All materials and living things consist of atoms that are linked together in many different ways in molecules. Chemistry is a study of these molecules, 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.

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 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

• Organic Chemistry
• Basis of Physical Chemistry
• Basis of Inorganic Chemistry
• Physical 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
• Elective Modules

Fourth Year

• Research Project
• Methods in Organic Synthesis
• Advanced Inorganic Chemistry
• Electrochemistry
• Reactivity & Change
• Advanced Topics in Physical Chemistry
• Nanochemistry
• Modern Methods & Catalysis

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

You may be interested in the following Blog posts: My life as a UCD Chemistry student.

Students have spent time studying at the following universities:

• University of Lund, Sweden
• University of Virginia, USA
• McGill University, Canada
• University of British Columbia, Canada
• University of Colorado at Boulder, USA
• Villanova University, USA

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, synthetic organic chemistry methodology development and polymer chemistry.

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

Professor Pat Guiry,
UCD School of Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Science Centre South
Belfield, Dublin 4

Email: askscience@ucd.ie