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Medicinal Chemistry & Chemistry Biology

BSc (NFQ Level 8)
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This course is available through the following application route(s)

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This degree subject 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 will 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.

About This Course

This degree subject 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 will 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.

Information on all our courses including pathways, internships and careers information is available in the UCD Science Undergraduate Courses Entry 2025 Brochure (PDF).

Click here to Download Course Pathways document.

Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology 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 subject. We do our best to ensure that students go on to study their top degree subject choice but degree subjects can be competitive. As we offer a number of degree subjects in each stream, students have a number of similar degree subjects to choose from as their degree major. If a degree subject is oversubscribed, places are allocated on a competitive basis. For more information on choosing a degree major at the end of Second Year, visit the Chemistry Sciences stream page.

This is a sample set of modules that a Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology student could study each year in UCD.

First Year
Scientific Enquiry • Basis of Organic & Biological Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • The Molecular World • Cell Biology & Genetics • Linear Algebra for Science • Calculus for Science • Optional Science Modules • Elective Module 

Second Year
Organic Chemistry • Basis of Physical Chemistry • Basis of Inorganic Chemistry • Biomolecular Lab Skills • Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology • Physical Chemistry • Molecular Genetics & Biotechnology • Biomolecular Sciences • Biomedical Science • + modules for 1 other Science Subject • Elective Modules 

Third Year
Chemical Biology of Natural Products • Chemical Biology of Macromolecules • Carbonyl Chemistry & Synthesis • Medicinal Chemistry • Structure Determination & Heterocyclic Chemistry • Mechanism & Stereochemistry • Biochemist’s Toolkit • Option Modules • Elective modules 

Fourth Year
Research Project • Metals in Biology • Methods in Organic Synthesis • Modern Methods of Catalysis • Special topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology 

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 have spent time studying in Sweden, Canada and the USA at University of Lund, University of Virginia, McGill University, University of British Columbia, University of Colorado at Boulder and Villanova University.

Graduates of the Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology degree will be equipped with the skills to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals, food technology companies, cosmetic technology companies, fine chemical and chemical development, and patenting.

Students have the opportunity to complete a Professional Placement module worth 5 credits. This module provides students with an opportunity to undertake a placement in industry (6-10 weeks) in the summer following Third Year.

Students in recent years have completed internships in Henkel and APC Ltd.

Students can also apply to complete research bursaries in UCD Research labs.

Placements are secured on a competitive basis and are subject to change each year.



More information about the internship module and application process.


