Nicole Murray

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Physics and Instrumentation

Galway City – Dublin Road

Where are you from?

I’m from Galway and went to Salerno Secondary School.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and what led you to choosing your course?

I originally wanted to do art and had done a level 6 in GTI, but I’d also always had an interest in science. I wasn’t sure if I was smart enough to go into it, but I applied anyway and got offered a place. I went in with the mindset of doing something biology-related related but ended up not liking it, and chemistry wasn’t for me either.

I never thought that I’d end up doing physics as I’d never done it before college, but it ended up being my favourite subject. I found myself enjoying the topics, and harder questions weren’t an issue for too long because the learning environment was very encouraging. Another reason for my choice was that I got to see how much more applied and practical the course became year after year. I was excited about delving into the instrumentation side of the course, which is what I now find most engaging.

Tell us why you chose ATU.

I chose ATU because I knew the class sizes would be smaller. I was less worried about starting college, knowing there wouldn’t be as many people as at a typical university. With long-term thinking in mind, I knew that ATU would prepare me more for the workplace, even though I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I’d also heard positive things about ATU, from people who’d done engineering and other STEM courses.

What do you like about life in your campus location?

I’ve made great friends at ATU, and there’s a generally welcoming atmosphere on campus.

What advice would you give to a student thinking about coming to ATU?

If you’re interested in STEM, it’s a great choice. It’s an even better choice if you want practical experience. At ATU, you learn through doing, which is fantastic if you find it difficult sitting in a classroom for most of the day. I’d recommend attending the open days and having a chat with the different course representatives, and see what interests you.

What do/did you enjoy most about your course?

The project work is the most enjoyable thing for me; you’re joining physics concepts with practical systems. Fusing everything you’ve learned into a project build is difficult at first (because you’ve never done it before), but I’ve found that it’s where I learned the most. It was really intimidating building something from scratch, I didn’t really know where to begin. There were times when I really hadn’t a clue what to do next and wanted to give up, but I kept going, and things came together in the end. I always finish a project with more skills than when I started, which feels like a great accomplishment.

If you were speaking with a first-year student about to start your course, what advice/information would you give them?

The subject matter will get more complex, and if you struggle with it, that’s normal. Even if you think that everyone else is finding it easier than you are, I guarantee you that won’t always be the case. There are a lot of new skills to learn, and you just need to be patient with yourself. With time, you gain experience, which will boost your confidence, and you’ll feel so much better.

What are your plans after graduating?

I’m not completely sure what I’ll end up doing after graduation, but I know what I’m interested in. From placement, I’ve learned a lot about the marine Industry and all the work it entails. I’d love to pursue a career in that field, or any other field that’s as hands-on and innovative.