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
- 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
- A-Level/GCSE
- Other EU Applicants
- Non-EU Applicants
- QQI FET Entry Routes
- Level 6/7 Progression Routes
Why is this course for me?
All materials and living things consist of atoms and molecules that are linked together in many different ways. Chemistry is a study of these, how they form and react. Life, metabolism, pharmaceuticals, forensic analysis and the development of new energy supplies, computer chips and medical devices: none of these can be fully developed or understood without chemistry.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the largest in Ireland, and UCD Chemistry graduates work in the following:
- Analytical roles in laboratories on the synthesis, testing and analysis of active pharmaceutical ingredients, medicines and medical devices
- Research chemist roles in laboratories in research and development
- Management and supervisory roles in regulatory affairs, production and validation
The semiconductor and medical device and energy industries also hire a significant number of materials chemists, and graduates would be involved in:
- Semiconductor processing
- Effluent and raw materials monitoring
- Air and water quality measurements
Chemistry graduates also pursue PhDs in Ireland or abroad in areas as diverse as biological aspects of nanoscience, novel material synthesis, energy generation and polymer chemistry.
What Will I Study
This is a sample pathway for a degree in Chemistry. Topics include physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, chemistry of materials, instrumental analysis and spectroscopy.
First Year
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Optional Science modules
- Elective module
Second Year
- Chemistry
- + 1 Science Subject
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Chemistry
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Chemistry (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.
International Study Opportunities
Students have spent time studying at the following universities:
- University of Lund, Sweden
- University of Virginia, USA
- McGill University, Canada
Testimonial
“Biology was the only Science subject I had studied for the Leaving Cert but I entered into the MPG stream with the hopes of studying Mathematics and doing some field classes in Geology. I took other modules in Chemistry and Biology to keep my options open. However, as soon as I had my first Chemistry lecture, I knew it was for me. The lecturers were excellent, funny and passionate. By my second year I was hooked. I’ve had a great opportunity to be a part of several clubs and societies. During my degree, I was captain of the UCD Mountaineering Club. We organised several trips around Ireland and the UK as well as hosting the Irish Climbing Intervarsities. I’ve also had the fantastic opportunity to be a peer mentor and a Science Student Leader.”
Andrew Keating Graduate