Astrophysics

    Astrophysics is concerned with the physics of astronomical objects and processes, from planets and stars to galaxies, the interstellar medium, and the universe as a whole. As a science astronomy has always been regarded as a fundamental area of human knowledge, which is evidenced by its high profile in the media and general level of human interest. At Maynooth University research in astrophysics is done in the Department of Physics, which has a distinguished history in astronomy, astrophysics, and space-science research. Researchers in the department have participated in successful international projects such as Giotto, Rosetta, and Mars Express, the Herschel Space Observatory and the Planck Surveyer. We are currently involved in projects such as JWST, Euclid, QUBIC, BISOU and LISA. More information on our research activities can be found here.
     

    MH204: Physics with Astrophysics

    Interested in astronomy, cosmology, celestial systems, and astrophysics? At Maynooth we have developed a special 4-year honours course which combines the study of physics and astronomy. The study of the stars and galaxies has enthralled people for centuries, and our students are no exception. Since the course began in September 2001 there has been great interest, and students who have taken the course have excelled in their studies. The Physics with Astrophysics course provides an attractive possibility for those who are interested in astronomy and astrophysics, but who also want the option of pusuing a career in physics. Students taking this course will receive a thorough grounding in all the core areas of physics, and will also be given a substantial series of courses on topics in astronomy and astrophysics.

    Course requirements: pass in a science subject, Mathematics, Irish and English.

    Our BSc in Physics with Astrophysics are accredited by the Institute of Physics, the professional body in Ireland and the UK.

    Trips Abroad

    Each year the 4th-year Astrophysics students go on an observing trip to the Observatoire de Haute-Provence in France, as part of their final year project. They spend five nights at the observatory, during which time they plan and take observations using two research-level telescopes. When they return home to Maynooth, the students then calibrate and analyse this data as part of their final year projects.

      
    1st-year Astrophysics students go on a trip to an Irish astronomy site, such as Birr Castle, Co. Offaly, and Armagh Planetarium. There are also occasional trips to the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in The Netherlands, to which students of all years can sign up.

    Career Options in Physics with Astrophysics

    Astrophysics students gain experience in areas of both pure and applied physics, and in computational physics and astrophysics during the course. This means that they are well equipped for employment in a wide range of high-technology industries such as software engineering , micro-electronics, telecommunication engineering, as well as those areas specifically requiring astrophysicists such as space science, aerospace engineering, satellite communications, meteorology, teaching, lecturing and research. You can find more information on careers and career profiles on our graduates page:

    https://www.maynoothuniversity.ie/physics/our_graduates

    Course Guide

    For the MH204 course guide click here.

     

    Banner Image Credit: ESA/NASA/JPL-Caltech