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Undergraduate prospectus

Faculty of Science
Mathematics TR031

Special entrance requirement: B in Leaving Certificate Mathematics at Higher Level.

Summary

A four year honors degree programme consisting entirely of modules in mathematics and mathematically related subjects. In the first two years students must obtain a broad knowledge of mathematics. In the final two years modules are chosen from a range of options in pure mathematics, applied mathematics, theoretical physics, computing, numerical analysis and statistics.

Course Objective

The mathematics programme in Trinity is designed to provide students with a broad mathematical training. This qualifies them for work or further study in almost any numerate or logical discipline. In particular the course is an excellent choice for those who wish to pursue a career in mathematical research/teaching at a university or other third-level institution.

Course Content

Students take modules in several main areas:

Pure Mathematics:
an exploration of basic concepts and abstract theories
Applied Mathematics:
using mathematics to solve real practical problems
Theoretical Physics:
the study of physical laws
Theoretical Computing; numerical methods:
an exploration of computational problems; numerical methods for solving algebraic and differential equations
Statistics:
methods and models for the analysis of statistical data

All students follow a common set of modules in the first term of their Junior Freshman year (first year); in the second term of the Junior Freshman year and in their Senior Freshman year students take core modules in algebra, analysis and mathematical methods, together with modules of their choice; students in the third and fourth years choose from a wide range of options in the areas listed above, or other options including a mathematical economics module.

Course Assessment

Students are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment and end-of-year examination. The work of the last two years counts equally towards the quality of the final degree result.

Career Opportunities

The wide range of modules on offer ensures a degree of flexibility which is of crucial importance in today's job market. Computing is one area in which mathematics graduates find that their skills have immediate and practical application. Typical other career options include statistics, teaching, accountancy, actuarial work, finance, and all areas of pure and applied mathematics. Many of these involve further study, at university or otherwise.

Faculty of Science
Theoretical Physics TR035

Special entrance requirements: B in Leaving Certificate at Higher Level in both Mathematics and Physics.

Summary

A four year honors degree course combining courses in mathematics and physics. The programme emphasises the theoretical side of physics but includes experimental aspects. It also includes a range of courses in pure and applied mathematics and an introduction to computing. Some of the topics covered are relativity, cosmology, astrophysics and quantum mechanics, lasers, magnetism and superconductivity.

Course Objective

The Theoretical Physics programme in Trinity is designed to provide students with a solid background for further study or work in any area of experimental or theoretical physics. It includes computational physics. Having a large mathematics component it is also an excellent foundation for work in almost any numerate or logical discipline.

Course Content

The underlying theories of physics are described in mathematical terms, so a theoretical physicist needs a good understanding of both subjects. Cosmology, astrophysics, chaos, relativity and quantum mechanics are just a few of the exciting topics in theoretical physics while the more practical side of the course involves the latest ideas in magnetism, superconductivity, lasers and semi-conductors. This course is taught jointly by the Schools of Mathematics and Physics.

In the first two years students take Physics lectures which review all classical physics, introduces modern physics and is backed up by a comprehensive laboratory course. It is combined with mathematics modules in Algebra, Analysis, Mathematical Methods, Mechanics and Theoretical Physics. In the third and fourth years students choose from a selection of modules from both mathematics and physics. Practical work is not compulsory in the final year, although there is an experimental option for those who wish to maintain contact with the experimental side of the subject, in preference to a project.

Course Assessment

Students are assessed by means of continuous assessment and examination.

Career Opportunities

A degree in Theoretical Physics can be a starting point for a career in research in a university, government agency, or in industry in the fields of astronomy, meteorology, computing hardware and software, aerodynamics, statistics, instrumentation, atomic and nuclear physics. Graduates may also choose to go on to a career in teaching, finance, actuarial work or management.


Two-Subject Moderatorship (TR001)
Mathematics

Special entrance requirement: B in Leaving Certificate Mathematics at Higher Level.

Within the TSM (TR 001) programme, mathematics may be combined with economics, geography, philosophy, psychology, English literature, French, German, Latin or music.

This option would be particularly suited to those who are equally adept at say, French, as well as mathematics and prefer the variety of two subjects to the more intensive study of one. But with economics, philosophy and geography, many students take mathematics because its study contributes to their understanding of the other subject.

When combined with economics, geography or philosophy, the student can choose at the end of the second year whether to study both subjects equally for four years or to specialize in economics, geography or philosophy in their fourth year. When combined with English literature, French, German, Latin, music or psychology, then mathematics is studied for three years only, and the fourth year is devoted entirely to the other subject.

Course Content: Mathematics with Subjects other than Economics

Year 1:
courses in Algebra, Mathematical Methods and Statistics
Year 2:
courses in Analysis, Mechanics and Computational Mathematics
Year 3:
courses in Algebra, Analysis, and another optional course
Year 4:
(if applicable) students choose their courses from a wide range of options, in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Computing, Statistics and Numerical Analysis

Course Content: Mathematics with Economics

Year 1:
courses in Algebra, Analysis and Mathematical Methods (combined with courses in Economics, Statistics)
Year 2:
courses in Algebra, Analysis, and Statistics
Year 3:
a course in Mathematical Economics and two optional courses
Year 4:
(if applicable) students choose their courses from a wide range of options, in Pure Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics and Numerical Analysis