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

This is a sample pathway for a degree in Chemistry. Topics include physical, inorganic and organic chemistry, chemistry of materials, instrumental analysis and spectroscopy.

First Year

• Chemistry
• Mathematics
• Optional Science modules
• Elective module

Second Year

• Chemistry
• + 1 Science Subject
• Elective modules

Third Year

• Chemistry
• Elective modules

Fourth Year

• Chemistry (includes a research project)

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.

• A-Level/GCSE
• Other EU Applicants
• Non-EU Applicants
• QQI FET Entry Routes
  
• Level 6/7 Progression Routes
• Mature Entry Route
• HEAR
• DARE

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

Email: p.guiry@ucd.ie