Applied Physics and Instrumentation

Bachelor of Science

Laser instrumentation for Applied Physics & Instrumentation course
Laser instrumentation for Applied Physics & Instrumentation course
Type of Programme
Full-time
Number of Places
20
Duration
3 Years
Course Code
MT 782
Entry Requirements
331 Points in 2023 and meet minimum entry requirements as listed below.
Application Deadline
See CAO for details
Location(s)
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork
Course NFQ Level
Level 7

Aidan O’Connell

T: 021 433 5595

Email: (email)

Overview

The BSc in Applied Physics and Instrumentation is a long established course and highly sought-after graduates can be found in essentially all of the region’s advanced manufacturing and analysis sectors, but especially in the BioPharmaChem sector. The aim of this course is to prepare graduates for a range of technical positions within the multidisciplinary field of applied physics and instrumentation. Whilst there is particular emphasis on employment within process industries, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, beverage and water, graduates are well equipped for employment in other sectors such as computers, medical devices and microelectronics, as well as in hospitals and in research and development.

The course is examined using a combination of continuous assessment of both theory and practical work, and end of year examinations. In year 3, students are placed in an applied physics and/or instrumentation role within an industry, organisation or research group.

It may be possible for the placement to be in an international location. Students will acquire comprehensive knowledge of process control, quality and safety systems in the context of the operations of process industries and the nature of their products. They will also be able to diagnose problems and implement solutions for a wide range of instrumentation systems used to measure and control technical processes.

What will I study?

First year at a glance

  • Mathematics: developing the tools for instrument calibration and automation
  • Chemical Principles: physical sciences to the fundamentals of atomic theory, chemical bonding, the periodic table, physical states of matter, and stoichiometric calculations
  • Fundamental Physics: an introductory course comprising foundation physics topics relevant to all fields of Science
  • Sensors and Systems: the components of measurement systems using a variety of sensors
  • Measurement and Calibration of sensors used for industry
  • Creativity, Innovation and Teamwork: Team building, independent working and communication skills development

Modules

What is a Module?

A module is a standalone unit of learning and assessment and is completed within one semester. A full-time student will normally study six modules in each semester; part-time and ACCS (Accumulation of Credits and Certification of Subjects) students will have flexibility as to the number of modules taken.

The button below provides a link to all of the University's approved modules for this programme.

View Modules

Entry Requirements

Entry 2024

For admission to a programme, standard applicants must

  • score the necessary CAO points and
  • meet the minimum entry requirements

Leaving Certificate in five subjects i.e. O6/H7 in five subjects. The five subjects must include Mathematics and either English or Irish grade O6/H7.

 

For Non-EU International Entry Requirements please visit https://www.mtu.ie/international/non-eu/.

Career options

Employment Opportunities

Whilst many of the graduates of this course progress to an honours degree, there are many immediate employment opportunities locally, nationally and internationally. Graduates typically work as junior instrument, control or automation engineers, metrology specialists, calibration specialists and research and development technologists.

  • Scientific instrument calibration
  • Instrument/automation/control engineering
  • Research and development
  • Metrology

Progression

Further Studies

Suitably qualified graduates are eligible to apply for entry to year 4 (final year)

  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Instrument Engineering or the one year add-on
  • Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Applied Physics and Instrumentation

After obtaining the BSc (Honours) in Applied Physics and Instrumentation, graduates may apply for a 2 year, full time, Professional Master of Education (120 ECTS credits). On completion, graduates are eligible for registration with the Teaching Council.

Question Time

Whilst physics at Leaving Certificate level is helpful, it is not essential as the key content in physics is covered in year 1 of the course.

Ability to communicate with scientists, engineers and production teams.

How things work, problem-solving and meeting technical challenges.

There are excellent employment opportunities locally, nationally and internationally for graduates in Applied Physics and Instrumentation. Whilst many of these opportunities are in pharmachem, biotech and other process industries, graduates have found employment in other manufacturing sectors such as IT, medical devices and microelectronics, as well as in hospitals, and in research and development.

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