Key Info

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics

NFQ Level 8 major Award Honours Bachelor Degree

Entry route(s):

Course code
LM124 or LM125
Duration
4 Years
Subject area
Science
Course Director
Dr Clifford Nolan
Email
Clifford.Nolan@ul.ie
Tel
00 353 61 202766
Admissions:
Tel
+353 (0)61 233755

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. You will need to be comfortable with mathematics, and have an innate curiosity as to how the world works. You should also be interested in applying your skills in mathematics and physics to understanding and solving real world problems.

Entry route to Mathematics and Physics at UL is via:

 LM124 Mathematics Common Entry

or

LM125 Physics Common Entry.

Why Study Mathematics and Physics at UL?

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, on graduation, you will be at an advantage 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.

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What you will study

This full time programme is of four years duration. 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 you with practical experience in a relevant work environment. 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, Numerical Solution of Partial Differential Equations and Mathematics of Natural Phenomena. These more advanced subjects will prepare you for both an industrial career and also for a career in research and development.

During the final year, a project is undertaken that allows you 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, go to www.maths.ul.ie

Semester 1   Semester 2
Common Entry (LM124 or LM125) PH4102 Waves/Light/Modern Physics
  PH4092 Semiconductor Devices
  MS4022 Calculus 2
  MS4122 Further Linear Algebra
  MS4222 Introduction to Probability and Statistics
  Semester 3   Semester 4
PH4041 Optics PH4072 Electromagnetism
PH4171 Mechanics PH4132 Modern Physics
MS4043 Methods of Linear Analysis PH4042 Thermal Physics
MS4613 Vector Analysis MS4014 Intro to Numerical Analysis
MS4403 Ordinary Differential Equations MS4404 Partial Differential Equations
  Semester 5 Semester 6 Summer
PH4061 Quantum Mechanics Cooperative Education Cooperative Education
PH4021 Physics of Solids    
MA4617 Introduction to Fluid Mechanics    
MS4045 Complex Analysis    
  Elective (choose 1)    
PH4161 Atomic/Molecular/Laser Physics    
MS4008 Numerical Solutions for PDEs    
MS4105 Linear Algebra 2    
MS4035 Probability Models    
MB4017 Geometry    
  Semester 7   Semester 8
PH4607 Solid State Physics 1 PH4608 Solid State Physics 2
MS4627 Maths of Natural Phenomena MS4018 Dynamical Systems
MS4407 Perturbation Tech. and Asymptotics MS4408 Mathematical Modelling
PH4097 Maths & Physics Project 1 MS4098 Maths & Physics Project 2
  Elective (choose 1)   Elective (choose 1)
PH4081 Nanotechnology 1 PH4062 Nanotechnology 2
PH4091 Physics of Modern Measurement PH4018 Medical Instrumentation

Entry requirements

Additional considerations

Entry Requirements are dependent on the entry routes to this course. 

For the exact entry requirements please visit:

LM124 Mathematics (Common Entry)

or

LM125 Physics (Common Entry)

We welcome applications from mature students. Mature applicants must apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1 February.

Non-EU Entry Requirements

How to apply

Where are you applying from? How to Apply
Ireland Irish students must apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found here. 
The UK  Students who have completed their A-Levels can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website. 
The EU EU Students can apply to UL via the CAO. More information can be found on the Academic Registry website.
Non-EU country If you are outside of the EU, you can apply via the link in your desired Entry Route [Mathematics (Common Entry) or Physics (Common Entry)]

 

Fees and funding

Student course fees are broken into three components - Student contribution, Student Levy and Tuition Fees.

A number of illustrative examples of fees for this course based on the current fee levels have been set out in the tables below.

An explanation of the components, how to determine status and the criteria involved is provided below the examples as is a list of possible scholarships and funding available.

EU Students with Free fees status in receipt of a SUSI grant

HEA pays Tuition Fees €4,262
SUSI pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€7,362

EU Students with Free fees status not in receipt of a grant

HEA pays Tuition Fees €4,262
Student pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€7,362

Students with EU fee status not in receipt of a grant

Student pays Tuition Fees €4,262
Student pays Student contribution €3,000
Student pays Student Levy €100
€7,362

Non-EU Students

Student pays Tuition Fees €20,900
Student pays Student Levy €100
€21,000

Student course fees are comprised of the following components:

Student Contribution

Annual charge set by the government for all full-time third level students. All students are liable unless they have been approved for a grant by Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). Please refer to https://www.studentfinance.ie to determine your eligibility for a grant and for instructions on how to apply. The current student contribution is set at €3000.

Student Levy

All students are liable to pay the Student Levy of €100. Please note the Student Levy is not covered by the SUSI Grant.

Tuition Fees

These are based on Residency, Citizenship, Course requirements.

