| Programme details | |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Bachelor of Arts (Honours) (BA (Hons)) |
| Discipline: |
Physics
|
| Duration: | 48 months |
| Study modes: | full-time |
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Theoretical Physics explores the natural world at its most fundamental level, using mathematical theories guided by experimental investigation. For some it is the foundation for an academic career in mathematics or physics. For others it provides the basis for many career options in industry, medicine, law, finance and computing. Trinity provides a course which ranges widely across physics and mathematics. Its graduates are in demand for their technical skills and versatility. through a mixture of laboratory reports, presentations and end-of-semester exams.
First and Second Years
Third Year
Fourth Year
Maths
Electrodynamics
Other mathematical modules and a project option are available
each year
Physics
The teaching of physics is divided into two modules (each of 10
credits) in each of the first two years and 5 credit lecture and 10
credit practical/project modules in the third and fourth years.
Topics in classical and modern
physics include:
Waves and Optics, Special
Relativity, Astronomy and
Astrophysics, Quantum Physics,
Nuclear Physics, Electromagnetic
Interactions, Chaos and
Complexity and Statistics.
Students also take laboratory
classes, small group tutorials
and group study projects.
and II
Simulation
communication skills.
Optional courses are in:
Students undertake a computational physics Capstone project and tutorials to develop problem solving abilities.
Many of our graduates proceed to PhD degrees in leading institutions throughout the world (such as Cambridge University, Harvard, and Imperial College London) in mathematics and experimental physics as well as theoretical physics. Alternatively, as this degree provides graduates with a strong foundation in highly complex problem solving skills as well as logical and abstract thinking, a world of possibilities beckons. The broad scientific background and skills that the course develops are in great demand by employers in diverse areas, including actuarial science, patent law, journalism, weather forecasting, telecommunications, medical physics, information technology, scientific computing and teaching.
The course combines much of the mathematics and physics curricula, including several modules specifically designed with the Theoretical Physics programme in mind. The final year includes a Capstone project which is carried out working closely with individual faculty members to develop an original piece of research.
Theoretical Physics students can spend up to a year, usually the third year, of their studies at a university abroad, either in Europe via Erasmus exchanges or further afield via a considerable number of bilateral agreements between Trinity and universities ranging from the Australian National University to the University of California and New York University in the United States.