What is the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology?
The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is a full time, four year, honours degree which can be chosen within the SE501 - Bachelor of Science (Hons) Common Entry Route. This is an inter-disciplinary course which provides students with an understanding of the physics underlying modern technologies such as semiconductors, optics/photonics, alternative energy, and sensor systems. It is designed to provide students with strong and complementary skills in the areas of physics, engineering, mathematics and programming. Graduates will develop a range of transferable skills that are valued and much sought after by industry.
BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology work placement or study abroad
Students undertake a nine month work placement, allowing them to develop valuable professional skills. Recent placement opportunities have included: Analog Devices, Bausch & Lomb, Teva, FeedHenry, TSSG, UPMC Whitfield Cancer Care, Genzyme, Fidelity Investments, ESA (European Space Agency, Holland) and NPrime (UK).. Students may also study abroad in one of SETU’s partner institutions in Europe, Canada or the USA.
Why are Physics and Technology important?
Physics is central to understanding the world around us and it is the driving force behind most modern technologies
Smartphones, iPads, fibre-optics, lasers, GPS satellites, solid state drives, radiotherapy beams, smart sensors, medical imaging systems, and a host of other devices and systems are all applications of physics.
Professional Links
This course is recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP), the professional body for physicists. Graduates qualify for Associate Membership which provides a route to full Institute Membership following appropriate professional experience. Further details can be found at www.iop.org.
Year 1
Semester 1
Semester 2
Introductory Biology
Cell Biology and Biochemistry
Introductory Chemistry
Mathematics for Scientists
Introductory Physics
Physical and Organic Chemistry
Introductory Mathematics
Physics for Scientists
Introduction to ICT for Scientists
Choose two of the following electives:
Good Lab Practice and Core Skills
*Introduction to Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Science
*Introduction to Food Science
*Introduction to Modern Physics
*Plant Biology
*Science & Society
Year 2
Semester 3
Semester 4
Mechanics and Waves
Advanced Mechanics
Science, Universe & Society
Electromagnetism
Electronic Devices & Systems
DC / AC Fundamentals
Ordinary Differential Equations
Advanced Calculus
Programming Fundamentals 1
Programming Fundamentals 2
Spectroscopic Techniques
Thermodynamics for Engineers
Year 3
Semester 5
Semester 6
Atomic, Quantum and Solid State Device Physics
Work Placement
Electromagnetism, Physical Optics and Photonics
Measurement Systems
Advanced Engineering Mathematics
Computational Environments & Toolchains
Semiconductor Fundamentals
Year 4
Semester 7
Semester 8
Introduction to Convergent Technologies
Semiconductor Devices
Computational Physics
Photonics Applications
Control Systems
Research Project
Nuclear Physics & Spectroscopic Techniques
Smart Grid Technologies/Renewable Energies
Research Methodology & Literature Review
Choose one of the following electives:
Choose one of the following electives:
*Digital Control
*Process Technology
*The Connected Car
*Cloud Computing 1
*Applied Fluid Dynamics
*Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
*Data Mining 2
*Data Mining 1
Leaving Cert: Entry requirements for the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology:
2 subjects: H5 4 subjects: O6/H7 English or Irish: O6/H7 Mathematics: O6/H7
How to apply for the BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology on the CAO:
Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technoloy graduates:
Graduates of BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology will find employment in industry and research in a range of sectors. Visit the Institute of Physics in Ireland website for more information on the many interesting and diverse career opportunities open to physicists.
Semiconductors
Telecommunications/Photonics
Medical Physics
Biomedical Devices
Space Science & Technology
Automotive
Alternative Energy
Meteorology
Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
Teaching after gaining a Professional Master of Education
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Financial Services
Follow on Study for BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology graduates:
Graduates may proceed onto a number of taught masters courses at WIT:
The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is recognised by the Institute of Physics, which is the professional body for physicists in Ireland and the UK. Graduates of this degree programme can obtain membership of the Institute of Physics.
Career Opportunities for BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technoloy graduates:
Graduates of BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology will find employment in industry and research in a range of sectors. Visit the Institute of Physics in Ireland website for more information on the many interesting and diverse career opportunities open to physicists.
Semiconductors
Telecommunications/Photonics
Medical Physics
Biomedical Devices
Space Science & Technology
Automotive
Alternative Energy
Meteorology
Information & Communications Technology (ICT)
Teaching after gaining a Professional Master of Education
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Financial Services
Completion of a level 8 programme will also enable students to undertake taught Masters programmes or Masters degrees by research at SETU Waterford or other third-level colleges
The BSc (Hons) in Physics for Modern Technology is recognised by the Institute of Physics, which is the professional body for physicists in Ireland and the UK. Graduates of this degree programme can obtain membership of the Institute of Physics.
