About Mathematics and Physics, BSc (Hons) - at University College Cork (UCC)

Overview

This course provides a grounding in mathematics and physics, emphasising problem-solving skills and capacity for analytical and logical thinking in mathematics, as well as intuitive and analytical understanding of physics.

This degree programme is offered jointly by the School of Mathematical Sciences and the Department of Physics.

Course Details

Year 1
Mathematical Sciencescore modules:

• Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
• Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)
• Mathematical Software (5 credits)
• Calculus (5 credits)
• Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
• Introduction to Abstract Algebra (5 credits)
• Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
• Introduction to Probability and Statistics (5 credits)
• Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
• Introductory Physics II (10 credits)

Physics and Astrophysicscore modules:

• Introductory Physics I (10 credits)
• Introductory Physics II (10 credits)
• Calculus (5 credits)
• Introduction to Analysis (5 credits)
• Introduction to Linear Algebra (5 credits)
• Introduction to Mechanics (5 credits)
• Introduction to Mathematical Modelling (5 credits)

Plus elective modules from the following:

• Computer Science
• Chemistry
• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Physics
• Statistics

Year 2
Core modules:

• Fourier Methods
• Mathematical Analysis I
• Mathematical Experimentation and Chaos
• Ordinary Differential Equations
• Linear Algebra
• Multivariable Calculus
• Classical Mechanics
• Introduction to Quantum Physics
• Electrostatics and Magnetostatics
• Introduction to Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics
• Introduction to Astrophysics and Special Relativity
• Experimental Physics I

Year 3
Core modules:

• Mathematical Analysis II
• Introduction to Modern Algebra
• Introduction to Differential Geometry
• Complex Analysis
• Metric Spaces and Topology
• Topics in Discrete Mathematics
• Optics
• Quantum Mechanics
• Electromagnetism
• Statistical Thermodynamics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Experimental Physics II
• Observational Astrophysics

Year 4
Core modules:

• Topics in Mathematics
• Functional Analysis
• Project
• Measure Theory and Martingales
• Topics in Modern Algebra
• Topics in Differential Geometry
• Stochastic Modelling II

Plus:

• Physics Minor Research Project and 3 modules from List A and 2 modules from List B

OR

• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Stars and the Interstellar Medium
• Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Gravitation and Cosmology
• Physics Minor Research Project and one module from List A or B

List A

• Advanced Mechanics
• Advanced Quantum Mechanics
• Advanced Electromagnetism
• Atomic and Molecular Physics
• Gravitation and Cosmology
• Experimental Physics III

List B

• Introduction to Condensed Matter Physics
• Nuclear and Particle Physics
• Observational Astrophysics
• Advanced Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Field Theory
• Introduction to Plasma Physics
• Introduction to Lasers and Photonics
• Advanced Computational Physics
• Stars and the Interstellar Medium
• Galactic and Extragalactic Astrophysics
• Quantum Optics and Advanced Spectroscopy

See the College Calendar for additional information on the Programme and the Book of Modules for further information on modules.

Fact File

Course Code: CK407, CK408

Course Title: Mathematics and Physics

College: Science, Engineering and Food Science

Duration: 4 years

Teaching Mode: Full-time

Qualifications: BSc (Hons)

NFQ Level: Level 8

Costs: Full-time EU/EEA/Swiss State undergraduate students may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The State will pay the tuition fees for students who satisfy the Free Fees Criteria. In 2016/17 the Student Contribution Charge will be EUR 3,000 and the Capitation Fee will be EUR 165.

2017 Entry Requirements: Refer to CK407 and CK408

Entry Points: 2016: 560 (CK407); 525 (CK408)

Course Practicalities

In a typical year, you will study 12 five-credit modules. This equates to 12 lecture hours and six to nine tutorial or laboratory hours per week on average.

Most modules consist of two lectures per week, together with associated homework that is discussed in tutorials. Modules in applied mathematics which involve significant use of the computer have associated laboratory practicals. The School of Mathematical Sciences has dedicated, well-equipped computer laboratories for this purpose.

Certain physics modules are based entirely on practical laboratory work and the Physics Department has dedicated teaching laboratories as well as state-of-the-art research laboratories available.

Assessment

Written exams will take place before Christmas and in May. Not all modules will have formal examinations. Many modules use other types of assessment including in-class tests and take-home problems etc.

Lecturers take care to give you as much feedback on your progress as possible.

The remaining marks for a module are allocated based on an end-of-semester or end-of-year written examination.

Some modules (project or experimental physics modules for example) are examined wholly by continuous assessment.

Application Procedure

Refer to CK407 and CK408.

Further Contact Information

E: School of Mathematical Sciences: sms@ucc.ie

P: +353 21 420 5818

W: http://www.ucc.ie/en/matsci/

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Entry requirements for this course

Contact University College Cork (UCC) to find course entry requirements.

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