ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

Primary degree in experimental science or engineering discipline, with at least three years of university physics. No prior level of computer literacy is required.

General Information:

This is a one-year, full-time course running from September to May. The course aims to equip students with a wide variety of skills essential in experimental physics, with particular focus on electronics, computer programming, and computer-based instrumentation and interfacing. The applied physics core of the course is supplemented by a number of topical physics modules to refresh and broaden the overall understanding of physics. 
Key features of this course are its hands-on nature, its emphasis on applied project work and extensive staff input to individual students.  It puts strong emphasis on skills that are transferable within the wider science-based industry and academia, including: computer programming, electronics design, prototyping and testing, instrumentation and computer interfacing, modelling, data analysis and presentation.  It also gives the student opportunity to develop communication skills and team-working techniques.

Course Content:

The applied core of the course provides students with a strong base of knowledge and experience in: 
•    Computer programming—programming in C/C++, LabVIEW for data acquisition, and MATLAB for data analysis.  C/C++ is an industry standard that provides an excellent platform for learning other languages.
•    Computer applications—general computer skills, data acquisition, computational techniques, modelling of physical systems, statistical data reduction and analysis
•    Electronic hardware—analog and digital electronics, microprocessors, sensors, actuators, diagnostic instrumentation.
•    Computer interfacing for laboratory automation and control—connecting PCs to electronic circuitry and peripheral devices, input/output control, communication protocols, real-time programming with LabVIEW.

This is supplemented by a selection of topical experimental physics modules that refresh and extend the core physics education of the student.

Career Opportunities:

Students successfully completing this course will have a broader range of career opportunities open to them in the electronics, semiconductor and computer software industries. The higher diploma can also be used as an entry qualification for M.Sc. degree by research in an applied physics area.

Additional Information:

This course aims to equip students with a blend of physics, computer and electronics skills relevant also to other physical sciences. Early application is advisable.

Programme Director:

Programme Director    Dr Marcin Lukasz Gradziel
Tel    +353 1 7084770
Email    Marcin.Gradziel@nuim.ie / physics.department@nuim.ie
Address:   Department Of Experimental Physics, NUI Maynooth, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
Web: http://physics.nuim.ie/

How To Apply

ONLINE APPLICATION ONLY

www.pac.ie or click on PAC Code: MHL50 (Full-time)

Full Time Duration:

1 year

Closing Date:

31st August 2010

Commences:

20 September 2010

Additional Information which should be forwarded to PAC:

• Personal Statement
• Non NUI Maynooth students are asked to provide two academic references and official transcripts.

Course Content: