- Analyse scientific results and communicate them clearly, both verbally and in written form, according to the conventions of the discipline.
- Be able to use online resources for searching the literature and collating and analysing primary research.
- Demonstrate an ability to take significant responsibility, both alone and in groups, and be able to act in a wide variety of professional levels and contexts.
- Demonstrate the ability to self-evaluate, and take responsibility for self-directed further study or continuous professional development.
- Demonstrate the specialised technical knowledge and skills required to work safely in synthetic chemistry laboratories.
- Design and implement efficient, safe and sustainable methods for the synthesis of molecules and materials especially drug-like ‘small molecule’ targets.
- Develop and employ methods for the measurement, characterisation, and analysis of molecular systems.
- Display, to a high level, a systematic and in-depth knowledge of methods for the synthesis of target molecules.
- Understand the nature of scientific research and be able to design, plan and execute research projects.
Internships Available
This course is available through the following application route(s)
This course is designed for Chemistry graduates who are interested in deepening their knowledge of synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in either the fine chemical or pharmaceutical industries. There is a strong demand for these synthetic chemistry skills. Ireland is home to some of the world’s leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies making some of the world’s blockbuster medicines.
You can focus on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. In addition, you will complete a research project from topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis.
Download the UCD Science Graduate Taught Courses brochure (pdf)
Students will take 60 credits in taught modules focusing on areas such as the synthesis of organic compounds and drug-like substances, techniques for structure determination, and methods for drug discovery. In addition, there is a 30 credit research project and students will be able to choose research topics in relevant areas, including catalysis, carbohydrate chemistry and asymmetric synthesis. The UCD School of Chemistry has vibrant research in catalysis and the synthesis of biologically active compounds, and it has strong links with pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies in Ireland and globally.
About This Course
Internship Opportunities*
Limited places are available for a 30 credit industrial placement as an alternative to the research project during the Summer Trimester.
*Placements are secured through a competitive process and are not guaranteed.
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.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40160 | Chemistry Seminar Programme I | 2 Trimester duration (Aut-Spr) | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40760 | Org Synthesis 2 | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40830 | Metals in Biology | Autumn | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40370 | Advanced NMR Spectroscopy | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40750 | Org Synthesis 1 | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM40790 | Modern Catalysis | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
CHEM41210 | Professional Career Developmen | Spring | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40940 | Advanced synthetic chem (MSc) | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40960 | Green and Sustainable Chem | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM41470 | Modern Mass Spectrometry | Autumn | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40810 | Topics in MCCB | Spring | 7.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40950 | Advanced Inorganic Synthesis | Spring | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40310 | Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40350 | Commerialisation of Chemical Research | Summer | 2.5 |
Stage 1 Options - A) Min 0 of: Select from the following modules to complete the 90 programme credits |
CHEM40360 | Synthesis of Pharmaceutical Compounds | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Please select one of the two modules |
CHEM40880 | Research project (Taught MSc) | Summer | 30 |
Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of: Please select one of the two modules |
CHEM41400 | Chemistry MSc Internship | Summer | 30 |
Graduate Profile
Gemma Tiffoney
I was initially attracted towards an MSc in Synthetic Chemistry at UCD because of the particular focus on modern research and the emphasis on learning new skills that can be carried into industry. This course has allowed me to complete a variety of subjects outside the range of my undergraduate degree which is beneficial for new future career possibilities.
The structure of the course is extremely flexible and the lectures provide an even mixture between individual and team-based work. This was important for me as I wanted to develop my ability to learn independently but also be able to make friends during the process.
MSc Synthetic Chemistry Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals Industries (F105) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 10200
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees & Grants website. Please note that UCD offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for full-time, selffunding international students, holding an offer of a place on masters programmes. Please visit International Scholarships for further details.
EU fee per year - € 10200
nonEU fee per year - € 29100
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees & Grants website. Please note that UCD offers a number of postgraduate scholarships for full-time, selffunding international students, holding an offer of a place on masters programmes. Please visit International Scholarships for further details.
This programme is intended for applicants with a Chemistry degree, or a degree with a significant component of Chemistry. An upper second class honours or international equivalent is required. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.
These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. Yes
This MSc in Synthetic Chemistry is designed for Chemistry graduates who are interested in deepening their knowledge of synthetic chemistry with a view to pursuing a career in either the fine chemicals or pharmaceutical industry.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Synthetic Chemistry Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals Industries:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to | Application Type | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | F105 Synthetic Chemistry Pharmaceutical & Fine Chemicals Industries Master of Science |
Full-Time Commencing 2024/2025 September |
Graduate Taught | Apply |
* you can change options at the top of the page