Computational Physics

MSc Computational Physics
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)

- At UCD, our MSc Programme in Computational Physics is developed in close connection with the more applied NanoBio and NanoTechnology specialties, offering students both a solid training in computational methods and a direct access to laboratory-based research projects.

- The programme will enhance students' CVs with expertise which is much sought-after by employers in a broad range of sectors, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors. The course is also a stepping-stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, biological and medical physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience.

- Students help design their own curricula (negotiated structure)

Who should apply?
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes

This programme is ideal for any graduate with a strong background in Physics, Mathematics or a related Natural Science, wishing to learn how to convert a mathematical model of a physical system into accurate and robust computer programs that can capture quantitatively its behaviour.

Course Description
Students will learn how to plan and develop their modelling programs and algorithms to imitate the underlying processes of a physical system, and how to analyse and test the results of their calculations. In the negotiated learning framework, the students will be able to take modules in programming, mathematical and numerical methods and deepen their knowledge in modern theoretical and experimental physics research projects from atomistic and molecular modelling to nanooptics, spectroscopy and nanotechnology related applications.

Vision and Values Statement
This MSc program provides a positive experience of current computational methods used in modern physics-related research, with state-of-the art applications from biology, material science, or society. This programme is intended for graduates from the physical sciences and from relevant engineering disciplines who wish to enter this new and exciting arena, either as industrial researchers, analysts or academic researchers. We encourage/educate our students to become active, lifelong and autonomous learners with good prospects of employment in economic sectors requiring analytical skills. Our students will become well-grounded in the fundamentals of modern computational physics with an appreciation of more specialised knowledge and the current frontiers of research.Our learning environment emphasises computing laboratory, hands-on computational work via a research module that is a large part of the MSc programme, in addition to in-class, project and problem-solving work. The environment is research-based, with a deep level of expertise available to the students in their chosen field. Students and staff have access to state-of-the-art computational and laboratory-based technology platforms through direct collaborations with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC). The students will experience an environment where cross-disciplinary, industry and international connections are rich. Our students will be endowed with professional values including scientific integrity and ethical behaviour.

Programme Outcomes
The graduates from this programme should be familiar with a range of technologies (including computational programming languages, software packages, methods and algorithms) and interfacing between physical-based modeling and applied (e.g., biomedical or material science) systems. Student will also devlop skills in areas of direct interest to employers such as: communication, patents and commercial activity as related to scientific technology, data processing and time management.

Students will learn how to plan and develop their modelling programs and algorithms to imitate the underlying processes of a physical system, and how to analyse and test the results of their calculations. In the negotiated learning framework, the students will be able to take modules in programming, mathematical and numerical methods and deepen their knowledge in modern theoretical and experimental physics research projects from atomistic and molecular modelling to nanooptics, spectroscopy and nanotechnology related applications.

Modules will be decided upon agreement with the Programme Director, indicative modules available include:

Applied Quantum Mechanics
Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations
Nanofluidics and Biosimulation
Biomimicry
Numerical Weather Prediction
Advanced Statistical Physics
Advanced Quantum Mechanics
Numerical Algorithms
Stochastic Models
Time Series Analysis
Physics Research Project

Stage 1 - Option
Advanced Mathematical Methods ACM30020
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence COMP30030
Parallel and Cluster Computing COMP30250
Bioinformatics COMP40400
Advanced Machine Learning COMP47590
Creative Thinking & Innovation IA40430
Physics of nanomaterials PHYC40410
Nanomechanics - from single molecules to single cells PHYC40430
Computational Biophysics and Nanoscale Simulations PHYC40470
Biophysics at the Nanoscale and Nanodevices PHYC40480
Physics Research Project 30 PHYC40840
Physics Research Project 45 PHYC40850
Physics Research Project 60 PHYC40860
Bio-inspired technologies PHYC40940
Time Series STAT30010
Monte Carlo Inference STAT40400
Time Series Analysis - Act App STAT40700

This programme is intended for applicants who have a strong background in physics, chemistry, engineering, material sciences or a related discipline with a significant physics content. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. In special circumstances, students with a strong physics background and 2.2 class honours may be accepted.

Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Students meeting the programme's academic entry requirements but not the English language requirements, may enter the programme upon successful completion of UCD's Pre-Sessional or International Pre-Master's Pathway programmes. Please see the following link for further information http://www.ucd.ie/alc/programmes/pathways/

These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes

The following entry routes are available:

MSc Computational Physics (Negotiated Learning) FT (F120)
Duration 1 Years Attend Full Time
Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

1 year full-time.

Careers & Employability
The programme prepares you for a career in industry or for further PhD research. Career opportunities are broad, including the bio-pharmaceutical, telecommunications, data mining and analysis, IT consulting and green technologies industry sectors, both in Ireland and internationally. It is also a stepping stone to PhD research in the areas of theoretical and computational physics, biological and medical physics, nanotechnology and nanoscience. Recent and prospective employers include Deloitte & Touche, Murex Inc., Intel, Pfizer, Merck, Philips, Tullow Oil, the University of Edinburgh, Imperial College London, and National Institutes of Health, USA