Degrees in Science (& Physics) NUI, Galway College of Science National University of Ireland, Galway Revised January 2008 3
The world has changed...it has become FLAT! Geography no longer matters.
Three Recent Convergences Communication Everything is connected, mobile, digital, RFID. Technologies Scientific disciplines are increasingly converging towards a multidisciplinary framework People 3 billion new people have just stepped on the world stage from China, India, & the former Soviet Union
The Challenge for Science & Technology in the Western World Numbers Not enough people doing it Ambition gap The ambition of those in the west does not compare with those in the east Education gap There are not enough people doing higher degrees (MSc, PhD) to sustain the future
The Future Predictions are difficult..but everyone is in agreement on the existence of Knowledge-based Economies. A knowledge-based economy is where Ideas and know-how are most influential Replacing materials and other physical resources. Our perspective. Is that Science (and Physics in particular) plays a very important part
NUI Galway In Science, Engineering, and Technology, NUI Galway has: A College of Engineering A College of Medical and Health Sciences A College of Science School of Physics
The Faculty of Science @NUI Galway Offers entry to: Un-denominated Bachelor of Science (GY301) Denominated Bachelor of Science programmes Internationally recognised Work placement in some programmes Option to study in Europe for a semester Well-equipped laboratories linked to research groups Generic skills also developed through projects and assignments Eg. communication & problem-solving.
Undenominated Science Entry Provides the opportunity to learn more about various branches of science before specialising in a specific subject. Wide choice of subjects in years 1 and 2 Leads to specialist degrees in: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Botany, Chemistry, Physics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Physics (Applied Maths), Microbiology, Physiology, Zoology.
Biological Sciences Undenominated Science Anatomy form and structure of living organisms Biochemistry study of chemical changes in living organisms Botany study of plant life of primary importance to human population Microbiology impact of microscopic organisms on life Pharmacology effects of drugs on living organisms Physiology functions of the body, its tissues, cells and fluids Zoology aspects of animal life and relationship with environment
Earth Ocean Sciences Undenominated Science Earth Ocean Sciences physical process and their affect on the planet Geology formation of the planet and its physical resources Geophysics Application of physics to investigate Earth and its planetary neighbours Hydrology interrelationships of ground water and geological materials and processes Oceanography role of oceans in sustaining life
Mathematical Sciences Undenominated Science Mathematics developing mathematical descriptions of complex systems Mathematical physics application of mathematics in modelling physical phenomena Mathematical science a combination of the two disciplines
Physical Sciences Undenominated Science Chemistry composition and structure of materials, liquids, gases Physics understanding the basic structure of matter and energy.
Denominated Science Entry Provides the opportunity to focus on a subject of personal interest from year 1: Physics & Applied Physics (GY315) Physics with Astrophysics (GY317) Physics with Medical Physics (GY316) Biomedical Science (GY303) Biotechnology (GY304) Biopharmaceutical Chemistry (GY318) Earth and Ocean Science (GY314) Environmental Science (GY308) Marine Science (GY310) Health and Safety Systems (GY313) Computer Studies (GY306) Financial Mathematics & Economics (GY309)
Entry Requirements A laboratory science subject Most courses assume little prior knowledge. (DON T WORRY if you don t do Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, etc., in Secondary School ) English, Irish, Mathematics and European Language Specific mathematics requirement for Physics with Astrophysics Financial Mathematics & Economics
Any questions? Slides that follow describe research, and physics degrees at NUI Galway in more detail
Science Faculty & Research National Centre for Biomedical Engineering Science Links to Biochemistry, Chemistry, Physics, Microbiology, etc. Environment Change Institute Links to Physics, Microbiology, Earth & Ocean Science, etc. Regenerative Medicine Institute Links to Biochemistry, Microbiology. National Centre for Laser Applications (Physics) Marine Research Institute National Diagnostic Centre Applied Optics (Physics) Mace Head Field Station (Physics)
Research at Physics, NUI Galway Has its finger on the pulse Environmental physics, investigating global warming Developing photonics, the new electronics Implementing new technologies in healthcare, through medical physics Astronomy, understanding the universe Exploiting computational power, developing insights using computer simulations
Dept. of Experimental Physics Largest Department in Faculty of Science Student numbers.typically ~140 undergraduate physics students in years 2,3, & 4 50 postgraduate students Staff numbers 30 Research engineers and scientists 15 Academic Lecturers, 6 Technical support Undergraduate programmes in Physics & Applied Physics Physics with Astrophysics Physics with Medical Physics
Why study Physics? Physics is a fundamental cornerstone of all the sciences: Cosmology & particle physics: Largest and most energetic scales Nano-technology, quantum physics, Smallest and lowest energy scales and everything in between. Helps us begin to understand the workings of the physical world at all scales of distance and time. Understanding is the key to new technologies. Employment prospects are good.
How to study Physics Entry to Physics through Undenominated science allows broadly-based training in science with transfer to Physics programmes after Year 1 Entry to Physics through Denominated programmes in Physics & Applied Physics Physics with Astronomy Physics with Medical Physics
Physics & Applied Physics Combines aspects of a traditional physics degree with Industryorientated topics Courses in electronics and computing, radiological, environmental, medical physics. Opto-electronics and Applied Optics content is increasing, reflecting the growing importance of optics in all of these areas, and in industry. More traditional physics topics include electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, solid state physics and relativity
Physics A more research orientated, traditional physics programme (including radiation physics, electromagnetism, quantum mechanics, and relativity) Also provides training in a range of technical skills, including computational physics, solid state physics, and modeling.
BSc in Physics with Medical Physics Medical Physics involves the application of physics and physical methods to problems in medicine. New four year honours B.Sc. Degree in Physics with Medical Physics, (NQAI level 8). The programme will combine essential core physics modules, with medical physics, chemistry, mathematical science, biology and anatomy. Graduates will be qualified to proceed to professional medical physics, work in medical device industry or progress other physics degrees
Physics with Astrophysics In Physics with Astrophysics, astrophysics is taught along with other physics courses in every year, and mathematics & computing are an integral part of years 1 through 3. Practical experience is given, in the on-campus observatory, and on a 3rd year field trip to Loiano Observatory in Bologna, Italy.
Physics with Astrophysics - Careers In Galway we have cutting-edge research in star formation, gamma-ray astronomy, exo-planets, fast astrophysics, computational astrophysics & astronomical instrumentation Many graduates take up research so far 13 out of 23 graduates are studying for higher degrees in Galway, Europe and the USA. Graduates have exactly the same employment opportunities as other physics graduates.
Education Through Physics - A Future-Proofed Qualification All of our physics degrees provide a training in basic science physics mathematics computing problem solving This will never go out of date it is just as relevant to the new technologies of tomorrow as it is today Physics graduates will be well placed to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise
Employment Prospects for Science & Physics Graduates Industry esp. Pharmaceutical, Chemical, Medical Devices, Electronics, Computing, Petroleum Sectors. Education at all levels Research industry, research institutes, third-level institutions Local authorities, civil service, health service Typical Salaries Very competitive.
Finally. Recipe for an untouchable career Be someone who is either Gifted Specialised Adaptable Anchored Science and Physics are a good framework. Best advice is to study in an area in which you are interested.
Conclusion B.Sc. Degree is recognised around the world Employment prospects are excellent Leading-edge research expertise inspires teaching NUI, Galway s vibrant campus recognised by students around the country and abroad We extend a welcome to join the College of Science at NUI, Galway. www.nuigalway.ie/science/