General Information
The University of Limerick is launching a new degree,
the B.Sc. in Mathematics and Physics, to provide training
in analytical and computational methods for the
formulation and solution of fundamental and applied
physical problems. Until now, traditional mathematical
physics degrees in Ireland have been narrow in their
scope. This course seeks to provide a genuine mixture
of the two subjects. In addition to developing core and
advanced mathematical skills, training will be provided
in fundamental physics spanning mechanics to quantum
mechanics, and in state-of-the-art applications of
physics such as nanotechnology.
The analytical training and broad physical understanding
of challenges likely to be encountered in an industrial
setting will prove to be a valuable asset for prospective
employers.The applied aspects in particular will ensure
that graduates of this programme will be advantaged, in
comparison to more traditional Maths Physics
graduates, when seeking employment in the smart
economy. In such an economy envisaged by the
Government, academic and industrial research will be
closely coupled.
AboutYou
Have you ever wondered
- Why is the weather so difficult to predict?
- What do stock markets and earthquakes have in
common?
- How can matter be a wave on atomic scales?
- How can wave mechanics produce the next
generation of computers?
- How do you model the Universe in a computer?
- How does the spreading of a disease explain star
formation?
All of these questions share something in common;
they can be answered at the interface of mathematics
and physics. Understanding both subjects equally allows
a unique view of the world that lets you capture and
analyse its true complexity in an elegant way; it allows
you to explain it, see effects not yet detected nor
realized, and even predict how it will behave.
Prospective students need to be comfortable with
mathematics, and have an innate curiosity as to how
the world works, but they should also be interested in
applying the skills in mathematics and physics they
develop to understanding and solving real world
problems.
Course Structure
The programme is of four years duration. The degree
will be a full-time degree and will be also open to both
adult and continuing education students. The first two
years are a combination of the main modules taken in
both the mathematical sciences degree and the applied
physics degree at UL. In these first two years the
fundamental aspects of physics and mathematics are
established. Physical subjects will include such topics as
Mechanics,Waves, Light,Thermal Physics, Electromagnetism, and Modern Physics, which spans the
scope of current basic understanding in physics. In
addition, more applied topics are Optics and
Semiconductors which are essential to modern
technology. Mathematical subjects include Calculus,
Algebra,Vector Analysis,Ordinary and Partial
Differential Equations, Numerical Analysis, Fourier
Analysis and Computer Software. During the spring
semester of the third year, a period of cooperative
education (placement in industry) provides students
with practical experience in a relevant work
environment to complement their course work. This is
organised by the University's Cooperative Education
Department in collaboration with representatives from
various industries, both in Ireland and abroad. Students
are interviewed by company representatives. On
selection, they are offered full-time employment during
the Cooperative Education period and are paid at a
competitive rate.The remainder of the modules taken
during third and fourth year offer a more in-depth view
of both mathematics and physics. The offered modules
include:Quantum Mechanics, Solid State Physics,
Atomic, Molecular and Laser Physics, Nano-technology,
Mathematical Modelling,Asymptotic Analysis, Numerical
Solution of Partial Differential Equations, Scientific
Computing, Dynamical Systems, Mathematics of Natural
Phenomena. These more advanced subjects will
position the student well for both an industrial career
and also for a career in research and development.
During the final year, a project is undertaken that
allows students to analyse a particular problem in
depth.This also gives students interested in
postgraduate research an opportunity to carry out an
exploratory investigation of a potential research topic.
For further details, log on to www.maths.ul.ie
Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to hold at the time of enrolment the established Leaving Certificate (or an
approved equivalent) with at least Grade C3 in two Higher Level subjects and Grade D3 in four Ordinary
or Higher Level subjects (including Mathematics; Irish or another language; and English).
In addition, applicants are required to hold at least the following in the Leaving Certificate (or approved
equivalent): Grade C3 in higher level Mathematics and a Grade C3 in a higher level paper in any one of the
following: Physics, Physics with Chemistry, Engineering,Applied Mathematics.
Students can also enter this programme of study via the Science Choice option (LM117). A Special Mathematics Examination will be offered at UL following the Leaving Certificate results for those students who did not achieve the Mathematics requirement.
Career Prospects
The Irish government has committed itself to
developing a smart economy. A vital part of that plan
requires the training of graduates to have skills that
employers need. A combination of mathematics and
physics is attractive to a wide diversity of cutting edge
employers. Examples include companies such as Havok
who build the physics engines that power video games
and special effects. Relevant courses taken include
Mechanics,Optics,Vector Analysis, Differential
Equations. Another example is the financial services
industry where physics underlies much of financial
modeling.The combined mathematical and physics
content will train students to have analytical minds, to
develop logical problem solving abilities, and will lead to
their ability to quickly assimilate complex technical
details and apply this knowledge. Employers value
these assets highly and as an example often hire
mathematicians and physicists even though their
specific training might not be directly relevant to the
job on offer. Companies like Google employ
mathematicians for example because discrete
mathematics and linear algebra lies behind the workings
of their search engine. Indeed, Google have
commented on the difficulty in finding enough
graduates with these skills in Ireland. E-commerce
websites rely on transactions being encrypted and once
again mathematics lies at the heart of this technology.
As more and more of the worlds leading technical and
finance companies locate in Ireland, graduates with the
skills provided by the BSc. in Mathematics and Physics
are needed now more than ever. Finally, the B.Sc. in
Mathematics and Physics prepares students for
postgraduate degrees, which can lead to research
opportunities at UL and further afield. An example of
this is MACSI (Mathematics Applications Consortium
for Science and Industry). This consortium is a
distributed network of applied mathematicians and
physicists throughout Ireland who work on solving
industrial problems that come directly from companies
within Ireland. The newly established Charles Parsons
Initiative at UL also provides opportunities for research
in wind, ocean, solar and geothermal technologies.
