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Physics with Astronomy and Space Science, good idea?

jameshan

Hi,
I'm In Leaving Cert at the moment and my number 1 on CAO is Physical, Mathematical and geological science in UCD. My intention is to end up specialising in the Astronomy and Space science side of things, but I don't really know all that much about it. A lot of info on prospectus yeah, but they're always a bit biased.
So main questions for anyone doing the course are

Do you like the course in general?
Pros vs. Cons?
What are the Physics lecturers like?
If you were to go back, would you choose it again, or do you think Maynooth/Trinity/Galway/DCU might be better?
Plans after degree?
Is the talk about summer internships with ESA etc. just there to entice people or does that actually happen?

I'm thinking that I'd like to continue study to a phd and study astronomy, dark energy, that type of stuff, and particle physics seems interesting too. Anyways, tell me what ye think
Thanks:)

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Lanawithafada

Hi James,
I'm just finishing up my second year having gone in through the MPG stream and ended up choosing Theoretical Physics for next year, but I have kept up the Astro side of things!

I don't know if you're just interested in physics and maths, but that was the way I was. The course was perfect for me because I have control over the subjects I pick. If I wanted to try Biology or Chemistry or Computer Science the option was there for me and that was my favourite thing about the course.

I suppose for someone who is just interested in maths and physics you'll have to fill in some gaps with other modules but I'm happy I chose mine in Engineering and Computer Science to learn to code and get a head start on 2nd year physics.

The lecturers are great and so helpful when it comes to coursework or just general physics questions, careers and internships. It's a nice community in Physics because it's quite a small one. They also have loads of experience and are connected to projects in ESA and CERN etc.
If I were to go back I can safely say I wouldn't change my choice. UCD Science is such a great community of people and it's easy to get involved in things and get to know people. Not only that but the new building is amazing. There are loads of opportunities too.

There are physics internships in UCD over summer or there are ESA and CERN internships that the faculty are linked up with. Study Abroad in places like California is also very common once you have good grades. I know of a few people in the past years who have gone on internships or study abroad, so as long as you work hard there shouldn't be a problem. The Physics society take regular trips to CERN too so that was a lot of fun.

The great thing about Astro is the option to go to the Teide Observatory as part of the degree, they always seem to have a great time. You don't have to choose your specialty till the end of Second Year too so loads of time to try out different types of physics and have a chat with people.

If you'd like any more help mail me, I'd be very happy to help! Honestly I couldn't say more great things about UCD and the Science community in general. Best of luck with the exams!

jameshan

great thanks alot this is really helpful

gline

Currently finishing 2nd year and im in the physics with astronomy stream. There is only 2 modules specifically related to astrophysics up to second year,so its hard to get a view on the specific degree yet. Most of your modules are just physics up until 3rd and 4th year. So once you sit the 2 astro modules in 1st and 2nd year you can choose the astronomy stream for the final years.
I'd definitley recommend keeping as many options open up to your final degree choice. In physics, if you pick the correct modules you will have a final choice of 1 of 3 degrees:physics,pysics with astronomy and theoretical physics.

Not sure about ESA summer internships yet,but i managed to get an internship this summer in ucd. So there are definitely oppurtunities available

Havent got time to answer all your questions,i'll reply when i have more time. Pm me if you have any questions.