Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry

BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)

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Curricular information is subject to change.

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Why is this course for me?

Two major problems are facing industrialised society. How do we maintain our standards of living without, firstly, using non-renewable resources as sources of energy and as raw materials for manufacturing industries and, secondly, compromising our local and global environment?

Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry will be central to solving these problems. This discipline, which draws from all branches of chemistry, will enable us to produce the materials and energy we use through ways that minimise the impact on the environment. Furthermore, it will be crucial in developing a variety of resources (solar power, biofuel synthesis, fuel cells, etc.) for use in renewable energy generation. The degree is suitable for students who have an interest in the use of chemistry in tackling these urgent problems.

Course Pathways
What Will I Study

Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry is one of the degree subjects available through the Chemistry stream in the common entry Science course.

Students study similar modules for all degree subjects in the Chemistry stream in first year and will study modules for a minimum of two degree subjects in second year. At the end of second year, students choose their degree major. Assuming students meet all the academic requirements in first and second year, students are guaranteed a degree subject from the stream they are studying in second year. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice. As we offer plenty of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. This is a sample set of modules that a Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry student could study each year in UCD.

First Year

  • Scientific Enquiry
  • Basis of Organic & Biological Chemistry
  • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry
  • The Molecular World
  • Linear Algebra for Science
  • Calculus for Science
  • Optional Science Modules
  • Elective Module

Second Year

  • Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry
  • + modules for 1 other Science Subject
  • Elective Modules

Third Year

  • Quantum Mechanics
  • Instrumental Analysis
  • Carbonyl Chemistry & Synthesis
  • Structure Determination & Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry
  • Mechanism & Stereochemistry
  • Symmetry & Computational Chemistry
  • Organometallic & Solid State Chemistry
  • Soft Matter & Interfacial Chemistry
  • Chemical Thermodynamics & Physical Transformations
  • Advanced Transition Metal Chemistry
  • Optional Modules in Earth Sciences & Ecology
  • Elective Modules

Fourth Year

  • Research Project
  • Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
  • Electrochemistry
  • Green and Sustainable Chemistry
  • Methods in Organic Synthesis
  • Modern Methods & Catalysis
  • Sustainable Development Chemistry
  • Reactivity and Change
  • Nanomaterials Chemistry

Timetables & Assessment

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. 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.

For detailed information on subject content click here

International Study Opportunities

Students may apply to spend time studying at the following universities:

  • University of Lund, Sweden
  • University of Virginia, USA
  • McGill University, Canada
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities

Apart from the disciplines that are available to graduates with a BSc in Chemistry, graduates in Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry will be particularly suited to employment in the environmental and emerging energy industries, including:

  • Commercial environmental analysis
  • Alternative energy industry
  • Environmental Protection Agency
  • ESB
  • Bord Gáis

Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD opportunities in Ireland or abroad.

Other Entry Routes
Testimonial

“I was always interested in environmental protection and science. The common entry Science course allowed me to develop a holistic understanding of the environment by taking classes in Biology and Geology in addition to my Chemistry modules. I enjoyed Chemistry with Environmental & Sustainable Chemistry the most as it is very solutions focussed. I completed a three-month internship with the Environmental Protection Agency in the summer after third year. I was part of the Industrial Licence Enforcement team in Dublin. I researched and wrote an 8000-word report on 22 special area of conservation peat bog sites and worked as part of a team to prepare for the new solid fuel regulations that came in place last year.”

Niamh Gurrin, Student

Contact Information

Professor James Sullivan
UCD School of Chemistry
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie

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