MH201 - Mathematical Physics

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Chemistry and Mathematical Physics cannot be taken together in third or fourth year.

Statistics and Data Science cannot be taken with Mathematical Physics in any year.

Overview

An exciting and dynamic subject, mathematical physics has been studied on Maynooth University’s historic campus for over 200 years.

What is mathematical physics?

Mathematical physics, or theoretical physics, is the study of the fundamental laws of nature that govern our very existence.

It explores everything from the interactions of quarks and gluons, to the properties of metals, the aerodynamics of flight, and even the evolution of stars and galaxies.

Methods developed in mathematical physics have been applied to many areas, from financial markets and computer science to genetics and brain studies.

What you’ll study

This is an advanced academic programme focused on developing mathematical models, computational simulations, and abstract frameworks to explain the fundamental laws of nature.

During your degree, you will be introduced to the major ideas and developments in theoretical physics and applied mathematics.

You’ll also gain the tools to meet current and emerging developments in science, engineering, finance and other future technologies.

Just some of the research themes that are central to the Department of Physics include:

  • Quantum Physics
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Cosmology and Black Hole Formation
  • Quantum Information

Subject Structure

First year

  • Mathematical Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Choose 2 other Science subjects (Biology or Engineering Science, Chemistry, Computer Science [15 or 30 credits], Experimental Physics). Mathematical Physics cannot be taken with Chemistry in third or fourth year. Students taking Engineering Science must also take Computer Science. Students may take Computer Science and not take Engineering Science.

Second year

  • Mathematical Physics
  • Choose 2 of your first year subjects
  • Optional 10 credit Elective in second year

Or

  • Specialise in Mathematical Physics and Mathematics (Pure) only - following the course structure of MH206 Theoretical Physics and Mathematics (you must achieve at least 70% in both subjects and an 80% average across both Mathematical Physics and Mathematics in first year).

Third year

  • Mathematical Physics
  • Choose 1 of your second year subjects
  • Integrated Study Abroad options may be available in third year

Final year

  • Mathematical Physics may be taken as a Single Major or as a Double Major with the other subject taken in third year

Disclaimer
The modules below are indicative of the content associated with this course of study.
The modules are subject to change as the curriculum is revised and reviewed annually.

Timetable group: other (Mathematical Physics)

MP1F15 - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 15  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP110

7.5

1

Y

MP112

7.5

2

Y

Timetable group: other (Mathematical Physics)

MP2PF20 - Mathematical Physics (With Ep2F20)

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics (With Ep2F20) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP204

5

2

Y

MP201

5

1

Y

EP305

5

2

Y

MP205

5

1

Y

MP2TDM - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP350

5

2

N

MP204

5

2

Y

MP201

5

1

Y

EP305

5

2

N

MP215

5

1

Y

MP352

5

1

Y

MP203

5

2

Y

MP2F10 - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 10  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP204

5

2

N

MP201

5

1

N

MP215

5

1

N

MP203

5

2

N

MP205

5

1

N

MP2F20 - Mathematical Physics (Without Ep2F20)

Credits: 20  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics (Without Ep2F20) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP204

5

2

Y

MP201

5

1

Y

MP215

5

1

Y

MP203

5

2

Y

Double Major

Timetable group: other (Mathematical Physics)

MP3TDM - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP350

5

2

N

MP354

5

2

N

MP474

5

2

N

MP361

5

1

Y

MP466

5

2

N

EP305

5

2

N

MP472

5

2

N

MP363

5

1

Y

MP364

5

2

Y

MP461

5

1

Y

MP305

15

1

N

MP303

15

1

N

MP306

15

1

N

MP301

15

1

N

MP302

15

1

N

MP304

15

1

N

MP3SDM - Mathematical Physics (Without Exp. Physics)

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics (Without Exp. Physics) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP350

5

2

Y

MP354

5

2

N

MP361

5

1

Y

EP305

5

2

N

MP363

5

1

Y

MP364

5

2

Y

MP352

5

1

Y

MP305

15

1

N

MP303

15

1

N

MP306

15

1

N

MP301

15

1

N

MP302

15

1

N

MP304

15

1

N

MP3PDM - Mathematical Physics (With Exp. Physics)

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics (With Exp. Physics) modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP350

5

2

Y

MP354

5

2

Y

MP453

5

1

Y

MP361

5

1

Y

MP364

5

2

Y

EP404

5

1

Y

MP305

15

1

N

MP303

15

1

N

MP306

15

1

N

MP301

15

1

N

MP302

15

1

N

MP304

15

1

N

Double Major

Timetable group: other (Mathematical Physics)

MP4TDM - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP465

5

2

Y

MP468C

5

1

N

MP468P

5

2

N

MP473

5

2

N

MP475

5

1

N

MP453

5

1

N

MP474

5

2

N

MP469

5

1

N

MP466

5

2

N

MP472

5

2

N

PHY401

5

1

N

MP4DM - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 30  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP465

5

2

N

MP468C

5

1

N

MP468P

5

2

N

MP473

5

2

N

MP475

5

1

N

MP453

5

1

N

MP474

5

2

N

MP469

5

1

N

MP466

5

2

N

MP472

5

2

N

PHY401

5

1

N

MP461

5

1

Y

Single Major

Timetable group: other (Mathematical Physics)

MP4SM - Mathematical Physics

Credits: 60  |  Not compulsory

Mathematical Physics modules

Module

Code

Credits

Semester

Compulsory

MP465

5

2

N

MP468C

5

1

N

MP473

5

2

N

MP475

5

1

N

MP453

5

1

N

MP474

5

2

N

MP469

5

1

N

MP490

10

Year-Long

Y

MP466

5

2

N

EP418

5

1

N

MP472

5

2

N

PHY401

5

1

N

MP461

5

1

Y

EP404

5

1

N

Entry requirements

Leaving Certificate applicants are required to present (as a minimum): 2H5 & 4O6/H7 and O6/H7 in Irish, English, O4/H7 Mathematics & O6/H7 in a Science subject (i.e. Agricultural Science, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, or Physics with Chemistry).

Postgraduate

Entry into research after MH201 is also an option, including multi-disciplinary fields.

The Department of Physics offers a range of postgraduate research options (MSc or PhD by research) or a Taught MSc in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics.

Visit the Department's website for more information about postgraduate options.

Careers

As a graduate with a physics and mathematical science background, you will find your analytical and problem-solving skills are in high demand in our technology and data driven society.

Your career pathways may include:

  • research and development
  • quantitative Finance
  • machine learning & AI
  • quantum computing industry
  • computing and software engineering
  • advanced analytics
  • algorithmic trading

Contact

Maynooth University Department of Physics
www.maynoothuniversity.ie/physics