MSc Computational Physics
Academic Year 2020/2021
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
Computational Physics is a basic specialisation that offers broad opportunities for future employment in research, development, data analytics and informatics-related industry sectors.
Download the course brochure (pdf)
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.
Programme Outcomes
Describe the state-of-the art knowledge and skills in the field.
Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to a specific project in the field.
Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.
Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
Set up, conduct and interpret simulations and/or experiment to create new knowledge.
Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management. Presenting findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
Plan, execute and report the results of a numerical investigation and compare results critically with predictions from theory and experimental evidence.
Apply knowledge gained and skills developed to a specific project in the field.
Describe the state-of-the art knowledge and skills in the field.
Draw on a suite of transferrable skills including critical thinking, problem solving, scientific report writing, communication skills, team-work, independent work, professional networking, project management. Presenting findings both orally and in written form, to thesis level.
Engage actively in addressing research topics of current relevance.
Plan, execute and report the results of a numerical investigation and compare results critically with predictions from theory and experimental evidence.
Set up, conduct and interpret simulations and/or experiment to create new knowledge.
Use the underlying physics of the field to find, assess and use up-to-date information in order to guide progress.
Comment
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.
Related Programmes
MSc Space Science&TechFT(NL)
MSc Climate Change: Science & Impacts FT
MSc Nanotechnology (Negotiated Learning) FT
MSc Applied Mathematics & Theoretical Physics (N Learning)FT
MSc NanoBio Science FT
Facilities and Resources
Access to state-of-the-art computational and laboratory-based technology platforms through collaborations with the Irish Centre for High-End Computing (ICHEC).
Opportunity to collaborate with the researchers in UCD research institutes including the Complex Adaptive Systems Laboratory and Systems Biology Ireland.