Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Physics

Michael Keyes

For me, the choice to study Maths and Physics at UL was easy to make. I had always wanted to go to UL, and Maths and Physics had been my favourite subjects in school. The course seemed like a natural fit to my desire to learn about how the universe works, while employing rigorous analytical and numerical techniques.

I am involved in the design and testing of high-performance, low-noise single-photon-detecting sensors. The activities that this entails vary from day to day. I spend some days solving equations and running simulations to predict device performance or explain phenomena. Other days are spent on the implementation of these findings, by defining process conditions and ordering wafers from the foundry. Some weeks later, I analyse wafer-level test results and define packaging plans for the different devices on the wafers. Finally, some days, when we actually receive the resulting devices, I go into the lab and test them. Of course I don’t do it all on my own – there’s a lot of chatting and discussion involved to make sure we all agree on the best course of action!

I feel that my course prepared me very well for my career. Studying subjects like Optics, Thermodynamics and Solid State Physics has given me an understanding of the various physical phenomena at play in my models. My Maths subjects have likewise given me a good understanding of the equations and numerical techniques used in my simulations. Sometimes I apply my knowledge of Maths to develop ad hoc algorithms to help me.

My only advice to school leavers is to pick a course that you really think will suit you, rather than what people around you might think you “should” be doing.

For me, the choice to study Maths and Physics at UL was an easy one. I loved studying Maths and Physics in secondary school and wanted to continue studying both in university, and the University of Limerick provided a balanced mixture of both. The development of core and advanced mathematical skills complements the array of physics modules I studies, spanning from optics to quantum mechanics, as well as the cutting-edge developments in nanotechnology and laser physics, which is indispensable in industry. 

During the final year, I had the opportunity to undertake a project that allowed me to analyse a particular problem in fields of maths or physics in-depth. I studies a field of maths called inverse problems, which I continue to do now as a PhD researcher. This project provided me with both an opportunity to carry out an exploratory investigation and a means to begin a career as a postgraduate researcher. In this role, I study maths underlying the techniques of medical imaging and look to enhance current modalities. To do this, I employ various formula and theorems that I have studies throughout my course. This allows us to create better algorithms to improve the quality of the images of the interior of a body, so that we can detect anomalies in the body. 

Studying here at UL has helped me develop the skills necessary for a wide variety of jobs in industry and academic research; skills I still use today. Studying subjects like electromagnetism, modern physics and solid state physics has given me an understanding of the various physical phenomena at play in my research, while the mathematic modules I have studies, such as partial differential equations and calculus, have given me a good understanding of the equations and numerical techniques used throughout my work. 

My advice to all applicants is to choose a course that you will enjoy. It'll lead to a far more successful and fulfilling career than choosing a course that is 'supposed' to lead to a good job.