NCPST National Centre for Plasma Science & Technology - Ireland
 

 

Education

Cert in Plasma & Vacuum Technology

Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Plasma and Vacuum Studies

Dublin City University has developed an industrially focused accredited certificate programme in plasma and vacuum studies and in conjunction with the NCPST is offering individuals and companies access to this unique programme.

Site contents:

Please click here for an Introductory Presentation on Certificate. A PDF will open in a new window.

Introduction

This DCU validated and accredited certificate course in plasma and vacuum is provided on a part-time basis and is in modular form including modular end assessment. The programme runs over 2 years. The course is primarily aimed at Technicians and Operators working in Industry in the area of plasma and vacuum technology and this is reflected in the content as well as in the mode of course delivery. The course will be delivered in modular format with a considerable amount of the lecture material delivered using WEB based technology combined with direct tutorial style lecturer sessions. Provision of direct lectures on company site is possible and it is therefore expected that apart from practical sessions no attendance at the University will be necessary.

The objectives of this programme will be to deliver an academically rigorous programme in the field of plasma and vacuum. The programme will cover a broad enough base to allow students to advance along the academic ladder, but with core modules based in plasma and vacuum technology. This programme will have the following specific objectives:

  • Provide participants with an understanding of basic physics, chemistry and maths with particular emphasis on plasma and vacuum technology
  • Enhance the education of participants to facilitate the progression of their careers.
  • Development of the participants learning skills.
  • Help increase the level of staff retention in large multinational companies working in Ireland.

Modules

Click on the modules for a review of content.

Year 1:

Year 2:

Indicative Time Requirements

Module Time Breakdown Hours
Contact Lectures 9
Web Based Lectures 15
Online Testing 10
Assignments 15
Participant Study Time 30
Total Hours 79

Each module will run over a 6-week period, where the participants would be expected to put approximately 13-14 hours a week into the course. There will be a break of 2 weeks between each module.  The final exam for the module occurs in this 2 week period.  It is expected that contact lectures will be delivered in three-hour session’s one day every second week of each module.

Indicative Timeline

Indicative Timeline PDF available here » (14kb)

timeline

Course codes:

  • PVS 101 (Introductory Maths)
  • PVS 102 (Basic Physics I)
  • PVS 103 (Basic Chemistry I)
  • PVS 104 (Basic Physics II)
  • PVS 105 (Basic Chemistry II)
  • PVS 106 (Practical)
  • PVS 201 (Vacuum Technology)
  • PVS 202 (Materials Science)
  • PVS 203 (Introduction of Industrial Plasmas
  • PVS 204 (Process Design and Analysis)
  • PVS 205 (Materials Analysis)
  • PVS 206 (Plasma Processing)

Please note that this is an INDICATIVE TIMELINE and is subject to change - students will be advised of changes to the timeline at the earliest possible time.

Entry Requirements

Participants will require: Irish Leaving Certificate in five subjects including English or Irish and Mathematics (or Applied Mathematics) or equivalent. Physics to leaving certificate level would be an advantage.

Where the participant is over 23 years there may be a qualifier examination set by the programme board to attain entry onto the course.

Approximate Costs

Although this programme is validated and accredited by Dublin City University it is in NOT subject to free fees either under the HEA or the Department of Educations Trainee Technician Scheme.

The fee for this unique two-year industrial focused course is 7,000 euro (3,500 per annum) per student.

How to Apply:

  • Review the course information on this website.
  • Download the standard Dublin City University Undergraduate Direct Application Form - Taught Programmes (R-10). Alternately you may request this form be mailed to your address: please email the Programme Administrator (jpc@physics.dcu.ie) with your postal address and contact details.
  • Obtain all the necessary documentation (photograph, certified copies of official transcripts for all relevant qualifications, etc.). Details of what is required are given in the instructions on the application form.
  • Fill in the application form. Any queries or questions on filling in the application form may be addressed to the Programme Administrator (jpc@physics.dcu.ie).
  • Send the application form to the address indicated on the form. Make sure that the form is received on or before the closing date. For the first semester of the Academic year 2009/2010. The closing date is 30 September 2009 – contact Jim Conway at 01-7007680 for confirmation of start date.. Do not send in the standard DCU application charge - it does not apply to these courses..

Successful candidates are notified once selection procedures are completed. Further information including payment procedures are forwarded at that time.

Please note that payment is due before course commencement. The issue of login id and password for individual modules cannot take place until payment is received.

Contact Details:

If you or your company would be interested in participating in this course or would like further information on this or other programmes run by Dublin City University or the NCPST please contact:

Jim Conway
Training Manager
National Centre for Plasma Science & Technology
Dublin City University
Jim.Conway@dcu.ie