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Brien Nolan

Prof. Brien Nolan

Brien Nolan is Professor of Mathematical Physics in the School of Mathematical Sciences. He graduated in Mathematical Sciences from UCD (BSc 1990, MSc 1991), and completed his PhD in Relativity Theory in the Department of Mathematical Physics, UCD in 1995. His principal research interests are General Relativity (space-time singularities and cosmic censorship; black holes; wave propagation in curved spacetimes) and Mathematics Education (third level teaching and learning; post-primary mathematics teacher education). He is a member of the editorial board of the IOP journal Classical and Quantum Gravity, and was chair of the IOP Gravitational Physics Group (2022-25). He has held various administrative positions in the School of Mathematical Sciences and Faculty of Science and Health, including Deputy Dean, Head of School, Director of the Maths Learning Centre, School Teaching Convenor, Chair of the BSc in Science Education and Associate Dean for Internationalisation.

Research Interests

General Relativity:

Space-time singularities and cosmic censorship; Wave propagation in curved space-time; Self-force in general relativity; Black hole physics; Time travel in General Relativity.

Mathematics Education: Mathematical Knowledge for Teaching; Pre-service teacher education; Diagnostic testing at third level; Creative reasoning in mathematics; Transitions and Mathematical Identity.



Teaching Interests

  • Mathematics on DCU Futures: I teach students on a number of DCU Futures programmes in the Faculty of Science and Health. The mathematics modules on these programmes emphasise a mastery learning approach, and seek to develop all aspects of students' mathematical proficiency.
  • Mathematics: I have taught a wide variety of mathematics modules in both service and specialist settings.
  • Mathematics Teacher Education: I have developed modules focussing on Pedagogical Content Knowledge in Geometry and Calculus, Lesson Study, and Teaching Problem Solving.
  • General Relativity: I teach an advanced introductory module on Differential Geometry and General Relativity to students on the MSc in Astrophysics & Relativity