Studying Maths and Physics at Trinity College Dublin

[Maybe_Memorie]

I'm currently in my first undergrad year studying mathematics at Trinity College Dublin.

I do not want to specialise in pure math, so I am considering taking all the physics modules I can, which include Classical Mechanics, Quantum Mechanics, General Relativity, Classical Field Theory, Electrodynamics and Statistical Physics.

Despite taking all the physics modules, will I still be restricted to entirely math based employment, as the course title suggests, or can I eventually study for a phD in physics if I decide I want to?

 

[fss]

No degree is restricting with regard to employment if you demonstrate you're qualified for the position.

As far as studying physics/obtaining a PhD in physics with a math degree- requirements will depend on the program you go into, but it's most likely going to be a matter of taking a few extra classes to round out your physics education.

 

[Maybe_Memorie]

No degree is restricting with regard to employment if you demonstrate you're qualified for the position.

As far as studying physics/obtaining a PhD in physics with a math degree- requirements will depend on the program you go into, but it's most likely going to be a matter of taking a few extra classes to round out your physics education.

Well I can't formally take any extra physics classes. The university won't allow me to take the final exams, and even if I did, I could only get a maximum of 60%, as 30% go for labs and 10% go for tutorials.

I do however, have the book University Physics by Young and Freedman, and I've been studying this myself. Would this be adequate?

 

[fss]

I do however, have the book University Physics by Young and Freedman, and I've been studying this myself. Would this be adequate?

Almost certainly not.

 

[Maybe_Memorie]

Then what can I do?

I can provide a list of all possible modules

 

[yenchin]

Then what can I do?

I can provide a list of all possible modules

It's abit confusing here...what do you mean by you cannot take the class formally? And if that is the case, what good would those all possible modules be if you can't take them?

 

[Maybe_Memorie]

It's abit confusing here...what do you mean by you cannot take the class formally? And if that is the case, what good would those all possible modules be if you can't take them?

When I say I can't formally take classes, I mean I can go to lectures, but I can't take exams in them and have them counted, if any extra physics modules are required, as fss said. This has nothing to do with the modules listed below.

Right, the physics modules I can take as part of my degree are:
Classical Mechanics (Newtonian)
Advanced Classical Mechanics (Lagrange, Hamiltonian etc)
Equations of Mathematical Physics
Classical Field Theory
Quantum Field Theory
Quantum Mechanics
Statistical Physics
Classical Electrodynamics
General Relativity

Along with these there are a large number of supporting math modules, Differential Geometery, etc..


What I'm asking is, after taking these modules, would I be able to pursue a Ph.D in Physics, despite my course being titled "Mathematics", or would I need extra physics education?

 

[yenchin]

I think with those modules and some great letters of recommendations it would be possible (although you may want to check with the particular schools/programs).