Review the three groups of criteria to determine your fee status as follows

  1. Residency
    • You must have been living in an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland for at least 3 of the 5 years before starting your course
  2. Citizenship
    • You must be a citizen of an EU/EEA member state or Switzerland or have official refugee status
  3. Course Requirements (all must be met)
    • You must be a first time full-time undergraduate (Exceptions are provided for students who hold a Level 6 or Level 7 qualification and are progressing to a Level 8 course in the same general area of study).
    • You must be undertaking a full-time undergraduate course of at least 2 year’s duration
    • You cannot be undertaking a repeat year of study at the same level unless evidence of exceptional circumstances eg serious illness is provided (in which case this condition may be waived)

Depending on how you meet these criteria your status will be one of the following -

  • Free Fee Status: You satisfy all three categories (1, 2 and 3) and therefore are eligible for the Higher Education Authority’s Free Fees scheme.
  • EU Fee Status: You satisfy the citizenship and/or residency criteria but fail to satisfy the course requirements and are liable to EU fees
  • Non EU Fee Status: You do not meet either the citizenship or residency criteria and are therefore liable to Non EU fees.

More information about fees can be found on the Finance website

These scholarships are available for this course

These scholarships are available for all courses

Your future career

Employability skills from this degree

  • Designing and conducting observational and experimental studies
  • Analysing and interpreting data, finding patterns and drawing conclusions
  • Dealing with abstract concepts
  • Presenting mathematical arguments and conclusions with accuracy and clarity
  • Advanced numeracy and analysing large quantities of data
  • Logical thinking
  • Numeracy—mathematical modelling, interpreting and presenting information graphically, and using mathematics to find solutions to scientific problems
  • IT skills, including specialist software packages and some programming
  • Attention to detail
  • Communication— conveying complex ideas and using technical language correctly

Further Study Options

Job titles for graduates with this degree

Graduates progressing directly into employment take up a wide variety of roles. The following provides a sample of initial roles listed on the Graduate Outcomes Survey by graduates approximately one year after graduation:

  • Data Analyst
  • Financial Analyst

Student Profiles

Image
Michael Keyes

Michael Keyes

For me, the choice to study Maths and Physics at UL was easy to make. I had always wanted to go to UL, and Maths and Physics had been my favourite subjects in school. The course seemed like a natural fit to my desire to learn about how the universe works, while employing rigorous analytical and numerical techniques.

I am involved in the design and testing of high-performance, low-noise single-photon-detecting sensors. The activities that this entails vary from day to day. I spend some days solving equations and running simulations to predict device performance or explain phenomena. Other days are spent on the implementation of these findings, by defining process conditions and ordering wafers from the foundry. Some weeks later, I analyse wafer-level test results and define packaging plans for the different devices on the wafers. Finally, some days, when we actually receive the resulting devices, I go into the lab and test them. Of course I don’t do it all on my own – there’s a lot of chatting and discussion involved to make sure we all agree on the best course of action!

I feel that my course prepared me very well for my career. Studying subjects like Optics, Thermodynamics and Solid State Physics has given me an understanding of the various physical phenomena at play in my models. My Maths subjects have likewise given me a good understanding of the equations and numerical techniques used in my simulations. Sometimes I apply my knowledge of Maths to develop ad hoc algorithms to help me.

My only advice to school leavers is to pick a course that you really think will suit you, rather than what people around you might think you “should” be doing.


 

For me, the choice to study Maths and Physics at UL was an easy one. I loved studying Maths and Physics in secondary school and wanted to continue studying both in university, and the University of Limerick provided a balanced mixture of both. The development of core and advanced mathematical skills complements the array of physics modules I studies, spanning from optics to quantum mechanics, as well as the cutting-edge developments in nanotechnology and laser physics, which is indispensable in industry. 

During the final year, I had the opportunity to undertake a project that allowed me to analyse a particular problem in fields of maths or physics in-depth. I studies a field of maths called inverse problems, which I continue to do now as a PhD researcher. This project provided me with both an opportunity to carry out an exploratory investigation and a means to begin a career as a postgraduate researcher. In this role, I study maths underlying the techniques of medical imaging and look to enhance current modalities. To do this, I employ various formula and theorems that I have studies throughout my course. This allows us to create better algorithms to improve the quality of the images of the interior of a body, so that we can detect anomalies in the body. 

Studying here at UL has helped me develop the skills necessary for a wide variety of jobs in industry and academic research; skills I still use today. Studying subjects like electromagnetism, modern physics and solid state physics has given me an understanding of the various physical phenomena at play in my research, while the mathematic modules I have studies, such as partial differential equations and calculus, have given me a good understanding of the equations and numerical techniques used throughout my work. 

My advice to all applicants is to choose a course that you will enjoy. It'll lead to a far more successful and fulfilling career than choosing a course that is 'supposed' to lead to a good job. 

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Niall Donlon