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Bachelor

Specialization in astrophysics during the BSc

Experts at the Centre for Astronomy offer several specialized modules during the undergraduate degree in Physics which you will take should you pick the astrophysics stream. These modules lay the foundation for your career in astronomy and astrophysics and lead up to the final undergraduate project in 4th year in which you will undertake cutting edge research under the guidance of one of our staff members. Have a look at the specialized astrophysics modules below or go to the full physics degree program.

1st Year - Laying the foundation

PH109 - Physics Special Topics will give you an introduction to various streams of the physics program including the astrophysics stream. In 2 taster lectures in Semester 1 and 12 dedicated lectures in Semester 2 you will get an introduction to astronomical research in Galway and to astronomy in general. This includes basic knowledge of our solar system, astronomical coordinate systems and observational astronomy.

2nd Year - Building your knowledge

PH222 - Astrophysical Concepts teaches you how to use physics to interpret observations made of astronomical phenomena. The shapes, structures and the energy of the radiation we detect from distant objects can all be combined to build up a physical understanding of the processes involved in creating and sustaining the objects we're interested in studying - ranging from asteroids to superclusters of galaxies, to the very Universe itself.

PH223 - Observational Astronomy is where you will learn about the telescopes, instruments, filters and detectors that astronomers use. What can we learn by taking images, spectra, and repeated measurements? How do we overcome the limitations of our own atmosphere and our planet’s motion? This module covers astronomy across all wavelengths, from radio to X-ray; with an emphasis on visible/optical observing, and how to plan it.

3rd Year - First steps to the stars

PH331 - Wave Optics: In this module you will learn about the wave nature of light and how it can explain diffraction, interference and polarisation – this is fundamental to understanding astronomical telescopes and instruments, how they work and their limitations. The module is complemented by several laboratory experiments, including the Michelson Interferometer, double-slit interference with single photons, and Fourier Optics.

PH362 - The Stellar Astrophysics course covers the fundamental physics of stars, exploring how they form, evolve, and eventually reach their end stages. You’ll study their internal structures, nuclear fusion processes, and final forms, such as white dwarfs, neutron stars, and black holes. The course combines theoretical concepts with observational data, helping us construct basic models of stars and understand their role in the evolution of the universe.

PH363 - Astronomical Data Analysis is where you will learn how to process data obtained from telescopes. You will apply new tools, to extract science-grade measurements from raw data: from making deep tricolour images of galaxies, to photometry and astrometry of stars, to spectroscopy of nebulae. It is a mainly practical module, with 10 computer lab sessions, and an exciting field trip to use a large professional telescope in Italy for several nights.

4th year - Spreading your wings

PH4109 - Exoplanets and Planet Formation is a course where we are getting into all the details of how we can detect planets outside of the solar systems and how these planets are forming. From our solar system to habitable exoplanets and the Fermi paradox the course offers an observationally driven overview over all the most recent research results in the field.

MP403 - Cosmology and General Relativity

PH4102 - Final year project: This is the big thesis project at the end of the degree program in which you will get the chance to conduct independent research for the first time. Experts at the Centre for Astronomy offer a wide range of thesis topics, from instrumentation for next generation telescopes, light pollution and stellar variability, to the formation of planets, aurorae and thunderstorms on distant worlds and the death of stars.

Hear from some of our recent graduates

Chloe Lawlor | PhD Researcher (Centre for Astronomy)

Studying in the University of Galway has been an amazing experience, and it is the perfect place for anyone considering a career in physics. I chose the astrophysics stream which I found incredibly interesting and enjoyable, modules like cosmology and stellar astrophysics were some of my personal favourites due to their fascinating and intriguing content. The course offers a wide variety of modules that ensure students have a thorough understanding of the fundamentals of physics. The practical application of theoretical knowledge in laboratory experiments was a particularly enjoyable aspect of the course for me. It was exciting to see the concepts I had learned come to life through hands-on experiments. Supported by an amazing staff, I felt very encouraged to do my own independent research into topics of interest which has led me to now pursue a PhD in astrophysics at the university.

Matthew Murphy | MSc student

Alongside courses in standard physics and mathematics offered by the BSc of Physics, the degree can also revolve around astrophysical concepts and computer science through the astrophysics stream. I picked this stream as it interested me and it has provided me with knowledge and insight into object oriented programming via Python as well as a solid understanding of fundamental astronomy, from practical data handling and processing to planet formation and cosmology. With high enough marks, I was accepted into a summer internship through the university in my third year, using what I had learned to produce work worthy of involvement in future publication. I then did the same for my thesis in my fourth year, which was extremely fulfilling and has inspired me to pursue a MSc in physics. The degree is hard, but if you make the most of it, it will make the most of you.