Physics with Astrophysics Maynooth University

Overview

Key Features

• Study the latest telescopes, satellites, detector technology and data analysis techniques used to make the exquisitely sensitive observations needed in modern astrophysics with this  Physics with Astrophysics degree from Maynooth University .

• Facilities include state-of-the-art laboratories, an observatory with a computerised Meade telescope, an atmospheric physics facility, and radio and cosmic ray telescopes.

• It is based on the Single Major degree in Experimental Physics but with an increased emphasis on studying the physical principles needed to understand astronomical objects such as planets, stars and galaxies, as well as the dynamics of the Universe as a whole.

• Students receive an excellent grounding in all the core areas of Experimental Physics, opening up all the career opportunities available to physicists. Field trips and scientific visits are organised to other facilities such as L'Observatoire d'Haute Provence (France), the European Space Agency (the Netherlands), Jodrell Bank (UK), St. Luke's Hospital and Armagh Observatory.

Career Options

• Physicists and astrophysicists find employment in high-tech fields and in areas where analytical and problem-solving skills are valued. Graduates have progressed to roles at Met Éireann, St. Luke’s Hospital Dublin, the European Space Agency, NASA, Caltech, Intel, Hewlett Packard, and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

• Astrophysicists can find challenging and rewarding careers in astrophysics and also in fields such as medical physics, computational physics, forensic science, meteorology, environmental and atmospheric physics.

• Students who do sufficiently well are eligible to undertake research for an MSc or PhD degree under the supervision of one of the members of academic staff, who run active research programmes in these areas. This option is especially suitable for those wishing to pursue research careers, either in industry or academia.