Physics courses

About Chemical Physics (bsc (hons)) in University College Cork

Chemical Physics sits at the intersection of chemistry and physics. It aims to understand the structure, energies and transformations of matter and its dynamics at a molecular level.

The BSc Chemical Physics degree at UCC provides a solid grounding in both physics and chemistry, and is ideally suited to students who are curious about how and why the world works at a molecular level. With a broad education in the physical sciences, highly developed problem-solving and analytical skills, and extensive training in experimental methods, graduates of Chemical Physics may be assured of excellent employment prospects in industry, government, research and teaching.

The BSc in Chemical Physics at UCC is internationally accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Entrance to the BSc Chemical Physics degree is via the Physics and Astrophysics or Chemical Sciences streams.

The BSc in Chemical Physics at UCC is the only such degree in Ireland. In comparison, this degree is also awarded by several top-tier UK universities such as Edinburgh, University College London, and Bristol, among others.

The degree provides a rich theoretical and practical training in both physics and in chemistry, and will equip you for careers in either subject.

In careers where deep insight into both subjects is required, graduates in Chemical Physics will possess a significant competitive advantage over graduates with standard degrees in either physics or chemistry. The course is internationally accredited by the Institute of Physics.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

There are possibilities of summer projects in the Department of Physics. The department is an active participant in undergraduate student-exchange programmes with numerous partner universities across Europe.

Skills and Careers Information

The theoretical, practical and analytical skills developed during the Chemical Physics degree are highly sought by employers.

Typical career outlets include advanced research and development in either an industrial setting or in an academic environment.

Many industrial sectors depend on the qualification of the Chemical Physics graduates. These include:

• the analytical and laser industry
• process engineering and quality control
• the environmental sector
• information technology
• biotechnology-related areas where data processing and computer-related skills are sought

Academic qualification equivalents

 1.    All India Senior School Certificate 

 2.    Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard 12 

 3.    Indian School Certificate (Year 12) 

Band 1 Programmes

Minimum average of 90% + in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 2 Programmes

Minimum average of 80-89% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Band 3 Programmes

Minimum average of 75-79% in any of the recognised secondary school qualifications.

Additional Requirements

Where Maths is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% in Maths is required.

Where a Lab Science subject is required for a specific degree programme, a minimum score of 85% is required in the appropriate Lab Science subject.

English language requirements (one of the below):

• IELTS: 6.5  Minimum individual sections 5.5
• TOEFL: TOEFL 90  Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing 17
• PTE: 63 Minimum individual sections 51

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