BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
Curricular information is subject to change.
Open AllTwo 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
Second Year
Third Year
Fourth Year
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.
Students may apply to spend time studying at the following universities:
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:
Graduates can also pursue a range of MSc or PhD opportunities in Ireland or abroad.
“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
Professor James Sullivan
UCD School of Chemistry
Belfield, Dublin 4
Email: askscience@ucd.ie