Assistant Professor Marina Rubini
UCD School of Chemistry
askscience@ucd.ie


Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 2 Core Modules
 BMOL20090 Molecular Genetics and Biotech Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 BMOL20110 Biomolecular Sciences Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEM20040 Structure and Reactivity in Organic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEM20080 The Basis of Physical Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 BMOL20070 Biomolecular Lab Skills 2 Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEM20050 Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 2) Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 CHEM20120 Physical Chemistry (level 2) Spring  5
Stage 2 Core Modules
 PHAR20040 Pharmacology:Biomedical Scienc Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not previously taken in Stage 1, students must take CHEM20100and CHEM20140 in Stage 2.
 CHEM20100 Basis of Inorganic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - A) Min 0 of:
If not previously taken in Stage 1, students must take CHEM20100and CHEM20140 in Stage 2.
 CHEM20140 Introductory Transition Metal Chemistry Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - B) Min 0 of:
If not taken in Stage 1, students must take MATH10310 in Stage 2. Students who have taken and passed MATH10350 are not required to take MATH10310.
 MATH10310 Calculus for Science Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2, students are required to register to 50 programme (core/option) modules. Students can register to 10 credits from elective modules or choose modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
 BMOL20060 Biomolecular Lab Skills 1 Autumn  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2, students are required to register to 50 programme (core/option) modules. Students can register to 10 credits from elective modules or choose modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
 BIOC20060 Biochemistry in Action Spring  5
Stage 2 Options - C) Min 0 of:
In Stage 2, students are required to register to 50 programme (core/option) modules. Students can register to 10 credits from elective modules or choose modules from the list below in order to fulfill their Stage requirements.
 MICR20050 Microbiology in Medicine, Biotechnology and the Environment Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEM30200 Carbonyl Chemistry, Retrosynthesis and Synthetic Methods Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEM30210 Structure Determination and Aromatic Heterocyclic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEM30220 Mechanism, Stereochemistry and Alicyclic Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEM30280 Medicinal Chemistry (level 3) Autumn  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 BIOC30030 Biochemist's Toolkit Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEM30260 Chemical Biology of Natural Products Spring  5
Stage 3 Core Modules
 CHEM30270 Chemical Biology of Macromolecules Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 CHEM30110 Instrumental Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 MICR30030 Microbial Physiology Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 MICR30040 Microbial Diversity and Growth Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 PHAR30010 Chemotherapeutic Agents Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 PHAR30080 Pharmacology of Neurodegenerative and Psychiatric Illness Autumn  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 BMOL30020 Molecular basis of disease Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 CHEM30360 Advanced Transition Metal Chem Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 MICR30090 Microbial Cell Factory for Chemists Spring  5
Stage 3 Options - A) Min 3 of:
Select at least 3 options
 PHAR30050 Experimental and therapeutic strategies in molecular pharmacology Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEM40030 Research Project 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr)  20
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEM40050 Metals in Biology Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEM40090 Methods in Organic Synthesis 2 Autumn  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEM40060 Methods in Organic Synthesis Spring  5
Stage 4 Core Modules
 CHEM40290 Special topics in Medicinal Chemistry and Chemical Biology (level 4) Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
BIOC40070 Protein Structure and Analysis Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
CHEM40870 Nanomaterials Chemistry Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
CHEM41290 Modern techniques to monitor b Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
SCI30080 Professional Placement-Science Autumn  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
BMOL40050 Advanced Cancer Biology and Pharmacology Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
CHEM40080 Reactivity and Change Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
CHEM40140 Modern Methods and Applications of Catalysis Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
PHAR40040 Emerging therapies: Cloning, gene therapy and stem cells Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
PHAR40050 Drug Discovery and Development I Spring  5
Stage 4 Options - A) Min 4 of:
Select four options from the list below. Please Note: Students who have successfully completed SCI30080 will be registered to the module by the relevant School.
PHAR40160 Drug Discovery and Development II Spring  5

I chose Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology because I have always been fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and biology, and how the knowledge of chemical compounds and reactions can be used to improve human health. One of the things I enjoy most about my studies is the hands-on laboratory work. I find it incredibly satisfying to conduct experiments and see the results firsthand. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry where I can use my knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of new and effective medications.

Meng-Jan Lim, Student

I chose Medicinal Chemistry & Chemical Biology because I have always been fascinated by the intersection of chemistry and biology, and how the knowledge of chemical compounds and reactions can be used to improve human health. One of the things I enjoy most about my studies is the hands-on laboratory work. I find it incredibly satisfying to conduct experiments and see the results first-hand. After I graduate, I hope to pursue a career in the pharmaceutical industry where I can use my knowledge and skills to contribute to the development of new and effective medications. Long-term, I would like to participate in the development and research of new drugs and therapies. 

Meng-Jan Lim, Student

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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Medicinal Chemistry & Chemistry Biology:

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceInt SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceInt CHS2
Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable)
Bachelor of Science		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Undergraduate Degree (Non EU)
Non EU Undergraduates		 Apply
showAudience-audienceEU DN200
Science
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
showAudience-audienceEU DN200
Science: Chemistry (includes Medicinal/Sustainable)
Bachelor of Science
Full-Time
Commencing 2024/2025 September
 Application through CAO Apply via CAO
* you can change options at the top of the page

Additional special entry route(s) to Medicinal Chemistry & Chemistry Biology:

These options have additional eligibility requirements to cater for specific applicant cohorts. You should not apply via these routes before consulting the requirements or contacting the responsible UCD office.

ROWCLASS Apply to   Application Type  
showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt SCU1
Science
Bachelor of Science		 Commencing 2024/2025 September Access Progression Pathway
Access Progression Pathway
Application to this Non-EU Access Progression Pathway is by invitation only. If you are not currently enrolled on an Access programme at UCD, your application will be marked as invalid.
If you are not a current Access student, but you are a non-EU applicant seeking admission to an undergraduate degree, please submit an application via the "Undergraduate Degree (Non-EU)" course type.		 Apply
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