Physics with Energy & Environment

Many aspects of our economy and lifestyles depend increasingly on our ability to manage our energy needs and our environment. Challenges include energy production, management, distribution, sustainability, environmental monitoring and measurement, and the associated technologies. Physics plays a crucial role in all of these areas. Physicists develop innovative technologies for these and other areas such as renewable energy, atmospheric monitoring, the green economy and many more. If you’re interested in this programme, and the applications of physics to energy and the environment, you need to have an aptitude for science and a keen interest in physics. Year 1 provides a strong foundation across all the relevant science subjects and mathematics. This will prepare you for the applied nature of the physics modules that are developed through to the final year, and for the specialist energy and environment, modules studied. In Year 2, the core modules in physics, mathematics and computing are taught together with some specialised energy and environmental material, which are further developed in Years 3 and 4. In Year 3, you’ll take part in an industrial work placement for around six months. There’s a strong emphasis throughout the programme on problem-solving skills, professional skills, computing and ICT skills. Problem-based learning will help you to become a good problem-solver and to develop key skills much sought after by industry and in research settings. You’ll also develop laboratory skills. These aspects of the programme, together with work placement and the practical aspects of the programme, will prepare you for employment in the relevant sectors or graduate study either here in Ireland or abroad.