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Studying Astronomy



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What the Bsc. in Physics and Astronomy offers...
Astronomy is the oldest of the sciences and has fascinated humankind since the earliest times, but now, at last, a new understanding promises to answer some of the age-old questions...

How did the Universe begin, and how will it end?

How does the Universe work?

How do stars, stellar systems and planets come into being, and how do they work?
Where does life come from, and is it unique to the earth?

Background

In order to celebrate the new understanding which astronomy is achieving, to explain the new technologies which have brought this about, and to provide a comprehensive scientific education NUI Galway is offering a Denominated (4 year) honours degree in Physics & Astronomy.

Cao Course Code for B.Sc. Physics & Astronomy is GY312
Entry Requirements: Mathematics A minimum grade C at higher Level, or grade A at Ordinary Level in Leaving Cert, or equivalent A level
Qualified European students (including those from Great Britain & Northern Ireland) will not be subject to tuition fees on this course

Course Description

Astronomy forms an identifiable part of each year's course. Uniquely in Ireland, Physics and Astronomy students in Galway begin to study a special course in astronomy from day 1.

In first year, the course covers

  • The fundamentals of astronomy & solar system planetary science
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Computing (C programming)


    • In second year you will study

  • The techniques of astronomical observations, including a field trip to a professional observatory abroad
  • Astrophysics - the physics behind modern astronomy
  • The historical development of our view of the Universe - in conjunction with the Philosophy Department
  • Computing
  • Physics
  • Mathematical Physics
  • Field-Trip to Loaino Astronomical Observatory, Italy, gives an opportunity for hands-on collection of astronomical data using professional telescopes.

    In third and fourth year subjects studied include

  • Stellar physics
  • Electronic & optical instrumentation
  • Quantum physics
  • Signal processing
  • Cosmology & general relativity
  • High energy astrophysics
  • Interstellar & plasma physics
  • Astronomical data processing (computing)
  • Mathematical Physics
    There will be data processing and theoretical or practical projects, using data from the Galway Observatory and/or data from large telescopes.

    There may be opportunities for internships in Industry,or at Observatories and Research Institutes abroad in vacations preceding third and fourth years.