Physics with Data Analytics

To study Physics with Data Analytics, you must join our Physical Sciences General Entry programme (DC175) and choose this option at the end of Year 1.

In this groundbreaking degree, you will combine the skills and knowledge of a Physics degree with the advanced data analytics tools you need to solve real-world problems in new and exciting ways. It is particularly suitable for those who wish to pursue a career as a physicist in industry, finance, tech or other demanding corporate sectors. The BSc in Physics with Data Analytics is run by the DCU School of Physical Sciences in collaboration with partners across DCU and industry.

Why is it exciting?

Physics is the most fundamental science. It explains the mysteries of the universe and has fuelled many of the scientific and technological developments that we take for granted. Physicists pioneered modern technologies as diverse as the Internet, digital cameras, and MRI scanners. 

Today, physicists continue to generate new knowledge about our world and lead innovation in cutting-edge realms such as:

• quantum information and communications technology
• nano-systems design
• ultrafast molecular switching 
• terahertz medical imaging
• spearheading research on sustainable energy production and other global challenges.

Our technology-infused world also generates massive amounts of data and physicists are among those working to interpret that data and revolutionise how technologies are harnessed. The methods to process data are not only used in physics but applied across disciplines and sectors, including the semiconductor industry, pharmaceutical industry, finance, and software development, giving you an exciting range of options.

What will I study?

You will begin studying a variety of physics topics in Years 1 and 2. This degree combines lectures, tutorials, stimulating laboratory work, and projects combining fundamental physics concepts with exciting, real-life technological skills and applications.

The basic foundations of physics, maths, and programming will be laid in Years 1 and 2, while in Years 3 and 4, more specialist topics on machine learning, artificial intelligence and quantum computing are introduced.

Your 4th, final year includes choices on nanotechnology, plasma physics and physics of medical diagnostics. Throughout the 4 years of your degree, you will also explore mathematics, statistics, programming, cloud-, and high-performance computing. You will then learn how to apply these computational tools to industry-relevant physical and societal scenarios using real-world data from industry partners and learn to communicate the results.

In third year you will have the opportunity to work in industry as part of our industrial training programme or optionally spend your placement working in one of the research groups in the School of Physical Sciences or DCU affiliated research centres, where you’ll assist with cutting-edge research projects.

You’ll conduct your Year Four project in DCU’s world-class laboratories and research centres, experiencing the excitement and personal achievement associated with scientific research. In a second part of the final year project you will team you up in interdisciplinary groups tackling industry led real life problems in a collaborative manner.

Careers

Physics in itself is a gateway to a wide range of careers. Armed with highly marketable skills, you will be a powerful and versatile addition to any workforce. Graduates from the BSc in Physics with Data Analytics will be much sought after as analysts and project managers by technology startups, semiconductor industry, banks, insurers, gaming companies, software firms, global tech firms and multinational professional services organisations. A future in middle or higher management will be a concrete option for those interested in it.

Further useful materials and resources on the many interesting and diverse career opportunities available to physics graduates are available on the Institute of Physics website.