Science, Computer Science & Actuarial Science

The average CAO intake for the Science (DN200) course is approximately 420. Science offers 26 degree subjects categorised into the following streams:

• Explore Multiple Streams
• Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences
• Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable)
• Mathematics (includes Applied/Financial/Statistics)
• Physics (includes Theoretical/Astronomy & Space Science)
• Science, Mathematics & Education

Students can study subjects from more than one stream in first year. It is also possible for students to change their stream in first year or to choose modules from other streams.

The Explore Multiple Streams option on the CAO application form is for students who are interested in degrees in different streams. For example, a student may be interested in Genetics and Chemistry. As Genetics is in the Biological, Biomedical & Biomolecular Sciences stream and Chemistry is in the Chemistry stream, students interested in these subjects can choose Explore Multiple Streams. Students who choose Explore Multiple Streams, are offered the same first year module guarantees  as students who choose the other streams.

Students who choose Explore Multiple Streams, are offered the same first year module guarantees as students who choose the other streams.

UCD Science is not a “General Science” degree. It is a common entry course where students specialise in one of 26 degree subjects for their final degree (e.g. BSc Financial Mathematics, BSc Earth Sciences, BSc Theoretical Physics etc).

This course is ideal for the following students:

If you are interested in a number of Science subject areas and would like time to make an informed decision on your degree subject, in first year, you will have the flexibility to explore a range of Science subjects.

If you know which subject area you would like to specialise in, you can focus your studies from first year. For example, if you are only interested in degree subjects in the Mathematics stream, you focus your studies on that area from first year onwards.

The number of compulsory modules has been kept low to allow you to try out other subjects that you may not be familiar with or to deepen your interest in the areas that you wish to pursue to degree level. All students make an informed decision about their degree subject at the end of second year.

Students choose modules in order to meet the requirements for the degree subjects that interest them most. Each degree subject is part of a stream and each stream has a set number of compulsory modules you must take in first year in order to pursue a degree subject in second year. Plenty of advice is available during the application process and when you arrive at UCD on the module combinations to study in first year. Common entry does not mean a common first year and students can opt to focus on a particular area, but must fulfil the requirements for at least two degree subjects.

In general, students have to decide on one stream to pursue in second year and will study two or more degree subjects from that stream. Limited degree subjects between different streams can be studied in second year. It is timetable dependent and not guaranteed. A list is not available as it can change each year.

At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice but degree subjects can be competitive. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. If a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis.

We are committed to helping our students prepare for their careers. UCD Science provides opportunities for undergraduate students to apply for internships or professional placements for summer internships or longer placements in industry for specific disciplines. All internships are secured on a competitive basis.

There is a wide range of career opportunities available to Science graduates. Career maps for all our subjects including Actuarial & Financial Studies, Computer Science and Computer Science with Data Science are available at www.ucd.ie/science/t4media/ucdscience.pdf.

The UCD O’Brien Centre for Science has state-of-the-art labs, active learning environments, lecture theatres and classrooms. The laboratories are designed for groups of 24-32 students, ensuring that students get individual attention in modern facilities.

Each student will have their own timetable based on their individual module selection. This is a full time course and classes may include lectures, practicals and tutorials, depending on the subjects. A typical timetable in first year will have 20-30 hours of classtime per week. Students will also be expected to study independently (autonomous student learning). Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.