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.

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. 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

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

• University of Lund, Sweden
• University of Virginia, USA
• McGill University, Canada

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.

• Level 5/6 QQI-FET
  
• Open Learning Entry Route
• Mature Entry Route
• DARE Entry Route
  
• HEAR Entry Route
  
• University Access
  

Professor James Sullivan
UCD School of Chemistry
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie