Physics Technology

Physicists design experiments to test or apply new ideas to better understand the physical world. Their work has led to key developments in areas such as optics, electronics, communications systems, information technology, computing, medical technologies, energy production and management, sustainable technologies and environmental technologies.

This course is designed to educate and train students to be professional scientists in the area of Physics Technology, and to provide them with scientific and analytical skills in physics as well as a practical problem-solving ability.

It is not necessary to have studied physics in order to do this degree, although you do need to have an interest in science and technology. All of the Physics in Year 1 and much of it in Year 2 is delivered using the exciting method of Problem-Based Learning. This learning style allows students to develop additional skills much sought after by industry: problem-solving, adaptability, teamwork, research skills, leadership and communication skills.

You’ll study a wide range of subjects, from the physics of motion, electricity & magnetism, nuclear physics, mechanics, relativity, heat & thermodynamics and quantum mechanics to technology for sustainability, astronomy, entrepreneurship for scientists, environmental & remote sensing, electronics & instrumentation, and particle physics & astrophysics. And you can choose to specialise in areas of particular interest.

You’ll also undertake an Invention, Innovation & Commercialisation Project.

Physics Technology is an accredited course of the Institute of Physics (IOP).

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 and 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 course, and the applications of physics to energy and 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 in 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 course 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.

Physics with Medical Physics & Bio-Engineering

Physics underpins many important aspects of medical diagnostics, technology and treatment. Think of x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, CT scans and treatment of tumours with radiation. Physics is crucial to all of these.

Medical physicists and bioengineers play a vital, often leading role in medical research teams in developing or applying new medical technology in a hospital or industry environment.

This degree was developed in partnership with both the medical device industry and the medical physics and bioengineering community in Ireland and is accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Experts deliver a range of specialist modules in the areas of Medical Devices, Bioengineering and Rehabilitation Engineering, Medical Imaging and Radiotherapy.

In the Physics of Medical Devices module, you’ll gain insights into the medical device industry, from the initial concept of a medical device to its manufacture. In the Diagnostic Imaging module, you’ll gain an understanding of the principles of how an image is formed using x-rays or sound waves, and be able to critically assess the important design features in such imaging devices for optimum image quality.

In the Bioengineering module, you’ll learn about the design and engineering of artificial limbs and implants, as well as advanced biocompatible materials.

There’s a seven-month work placement during Year 3 in either a medical physics & bioengineering department in a hospital, research laboratory or medical device company. This will give you day-to-day experience as a physicist in medical physics and bioengineering, as well as help you to develop important links for your future career.

A wide range of careers are open to physics graduates, many of them using the methodology of physics: technical know-how, the logical approach, problem-solving skills. Graduates work in well-paid physics-based industries such as the critical and growing areas of medical physics, bioengineering and medical devices, and also the electronics industry, alternative energy development and telecommunications.

Their analytical skills also place physicists in demand in a range of financial, fund management and research roles, in law, in management consultancy, as weather forecasters, computer programmers and as physics and science teachers.

Information Technology (1 year add-on to TU777)

The modern world is driven by computing, so it’s an exciting field to study, and the demand for computing graduates keeps increasing. With a computing degree, you’ve got a skill set that is internationally recognised and has excellent earning potential.

Located in the heart of ‘Ireland’s Silicon Valley’, we provide state-of-the-art computing, networking and cyber-security labs. The courses mix theory-based and practical, hands-on subjects, which will equip you with practical computer building and maintenance skills; advanced technical, design and programming skills, and the communication and entrepreneurial skills you’ll need to build a rewarding career in this dynamic industry.

Professional accreditation: As part of the computing course, you can receive dual accreditation for industry-certified courses such as CompTIA, Cisco CCNA, Linux and Microsoft.

On graduation, you may continue to postgradute study at TU Dublin or elsewhere.

International Business & Languages

This course has three key characteristics: the acquisition of business expertise, the acquisition of professional competence in one or more languages, and the third year spent abroad in the country of the student’s major language.

With increasing globalisation and dependency on international trade, fluency in other languages is vital to the success of businesses dealing with countries abroad. Students who successfully complete the course will be equipped to play a key role in companies and organisations seeking out new markets and/or expanding in them.

The course is shared equally between the School of Languages and the School of Marketing at TU Dublin. You’ll study the full range of business modules required to gain an in-depth understanding of international business. You’ll also study the language(s) of your choice and acquire a level of competency in the one or more languages that you need to work in multilingual and multicultural environments.

You’ll normally have obtained a minimum grade of H4 in the Leaving Certificate or equivalent in one or more of the languages offered on the course, currently Chinese, French, German, Irish, Italian and Spanish.

You can also study a new language from beginner’s level and may specialise in it if you do well enough.

International Business) – (1 year add-on to TU778)

Do you like business, are extroverted and adventurous, and interested in communicating and engaging with other cultures? Then you should jump at the opportunity to study International Business at home and abroad. The course will provide you with the skills and attributes necessary to succeed in business anywhere in the world, reducing the barriers to travel and opening a world of career opportunities at home and overseas. A wide range of subjects are covered, from economics fundamentals, leadership, business information systems and organisational behaviour to creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship, and intercultural studies. You can also choose European language electives in French, German or Spanish.

International Hospitality & Tourism

Do you seek an exciting career in the international hospitality and tourism industry? This course can turn you into a business-ready graduate, with special knowledge and skills in tourism, sales and marketing entrepreneurship, human resources, communication and IT. And you will acquire real-world experience thanks to the six-month professional internship at home or abroad.

This course was developed in partnership with industry representative associations and leading practitioners from the food, leisure and business tourism sectors. It’s a fully contemporary, practical curriculum focused on three aspects of international best practice: operations, communications and management. You will study a range of business and cultural topics and develop essential business skills in tourism, sales and marketing, food and beverage, entrepreneurship, human resources, IT, teamwork and problem-solving.

You can study French, German or Spanish to maximise your employability upon graduation. You will also learn about web design and e-business, media planning, procurement, food and drink tourism, corporate social responsibility, and sustainable tourism policy and planning. This innovative course is your starting point for a rewarding career in the international hospitality and tourism industry.

International Hospitality Management

Hospitality is a growing, diverse and exciting industry that provides an abundance of employment opportunities at home and elsewhere around the globe. The demand for hospitality graduates is growing each year in the global hotel, leisure, industrial, business, health and education sectors.

This course will give you the management, technological and operational skills you need to work in the international hospitality industry. Specific modules enhance the international focus of the course and the international experience of the student.

You’ll develop the strong communication, interpersonal, management and leadership skills that have been identified by the hospitality industry as essential for career success.

Key areas of study are Communications, Management, Law and Industry Studies.

Languages & International Tourism (Chinese/French/German/Italian/Spanish)

Tourism continues to be one of the largest industries in the world. This exciting new course is unique in bringing together the study of tourism and languages. You will develop a high level of linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness and acquire business skills for tourism and other industries.

On graduation, you will have a wide range of employable skills, for which demand can only grow. You will have preferential access to careers in the fields of international tourism in both private and state sectors as well as in international organisations. You could work in heritage management and related cultural areas where strong linguistic proficiency is essential or engage in academic research. You might also work on the market and consumer research conducted by international, national and tourist organisations. The language modules allow you to develop professional competence in one or more languages through a variety of linguistic, contemporary cultural and translation studies. The tourism modules will introduce you to the business of tourism and explore exciting fields such as sustainable tourism and enterprise development.