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The Faculty of Science & Engineering is the largest faculty in UL incorprates the following Departments and Schools:
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Department of Chemical Sciences
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Department of Physics
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Department of Biological Sciences
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Department of Electronic & Computer Engineering
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Department of Mathematics & Statistics
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Department of Computer Science & Information Systems
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School of Engineering
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School of Design
The faculty’s departments currently deliver taught and research postgraduate programmes to over 780 registered postgraduates, of which over 330 are pursuing doctorate programmes. The primary focus is on increasing the quality and quantity of postgraduate students and research outputs, including PhDs and publications.
The main research objective of the faculty is to provide a research-driven environment that will undertake both fundamental and applied research. Promoting the publication of results, attracting national and international researchers, and developing further collaborative links with industry are also key priorities.
Find your course
I am currently a Ph.D. student concentrating in the field of nanomaterials under the joint supervision of Prof. Kevin Ryan and Prof. Ursel Bangert. I obtained my MSc degree in Applied Physics at the University of Limerick in 2019, under the guidance of Prof. Ursel Bangert who is now a co-supervisor in my current research area. At UL you are given a potential research topic that matches your background and experience while having the freedom to develop your own research area of interest. My Science Foundation Ireland Funded research focuses on the investigative study of nanocrystal structure, interface, nucleation and growth mechanisms in these materials using aberration-corrected electron microscopy (EM) and In situ EM techniques.
Working with both the Nanotechnology and TEMUL group at the Bernal Institute has been a great experience with ample opportunity to engage in multiple research areas and collaborations. I have obtained training in techniques such as the use of State of the art microscopes and other high technology characterization tools. This has been invaluable to my career development.
My journey so far has been exciting, from presenting my work at conferences to interacting, networking and exchanging research ideas with other Ph.D. students and experts from around the world. I now also have first-hand experience with teaching and leadership through laboratory demonstrations and these experiences have greatly improved my personal development towards being an independent researcher.