Prospective Students
Undergraduate Certificate in Fundamentals of Plasma and Vacuum Studies
Fact File
| Type of degree: | Part-time/Modular |
|---|---|
| Contact: | Ms Sarah Hayes |
Understanding the Course:
Plasma science: pushing technology into new realms of industrial applications.
Understanding Fundamentals of Plasma and Vacuum Studies
Plasma is an exotic 'fourth' state of matter that makes up a significant proportion of the known universe. Yet when you hear the word 'plasma' what do you think of? Do you think of the sun, lightning bolts or fluorescent lamps? Or do you think of nuclear fusion, micro processor manufacture or lasers? While naturally occurring plasma is relatively unusual on earth, it is playing a larger and increasingly important role in how we use and develop modern technology. For instance, producing compact computer chips on an industrial scale is only made possible by the application of plasma.
Plasma is also a key technology in the development of alternative energy sources. Nuclear fusion, which is plasma based, is one of the most promising candidates for the energy needs of the future when fossil fuels finally run out.
Plasma is increasingly becoming part of the industrial arena and its range of application is vast. This course will introduce you to the endless possibilities.
About You:
This course is designed for people who may not have a scientific background but work in a high-tech manufacturing environment where plasma or vacuum systems are used.
Anyone who has either a pass in five subjects at Leaving Certificate level, including English or Irish and Mathematics (or Applied Mathematics), or equivalent, such as UK GCSEs or City and Guilds qualifications, and/or industrial experience in a related area, may apply for this course.
Course Structure:
This part-time course is designed for people who work in high technology manufacturing companies or have an interest in plasmas. The course is delivered through a combination of contact classes and online.
You will gain a working knowledge and understanding of underlying basic scientific principles that relate to plasma, as well as the technological problems within the industrial sector that are addressed with plasma-based solutions.
A good knowledge of physics and chemistry is key to understanding the fundamental properties of plasma and vacuum, and the application of plasma science to industrial processes. A key course objective is to provide you with this basic scientific background. It is assumed that you have no prior knowledge of science so Year One is dedicated to introducing key concepts and ideas in maths, physics and chemistry that you will need for Year Two.
Year Two covers material that is industrially relevant. You will learn about fundamentals of plasma and vacuum science, fundamental properties of materials, and how we can modify the properties of materials using industrial plasma processing.
The course is designed by staff in the DCU-based NCPST (National Centre for Plasma Science and Technology), which is internationally recognised as a world class plasma science research centre. The course material was developed in consultation with staff and researchers who are leaders in their field.
View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)
"The Plasma and Vacuum course was an incredibly useful course for me as I was working in the vacuum field at the time of taking it. I work in an ultra modern facility and the course material was very relevant to the newest technology I was working on (SEM's-scanning electron microscopes). The course was very manageable, with my difficult working hours, and the DCU staff were very accommodating. Overall, a very positive experience which led to a Cert that has advanced my career no end."
Adrian English, Certificate in Plasma and Vacuum 2004/2006
"I completed the certificate in 2008 and I can most certainly say that it has been an incredibly rewarding experience for me. This course has permitted me to obtain a third level qualification while working full-time and looking after a young toddler at home. The fact that it is part-time gave me the opportunity to study around my day-to-day obligations, which was highly convenient."
Karine Charbonnieres, Certificate in Plasma and Vacuum 2006/2008
Career Prospects:
Ireland's developing high tech manufacturing sector and the growing demand for more sophisticated industrial processes means plasma is playing an increasingly important role in industry. As such, a plasma and vacuum technology qualification offers many opportunities (both at home and abroad) as a process technician or engineer.
Further studies for a M.Sc. in Plasma and Vacuum Technology are also available at DCU.
