you shouldn't feel swamped, over crowded ect.

Is there anything specifically you would like to know in addition to my ranting ?

p1akuw47h5r3it

thecornflake wrote: »

It was what I wanted, exactly what it says on the tin, applied physics, not astro or theoretical, applied. A lot of people go into the course expecting to learn about all theoretical stuff for particle physics and CERN work but it is not like that at all. I can't stress that enough, this is a proper physics course where they teach you hands on skills in the lab that are very applicable to industry. You do still study a bit of theory ect as you would expect but nothing too heavy.

The main focus of the course is semiconductors and solid state physics. DCU are all about industry and thus they picked these really important modules which are very useful. If you don't like solid state you can pick other modules but IMO you should take them as I found them to always be thought to us extremely well.

Another thing to add is the staff, they're excellent. I have never seen such a bunch of people so dedicated to students and to teaching. They really do a fantastic job, and I have never had any problems with any of the physics lecturers. They are very good at teaching you the material and ensure that you fully understand whats happening, so that a really big plus in my eyes.

I have noticed that all the physics courses have gone up in numbers since I did it but I'm sure the class sizes are still small enough so you shouldn't feel swamped, over crowded ect.

Is there anything specifically you would like to know in addition to my ranting ?

Ye if you wouldn't mind saying did you manage to get a job in an "applied physics" area i.e. with IBM etc. ??

Other then that you wrote pretty much what I wanted to find out so thanks very much. I found the same this year with my brief encounters with the physics personnel (that they seem very dedicated) so is good to hear they are always like that.

And yes I am very interested in semi-conductors, solid state and nanotechnology so seems like I've picked the right course. I just hope I can manage as I'm really nervous I'll find it too hard, coming from CES I'm going to be at a disadvantage but they have said they will put on extra programming and maths modules so hopefully that will be enough.

thecornflake

DanDan6592 wrote: »

Ye if you wouldn't mind saying did you manage to get a job in an "applied physics" area i.e. with IBM etc. ??

No, I'm actually in a postgrad position ATM. There do seem to be jobs out there for applied physicists. A lot of companies like to hire a physicist over an Engineer or programmer on a team as it adds another dimension. I can't remember hearing anyone who went to IBM but a few usually go to the likes of Intel.

p1akuw47h5r3it

thecornflake wrote: »

No, I'm actually in a postgrad position ATM. There do seem to be jobs out there for applied physicists. A lot of companies like to hire a physicist over an Engineer or programmer on a team as it adds another dimension. I can't remember hearing anyone who went to IBM but a few usually go to the likes of Intel.

Cool man thanks. No I just meant that kindof industry not specifically IBM. Thanks for the info again