Prospective Students

Understanding the Course:

Physics driving progress in medicine and healthcare

Physics is the most fundamental of all the sciences and has fuelled most of the scientific and technological developments that we take for granted today. Since the discovery of X-rays by Roentgen in 1895, a number of the major discoveries of the 20th century have also played a fundamental role in advancing medicine and medical instruments. Think of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners, radiotherapy treatment or laser eye surgery, to realise how familiar we are with medical applications of physics!

Today, the most recent scientific developments in information and communication technologies (ICT), nanotechnology, optics or biotechnology have also become key aspects in the field of medical physics, pushing it into new directions and, thereby, enabling further progress in medicine and healthcare.

This course has been designed to provide both a solid background in physics and in the principles which underpin chemical, biological and life sciences, and a good understanding of the most recent developments such as nanosystem design or ultrafast molecular switching. It is ideally suited to the needs of students who intend to pursue a career in physics and technology related to medical research, clinical services or biomedical industries. St James's Hospital, Dublin, is a partner in both the development and the running of the Physics with Biomedical Sciences course.

About You:

If you wish to combine a strong interest in physics and other sciences applied to healthcare and medicine, then Physics with Biomedical Sciences is for you!

In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the University the following requirements apply: OB3 or HD3 in Mathematics PLUS HC3 in one of physics, chemistry, biology, physics with chemistry, applied mathematics.

Course Structure:

This four year course combines lectures, tutorials and modern laboratory work with fundamental physics concepts and exciting, real-life technological skills and applications in the biomedical area. This will develop your analytical and problem-solving skills.

In Years One and Two, you will study the basic foundations of physics and the fundamentals of chemistry, cell biology, anatomy and physiology. In Years Three and Four, you will study a selection of more advanced physics topics, such as Quantum Mechanics or Laser Physics, that underpin applications in the biomedical sciences. Application courses, at the interface between the physical and life sciences such as Biomechanics of Human Movement, will also be offered. In Year Four, medical physics subjects such as Medical Imaging or Medical Applications of Lasers, will be taught by expert academic staff.

Throughout your course you will be working in a custom-designed physics building equipped with state-of-the-art undergraduate and research laboratories. Seminars by eminent DCU researchers and visits to internationally renowned biomedical research institutes will also be important parts of the course.

In Year Three, INTRA is an important opportunity to work for an extended period (typically eight months) in a hospital and experience the real medical environment. INTRA placements in private companies with business interests in medical/biological instrumentation, biotechnological applications or optical medical diagnostic applications, for example, will also be possible.

Your Year Four project is a real opportunity to conduct research in one of our world-class research laboratories, in which you will experience the excitement and personal achievement associated with scientific research.

View the subjects currently taught on this course (2012 - 2013)

• Highly qualified, student friendly academic staff from DCU and St. James's Hospital.
• Personal attention including a unique first year extended orientation and small group tutorials.
• Hospital placements and scholarship opportunities.
• Graduates ideally prepared for careers in the rapidly changing biomedical and health sectors or for further studies in physics, medical physics or biophysics.

International Students
Non-native English speakers who do not meet the English language requirements may be eligible to apply to the International Foundation Certificate (IFC) course. This course will help you to achieve the English language requirements necessary for entry to this course. It will also help you to adjust to the culture of Irish university learning.

Career Prospects:

Physics with Biomedical Sciences is a gateway to a wide range of careers. Armed with highly marketable skills, you will be a powerful addition to any workforce. As a graduate you will be well placed to take on a career in areas such as biomedical instrumentation, clinical and diagnostic services, medical imaging and image processing or lasers and medical optical systems, to give but a few examples. You could find yourself either in a design or management role in any area of the fast-growing biomedical, biotechnology and healthcare sectors. You could also take on further specialised training in medical physics to obtain the qualification of Hospital Physicist or undertake a research programme in medical physics or any area of the biomedical sciences.

What Our Graduates Say
"DCU Applied Physics has given me an excellent physics foundation coupled with problem solving skills that enabled me to pursue a career in the rapidly developing medical physics field."
Dermot Gorman, Medical Physics and Bioengineering, St. James's Hospital, Dublin.

Entry Requirements:

Leaving Certificate
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

OB3 or HD3 Mathematics and HC3 in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics with Chemistry or Applied Mathematics.

GCE A Level
In addition to the general entry requirements for admission to the university the following entry requirements apply:

GCE A-Level D or GCE AS-Level C or GCSE B Mathematics PLUS GCE A-Level C in one of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Physics with Chemistry.

Transfer Applications
Applications are welcomed from students who have studied at Level 6 and Level 7 in relevant areas. Such transfer students may be exempt from certain modules.

International Applications
International candidates are expected to have educational qualifications of a standard equivalent to those outlined above. In addition, where such candidates are non-native speakers of the English language they must satisfy the university of their competency in the English language. For further information on international applications click here.

How to Apply and Closing Dates

EU School Leavers/FETAC Level 5

Apply through the Central Applications Office (CAO) by 1st February or 1st May

EU Mature Applicants
Apply through the CAO by 1st February

EU Transfer Applicants
Apply directly to DCU by the 1st July

All Non-EU Candidates
Candidates should apply directly to DCU. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis up to the 1st July. All non-EU candidates are advised to apply early as places are limited.

Make an Application
Candidates required to apply through the CAO can apply online at www.cao.ie
Candidates required to apply directly to DCU can download, print and complete a direct application form by clicking here

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