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Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Biophysical Chemistry combines the study of chemistry with the molecular principles of the functioning of life and their applications in modern technologies, from the design of a new generation of smart medicines to green manufacturing. The best chemical technologies of our world are utilised in biological systems, where thousands of chemical transformations take place in a well-controlled, environmentally friendly manner.

These transformations occur in biological cells, which represent sophisticated chemical manufacturing plants filled with a broad range of nano devices. Students graduating with this degree will acquire knowledge of advanced chemistry, and of molecular principles of organisation and functioning of living matter. They will also acquire skills in the applications of these principles in biomedical, biotechnological, pharmaceutical, food and other related industries.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

The interdisciplinary aspect of this degree and the acquired combination of theoretical and practical skills provide broad opportunities for employment in the area of advanced chemical and biomolecular technologies, including:

  • Complex bio-molecular formulations
  • Bio-nanotechnology
  • Forensic science
  • Bioprocessing
  • Bioengineering

Biophysical Chemistry graduates will be able to find employment in biotechnological, chemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical, food, personal care and other industries, as well as academic research worldwide. Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD opportunities in Ireland or abroad.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry. Topics include: physical, organic and inorganic chemistry; molecular architecture of living matter; self-assembly and functioning of biomolecules; molecular principles of storing and utilisation of genetic information; bio-catalysis and enzymes; modern technologies of supramolecular design; and modern analytical techniques

First Year

  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Biology
  • Elective module

Second Year

  • Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry
  • + 1 Other Subject
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Chemical Biology & Medicinal Chemistry
  • Electives (includes Erasmus opportunities)

Fourth Year

  • Biophysical Chemistry (Research Project)
  • Biophysical Chemistry
  • Chemistry
  • Nanotechnology

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“I had studied Chemistry and Biology in school, so when I first started college, I knew that I liked Science but wasn’t sure what I’d like to major in. I loved Chemistry and ended up choosing Chemistry with Biophysical Chemistry as it was a new degree that I felt might give me some additional skills. In the summer after third year, I did a summer internship in Dr Vitaly Buckin’s lab in UCD, which I found really interesting as well as very helpful in preparing me for the final year research project. This, as well as my thesis research in my final year, led me to realise that I’d like to pursue further research in a PhD.”

Rian Lynch Graduate

Zoology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Zoology is often thought of in terms of treks into the wild to study rare and endangered species. However, this is only one facet of this fascinating subject. Modern zoology deals with all aspects of animals, from genetics and cell biology to ecology and animal behaviour. The Zoology degree at UCD provides modules in a wide range of disciplines, including marine, terrestrial and freshwater biology, evolutionary biology, animal behaviour, palaeontology, ecology, pest control, population genetics, developmental biology, and animal physiology and cell biology.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Because of the nature and breadth of the subject, Zoology graduates are employed in most of the industries and state organisations that employ biologists. These include the National Parks and Wildlife Services, National Museum, Marine Institute, semi-state bodies such as the Environmental Protection Agency, ESB, BIM and Inland Fisheries Ireland, conservation bodies, aquaculture, universities, secondary schools, environmental consultancies and several areas of biotechnology.

Graduate opportunities are also available for students to pursue MSc or PhD programmes. Taught MSc programmes at UCD include Applied Science (Environmental Science) and World Heritage Management.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Zoology. Topics include animal behaviour, animal development, systems ecology and cell biology.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Zoology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Zoology
  • Elective modules

 

Fourth Year

  • Zoology (includes a research project where students work alongside researchers in areas as diverse as animal genetics, evolution, freshwater biology or conservation and biodiversity.)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“From the moment I walked into UCD, I knew I made the right choice to go back to education, having spent six years travelling in Europe, working with horses as a groom and a rider. When I saw Zoology on the UCD website, it was like love at first sight. A field trip in Spain in third year included learning about the marine diversity present on the rocky shore and what insects and other organisms might lurk in the terrestrial environment of the maquis shrubland. My final year dissertation was on Caribbean long spined sea urchins in Honduras. UCD has shaped me profoundly, awakening an interest in marine biology I never knew I had. Zoology offers a multitude of paths; you just have to find the one(s?) that will lead you home.”

Sanni Hintikka Graduate

Plant Biology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Plant Biology is the scientific study of plants, fungi and algae. Plants are vital for supporting and maintaining the atmospheric and environmental conditions required for all life on earth. They are the mainstay of human and animal diets, while also providing pharmaceuticals, timber, paper and clothing.

Plants are being exploited as sources of renewable energy and biofuels, and make an important contribution to measures aimed at reducing the effects of climate change. A key to the further development of plants for practical or economic use is an improved understanding of metabolic and developmental processes and their interactions with environmental factors.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Plant Biology graduates have obtained positions as:

  • Plant and environmental scientists
  • Pollution biologists
  • Molecular geneticists and cell biologists
  • Agronomists, horticulturalists, foresters or park rangers
  • Environmental consultants
  • Wildlife, conservation, biodiversity or heritage officers

Graduates are also eligible to pursue MSc programmes in UCD in World Heritage Management and Plant Biology and Biotechnology, in addition to PhD programmes both in Ireland and abroad.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Plant Biology. Topics include plant biotechnology, applied plant biology, marine botany, genetics and systems ecology.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Plant Biology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Plant Biology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Plant Biology (includes a research project.)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

Testimonial

“Placing DN200 Science at the top of my CAO was an easy choice as I could explore all subject areas before making an informed decision on my degree. To me, no area holds greater merit for study than plant science. Its implications infiltrate all aspects of modern society from global food security to phytopharmaceuticals. I am currently Vice-Auditor of the UCD Biological Society. Being involved in a society has allowed me to meet other people from various stages and degrees in UCD as well as encounter some incredible scientists. Last year, Nobel Prize laureate Sir Paul Nurse came to UCD to receive our George Sigerson Award for Inspiring Aspiring Scientists. The UCD O’Brien Centre for Science is home to unparalleled plant science labs and teaching facilities including the Bloom gold medal winning UCD Evolution Garden.”

