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Theoretical Physics: Senior Sophister year

During their Senior Sophister year, students take 20 ECTS credits of compulsory modules in Physics along with a yearlong 10-credit project in either Mathematics (MAU44M00) or Physics (PYU44TP2). Their remaining 30 ECTS credits are optional and they must be divided equally between the two semesters. At least 20 ECTS credits of Mathematics modules must be taken including either MAU44400 Quantum field theory or MAU44404 General relativity. Also, a single Trinity Elective may be taken. Unless indicated otherwise, each module is worth 5 ECTS credits.

Yearlong Modules

Quantum field theory (10 ECTS)
Mathematics project (10 ECTS)
PYU44A01
Cosmology, planetary and space science (10 ECTS)
PYU44TP2
Theoretical physics research project (10 ECTS)

Semester 1 Modules

Lie algebras and Lie groups
Combinatorics
Differential geometry
Practical numerical simulations
PYU44PP5
Problem solving for physics
PYU44T10
Condensed matter theory
The modules PYU44PP5 and PYU44T10 are compulsory, while all other modules are optional.

Semester 2 Modules

General relativity
The standard model of elementary particle physics
PYU44A05
Cosmology
PYU44C01
Computer simulation II
PYU44P06
Modern optics
PYU44P12
Nuclear and particle physics
PYU44P13
Magnetism and superconductivity
PYU44P17
Energy science
PYU44T20
Quantum optics and information
The modules PYU44P12 and PYU44T20 are compulsory, while all other modules are optional.

General regulations for undergraduate students

The general regulations that apply to all undergraduate students are outlined in the College Calendar (Part II). The following is only a brief summary of some important points and it is not meant to either replace or override the information in the College Calendar.

  • All students must register for 60 ECTS credits and those must be divided equally between the two terms.
  • Students will only be assessed on their registered modules.
  • Results for examinations are published according to the following grades: I = 70 to 100, II.1 = 60 to 69, II.2 = 50 to 59, III = 40 to 49, F1 = 30 to 39, F2 = 0 to 29.
  • In order to pass an individual module, students must achieve an overall score of 40% or higher.
  • In order to pass the year, students must achieve an overall credit-weighted average of 40% and EITHER
    • pass each of their modules (by achieving 40% or higher in each of their modules) OR
    • pass by compensation (by achieving 40% or higher in modules that are worth at least 50 ECTS credits and by achieving 35% or higher in their remaining modules).
  • Students who do not pass the year at the end of the Hilary term are required to present for reassessment at the beginning of the next Michaelmas term. These students will be reassessed in all failed components of the modules for which they obtained a score below 40%.
  • Students who do not manage to pass the year at the reassessment session must repeat the year in full (i.e., they must repeat all their modules and all their assessment components).

These regulations apply since the academic year 2018/19.

Sources of Information

The University of Dublin Calendar

All courses within Trinity College are administered in accordance with the regulations set out in the The University of Dublin Calendar which is published annually. The section of the Calendar setting out the general regulations of the College is published separately in the booklet General Regulations and Information and Board Statement on Safety which is distributed to all students on admission to College.

Important information


Please note that The University of Dublin Calendar should be consulted for definitive information about the rules, regulations, and activities of the University.

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This course is funded by the Irish government under the National Development Plan 2007-2013 and aided by the European Social Fund (ESF) under the Human Capital Investment Operational Programme 2007-2013.