This degree was designed in consultation with the IMDA, the IDA, the Association of Physical Scientists in Medicine, and with Industry to ensure that graduates will have the skills and knowledge demanded by industry. A wide range of careers exist for physics graduates, many of them using the methodology of physics: technical know-how, the logical approach, problem solving skills. Physic graduates work in well-paid physics-based industries such as the critical and growing areas of medical physics, bioengineering and medical devices, and also the electronics industry, alternative energy development and telecommunications. Their analytical skills also place physicists in demand in a range of financial, fund management and research roles, in the law, in management consultancy, as weather forecasters, computer programmers and as physics and science teachers.

Many important aspects of medical diagnostics, medical technology and medical treatment are underpinned by physics. Think of x-rays, ultrasound, MRI scans (magnetic resonance imaging), CT scans, treatment of tumours with radiation. Physics is crucial to all of these. A medical physicist works in a hospital applying knowledge of physics in these areas. Medical physicists play a vital and often leading role on the medical research team in terms of the development or application of new medical technology. Bioengineering is the use of engineering and science in medical and biological applications. It encompasses many things – here’s a few: design and engineering of artificial limbs and implants; rehabilitation engineering; advanced biocompatible materials; medical information databases and access.