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BSc in Physics with astrophysics - gy317

CAO Course Code GY317

Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences and has fascinated humankind since the earliest times. It provides a wonderfully interesting way to study physics, even if your final career choice is not directly related to astronomy. NUI Galway was the first third-level institution in Ireland to offer a denominated four-year honours degree in Physics with Astrophysics, giving interested students the opportunity to explore in detail the technologies, discoveries and research methodologies of this dynamic field.

Course features and facilities

In the 3rd year, students travel as part of the course to Bologna Observatory in Italy to learn "Observational Astronomy". In the vacation preceding fourth year, there may be opportunities for intemships in observatories and research institutes abroad or in industry.
Galway University Observatory – the Imbusch Observatory – provides state of the art on-campus observing facilities for Astrophysics students. Instruments in use include:

400mm Cassegrain telescope,
Large-format high efficiency CCD camera,
Fibre-fed spectrometer
Fibre-fed photon counting detector,
3m hydrogen-line radio telescope.

What does the Course entail?

Detailed Physics course information can be found here.

Year One and Two

In addition to core physics, mathematics and computing, students will specifically study astronomy and astrophysics, and will have opportunities to use the Imbusch Observatory, and visit astronomy sites in Ireland. There are many other available options from the College of Science.

Year Three and Four

Students study core physics modules such as optics, nuclear and plasma physics, optoelectronics, and quantum mechanics, as well as specific courses in observational astronomy (which includes a visit to Loiano Observatory, Bologna, Italy), Stars, High Energy Astrophysics, Plasma
Astrophysics and Cosmology. The fourth year course has laboratory projects in astronomy, projects at the Imbusch Observatory, and a major practical or theoretical project in second semester.

What can you do following Graduation?

Those who choose to specialise in astrophysics will find many opportunities to further their studies here in Galway, in Ireland, and elsewhere. There have never been so many opportunities to work in astronomy research – either as researchers or in a technical role. Many people think that this is a "golden age" in astronomy – the big questions; how did the Universe start and how will it end, are there other Earth-like planets, how did life begin, are at last being addressed. Many large projects are being started – Europe will build a 42 m telescope over the next ten years – which will provide opportunities for research and technical careers in astronomy.

School of Physics
National University of Ireland, Galway, University Road, Galway, Ireland.
E-mail: Tess.Mahoney

nuigalway.ie
Phone: +353 91 492490 - Fax: +353 91 494584
This page was last updated Tuesday, April 21, 2009