Caroline Dowling Student

Physiology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Physiology is an area of biology related to how the human body works. Physiologists are interested in how the cells and organs of the body operate and how their incredible array of processes co-operate to enable our bodies to function under normal and challenging circumstances. Physiologists are, therefore, at the forefront of medical research and the search for a better understanding of disease processes.

At UCD, Physiology students acquire a thorough understanding of the organs of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys, and how they function, interact and respond to the internal and external environment.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Physiology graduates go on to establish careers in the following areas:

  • Biomedical research in the university system or other government-run operations
  • Pharmaceutical industry-based research and development
  • Clinical trials
  • Pharmaceutical industry sales

Physiology graduates regularly gain places on graduate-entry Medicine and other allied healthcare degree courses. UCD provides opportunities for graduate physiological research at the Master’s or PhD level. Research into basic physiological mechanisms takes place but the research focus is on translational research, i.e. the research that enhances our understanding of human disease that leads to advances in the improvement of human health.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Physiology. Topics include neurophysiology, metabolic biochemistry, membrane biology, respiratory physiology and cardiovascular physiology.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Physiology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Physiology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Physiology (includes a research project in a laboratory setting)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Physiology students have spent time studying at the following universities:

  • San Jose State University, USA
  • University of Queensland, Australia

Testimonial

“Having come into UCD with no other certainty bar loving biology, DN200 Science really was a great option. I am now in my final year of Physiology and am so glad I chose this subject for my degree. I believe the level of academic teaching is outstanding and I love learning how various systems of the body works, including the heart, lungs and kidneys. My final year project is based on the inflammatory responses of spinal cord injury. UCD has opened a whirlwind of opportunities for me. I am a Student Ambassador and Student Leader, I have acted as a Peer Mentor, been on student society committees and have spent two summers volunteering in Tanzania with UCDVO. I’m really glad I chose UCD and couldn’t imagine myself anywhere else!”

Celine Camon Student

Pharmacology

Course Information

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

Full Time – Undergraduate Studies

CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2019: 521
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400

Leaving Certificate:

  • O2/H6 in Mathematics
  • O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
  • O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Click below for equivalent entry requirements information for:

Why is this course for me?

Pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs and their action on biological systems, ranging from genes and cells up to tissues and even human populations. A drug is any substance given to a human or animal with the intention of changing the state of body function: to relieve pain, treat cancer, eliminate infection or improve health. Pharmacology is also concerned with the use of drugs as investigative tools to obtain a better understanding of cellular and physiological processes in both health and disease. In the UCD Pharmacology course, students will have the opportunity to take part in drug development research.

Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Career opportunities for Pharmacology graduates include working in:

  • Pharmaceutical companies
  • Drug regulatory bodies, such as the Irish Medicines Board
  • Biotechnology sector
  • Chemical safety and toxicology

Pharmacology graduates can also pursue graduate studies at MSc or PhD level. PhD programmes in Ireland and abroad cover areas such as drug development and biomedical science.

What Will I Study

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Pharmacology. Topics include drug kinetics in the body, drug action on body systems, treatment of disease, biomedical sciences, biopharmaceuticals and new drug development.

First Year

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Mathematics
  • Optional Science modules
  • Elective modules

Second Year

  • Pharmacology
  • + 2 Other Science Subjects
  • Elective modules

Third Year

  • Pharmacology
  • Elective modules

Fourth Year

  • Pharmacology (includes a research project in topics such as cancer treatment, cardiovascular disease, neuropharmacology and drug discovery)

All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.

Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.

Professional Work Experience

A limited number of opportunities exist in second and third year to gain additional laboratory experience during the summer. Funded schemes are organised by public and private bodies, e.g. the Irish Health Research Board and The Wellcome Trust (UK). In addition, occasional opportunities arise within individual research groups

For detailed information on subject content click here

You may be interested in the following blog post: Why did I pick Pharmacology in UCD?

International Study Opportunities

International study opportunities in third and fourth years to date have included:

  • University of Melbourne, Australia
  • University of Washington, Seattle
  • University of Copenhagen, Denmark

Testimonial

“I’m from Boston, Massachusetts, USA and fell in love with UCD following a visit to Ireland. I chose to study Science because I was passionate about research and the human body. UCD Science’s flexible curriculum allowed me to try out a range of modules in first year from Organic Chemistry to Cell Biology. I focused my second year on Pharmacology, Neuroscience, Microbiology and Physiology. Early in second year I knew I would eventually choose Pharmacology as my degree subject. I’m really interested in the research of drugs and the treatment of diseases. Student life in UCD has been so welcoming that Dublin ended up feeling like home. I now work with leading global clinical research organisation, IQVIA, as a Pharmacovigilance Operations Specialist in Dublin.”

Courtney Greene Graduate

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