Course Information
Full Time - Undergraduate Studies
BSc (Hons) (NFQ Level 8)
CAO Code: DN200
CAO Points Range 2020: 533
Length of Course: 4 Years
Average Intake: 400
- O2/H6 in Mathematics
- O2/H6 in a laboratory science (Applied Mathematics, Computer Science or Geography may be used instead of a laboratory science subject) and
- O6/H7 in English, Irish and two other recognised subjects
Why is this course for me?
This degree is ideal for students who have an interest in chemistry and its applications in biology. Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology are fields populated by chemists who have a good understanding of biology at the molecular level. They’ll be of increasing importance for decades to come to address existing and emerging healthcare problems, e.g. cancer, AIDS, TB and avian flu. Chemical biologists and medicinal chemists will develop the next generation of medicines to solve such problems, and will have an impact across a wide range of areas, including the development of environmentally friendly approaches to process chemistry.
Career & Graduate Study Opportunities
Graduates of the Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology degree will be equipped with the skills to pursue a career in:
- Pharmaceuticals and biopharmaceuticals
- Food technology companies
- Cosmetic technology companies
- Fine chemical and chemical development
- Patenting
Graduates can also pursue a PhD in Ireland or abroad in areas such as chemistry, chemical biology, or medicinal chemistry.
What Will I Study
This is a sample pathway for a degree in Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology. Topics include metabolic biochemistry, reactivity of biomolecules, principles of pharmacology, chemical biology of natural products and macromolecules.
First Year
- Chemistry
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Optional Science modules
- Elective module
Second Year
- Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology
- + 1 Other Science Subject
- Elective modules
Third Year
- Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology
- Elective modules
Fourth Year
- Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology (includes a research project)
All Science courses are full time, with many student timetables running from 9.00am to 5.00pm or later. Depending on the subject choices, a weekly timetable can include lectures, practicals and tutorials.
Assessment varies with each module but may comprise continuous assessment of practicals, written exams and online learning activities.
International Study Opportunities
International Study Options
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
Testimonial
“I chose Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology due to my interest in human health, diseases and drug design. I also enjoyed spending time in the practical labs learning skills and techniques and understanding how they are used on a larger scale in drug production. After I graduate, I hope to work in the pharmaceutical industry in the area of validation or quality control. Becoming involved with the UCD Gospel choir was a way to meet other students who share a passion for the Gospel and for singing. I completed a placement with Kerry Group in my second year. I worked alongside their analysts to carry out qualitative and quantitative food analysis. This provided me the chance to explore other career paths available to me through a degree in chemistry.”
Shekemi Denuga Student